Most people in the Twin Cities equate severe weather and storm damage with winter and spring; however, summer and fall can produce some violent storms as well.  The recent heavy rains and high winds are a good example.  The particular dangers of storms this late in the year is that the can produce undetected damage to your roof or siding which may not show up until you have a wet ceiling or roof leak in the middle of the winter which requires emergency repairs.  Emergency roofing repairs by themselves are costly, but when you add the logistics of roofing work in the winter, the cost shoots up even further.  How can you avoid such a catastrophe?

Following any severe storm - especially those including high winds - you should inspect your roof and siding for potential damage.  If there is damage to your roofing or siding, you want to make sure it is taken care of before winter.  Here are some things to look for:

  • Missing or curled shingles
  • Loose or missing sections of siding
  • Excessive roofing granules at the base of your downspouts
It's also a good idea to check the condition of your gutters, because well-functioning rain handling systems are extremely important to keep water from melting snow flowing off your roof rather than puddling up and seeping under the shingles or creating an ice dam.  After a storm is also a good time to check your gutters for build-up of debris such as twigs and leaves since this blockage will also cause problems.

Putting off roofing or siding repairs until spring is never a good idea.  Loose or missing siding means there are entry points for insects and rodents seeking a warm place to winter over.  It also provides a point of entry for moisture, as well as a breach in your exterior insulation, which could result in drafty rooms as well as higher heating bills.  Untended roofing damage could mean a wet, leaky ceiling this winter, and once you get to that point, there could also be mold build-up inside your home as well as structural damage.

If you're not sure whether storm damage has compromised your home's exterior, call the roofing and siding professionals at Quarve Contracting today.  Inspections and estimates are always free, and we're  happy to help you make sure you'll be snug and warm in your home all winter long.  Call us at (763) 785-1472.