Spring storm prep: Essential roof readiness

AAR Expert Wendy Marvin says your first line of defense should be getting eyes on your roof to check for weather preparedness.

As trees bud and the promise of warmer days arrives, spring also ushers in the season of powerful storms. For homeowners and building owners, now is the perfect time to ensure your roof is ready to handle what Mother Nature has in store.  

Why prep?

Your roof’s primary job is simple yet critical: move water away, quickly and efficiently. Spring storms can dump significant rainfall in short periods, and standing or slow-moving water is your roof’s worst enemy. When water pools and/or slows instead of draining, it has a way of finding every tiny vulnerability, which can lead to leaks, structural damage and costly repairs later.   

Inspect – Every spring

Your first line of defense is getting eyes on your roof, whether those eyes belong to you, or ideally, those of a trusted local roofing professional. A spring inspection can catch smaller issues before they become major headaches. Here are some basic things to look for or ask about:

• Water warning signs: Dark patches or areas that appear to have stayed damp often indicate standing or slow-moving water. On sloped roofs, moss growth can signal moisture problems. On flat roofs, those telltale “dry puddles” or darker stains where water repeatedly pools, deserve immediate attention.
• Inspect vulnerable penetration points: Anywhere something punctures your roof – vents, chimneys, skylights, pipes – creates a potential entry point for water. These areas need special inspection to ensure the moisture inhibitors are still fully functional. Inspect silicone pipe boots, sealant and even ventilation vents to locate any small cracks or issues. Fixing a small issue is preferable to costly repairs later.
• Examine roof materials: Shingles should lie flat and uniform across the roof. Lifted edges, curling corners or exposed white threading all can signal potential trouble. Sometimes critters even stash food underneath causing shingles to lift and water to enter your home. Flat roof membranes should be fairly even, without cracking or excessively worn areas.
• Remove debris: Remove branches, leaves, acorns and even surprise items like toys from the neighborhood kids.  Don’t forget to check gutters and drains too. The amount of soda cans and firework debris we’ve removed from gutters over the years is astounding. Even small things can cause issues if they get lodged in the wrong areas.

Bottom line

Preventative attention now can avoid thousands of repair dollars later. Spring preparation isn’t about perfection, it’s about effort and awareness. If you spot anything you’re unsure of, or if you’d simply appreciate the peace of mind that comes from hiring a professional, reach out to your trusted local roofing contractor. Most offer reasonable inspection services that could be your best investment this season.   

Remember – Your roof protects you, your loved ones and all your important possessions inside. This spring, give your roof your best efforts and assist it in being ready for Mother Nature and her spring storms.