Winter is coming! And you know what that means - it’s time to check on your roof! Winter in Bakersfield, CA can be brutal on your roofs as they sustain damage from winter storms.

And that’s a problem since a strong roof is essential for getting through these cold months! Roofing is the first step towards a warm thermal envelope, and the more secure it is, the less you have to shell out on your energy bills.

That’s why before this winter comes upon you, you better check for any damage on your roof and get it ready in time!

How To Check For Damage That Can Cause Issues

When you’re surveying your roof, use your camera’s zoom lens to do a thorough scan, or a pair of binoculars if you have them.

If you think something looks wrong, don’t climb up on the roof yourself! Leave that to the professionals in Bakersfield, CA – they have the skills and experience to safely climb up and make a proper assessment.

And if you’re still worried you haven’t caught a problem, call in a professional to inspect the roof. After all, some things can only be seen by trained eyes.

You should also keep your eyes peeled on the ceiling to check for any signs of trouble. The first sign of a roof leak is usually a stain on the ceiling. Fix this problem before it turns into a major issue.

Things to look out for:

What should you be checking for on the roof? Well, first of all, go into your attic and search for any stains or leaks – these probably mean a roof leak. Leakage is usually caused by poor flashing or shingle underlayment, as well as old shingles and drip edges on the fascia and rakes.

On the roof, look out for missing, cracked or curling shingles. Shingles in poor condition have reached the end of their lifespan and must be replaced.

Be on the lookout for paint blistering on your exterior walls. Can you see any areas that have excessively cracked on the outside? This could be due to the attic having trapped high levels of moisture due to poor ventilation by the roof.

Clean Your Gutters Regularly

Gutters, unfortunately, tend to be miserably neglected in the fall. Make sure your gutters have been cleared of any leaves or debris, or the mess will leave your roof unable to drain away the melted snow effectively.

Exercise caution if you’re going to clean the gutters yourself. It’s always best to call in a professional, however. While getting your gutters, you should also take the opportunity to conduct a detailed inspection of your roof’s condition.

Make sure to shake the gutters to check for moss and missing granules. If you hear a sound similar to one made by a maraca, it is probably made by the asphalt granules that fell from the roof into the gutter.

This is a sign of a weakening roof. Call a professional in Bakersfield, CA in such a case.

Your Winter Roof Inspection Checklist

At Superior Roofing, we advise homeowners in the Kern County region to get a roof inspection at least every other year depending on the life of your roofing system.

This can save you from having to invest in a brand new roof instead of repairing a minor issue upfront. Your roof has been guarding your family, the interior of your home, and other valuable assets against the intense Bakersfield seasons we all experience.

Through the years our weather can take a serious toll on your roofs ability to do its job efficiently.

Most roofing contractors out here in Bakersfield offer basic inspections that don’t take a lot of time and are usually free of charge. On the other hand, your roof may need a more in-depth inspection that can uncover distress that you may want to repair immediately.

Here are a few things we check for while inspecting residential roofing systems:

• Curled shingles
• Damages flashing
• Cracks in your chimney
• Cracks on roof sheathing
• Daylight coming through in the attic
• Bathroom vents not vented properly

These are just a few areas we check when performing a roof inspection for homeowners. If you would like to read more about what other experts had to say about preparing your roof for the winter, check out this article.

In Closing

Let’s get honest with ourselves. Are you really going to take the time to inspect your roof and make sure it’s ready for the up and coming winter?

I highly doubt it. Look our trained professionals are standing by during the work week ready to run out and assist you with your inspection and give you a quote for work if needed.