You want to be sure your roof can stand up to a Central New York winter. Lately have you seen shingles in poor condition or gutters not draining as they once did? Perhaps the forecast has you concerned about what the ice and wind will do.
We can help with that. Forte Roofing is a family run, locally owned business in Syracuse and throughout Central New York; we have been at it since 2005 and have compiled this guide for homeowners to put them in a better position come the cold. Should you prefer an expert’s eye on things, our number is (315) 564-4254.
There is no better time of year to give your roof a once over than in the fall. The weather is amenable to doing some repairs and if you address a minor issue now you are not going to be dealing with it in January under a mountain of snow. Here is what one should be on the lookout for in our part of the country.
Why Inspect in the Fall
Roofs in this area get more of a beating than in most of the country, thanks to lake-effect snow, the freeze-thaw and all the ice. In October a shingle may seem to be holding its own but by February the weight of the snow will have it giving way. It is easy enough to put an end to such problems early on. Then again, a small repair is invariably cheaper than having to fix water damage down the line.
Things to See From Your Yard
A good set of binoculars and you can see plenty without putting yourself in harm’s way on the roof. Make a tour of the home’s perimeter:
- Shingles that are cracked, curling or missing
- Patches of dark streaks from algae or moisture
- A sagging roofline
- Granules in the gutter or by the downspout
- Rust or damage to the flashing at the chimney and vents
- Gaps at the edge of the roof where you can see daylight
Make a note of any of these; it will be useful when you put in a call to a pro.
Gutters and Drainage
They do their job quietly but in the fall they are prone to being swamped. Leaves will clog a gutter in no time and you are left with standing water and overflow to the detriment of your siding and foundation, or worse, ice dams. Put in the work to clear the debris and verify the downspouts are putting the water at a distance. If you see the gutters are coming loose from the fascia or have a sag to them, it would be wise to put right before the ice sets in.
Skylights, Vents, Flashing
Where the roof abuts another surface is where you will find leaks. The sealant on a skylight or vent will dry and crack with age. Staining around them is a tell tale sign, as are water marks on an interior ceiling near a skylight.
The Attic
On a dry day go up to your attic. Damp insulation, daylight through the boards or a musty odour of trapped moisture will speak volumes. And check that the ventilation is unobstructed by insulation or other detritus; proper ventilation is what keeps ice dams at bay and adds years to your roof.
If You Need a Professional
It is risky to go up on the roof and some matters are difficult to assess from the ground. We at Forte Roofing will do a free inspection so you know how your roof is faring with no hard sell. We are insured with full liability and workers’ comp and have an A+ with the Better Business Bureau. For over 20 years we have been taking care of families in Central New York with everything from siding and skylights to complete roof replacements, often in a day’s work.
Before the first heavy snow shows you a problem, get in touch with us at (315) 564-4254 to book your fall inspection. Our hours are 7 to 7 Monday to Friday and we will put your mind at ease for the winter ahead.
