The roof keeps your home safe and dry, but it doesn’t stay in good condition forever. After winter, it’s a good idea to give it a quick inspection in case it needs some repairs.

It’s been a long and tough winter across Canada, with record-breaking low temperatures and travel-disrupting snowstorms. Even regular winters can be hard on a roof, so homes across the country may be a little worse for wear. Before the spring rains start pouring, it’s a good idea to inspect your roof and see if you need to give the roofers a ring.

How to Inspect a Roof

A roof inspection is easier than you might think. There’s no reason to even climb on top of your roof. In fact, it’s recommended that you don’t. Just grab a pair of binoculars, and you can keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. Take a look around your yard for shingles and other roof debris as well — a sure sign that some damage needs to be addressed.

Inspect the Shingles

If your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, it will be fairly obvious from the state of the shingles. Using your binoculars, check to see if the shingles look cracked, curled, blistered, buckled, and/or missing in some spots. The snow, ice, fluctuating temperatures, and strong winds of winter can easily cause damage, putting your roof and the rest of your home at risk. When shingles are missing or in compromised condition, water will have a much easier time leaking into your home. Shingle damage should be fixed by a qualified roofing professional before the problem gets worse.

Inspect the Gutters

Your gutters are important for properly diverting water away from the roof and your home. The water should flow unimpeded through the system and drain several feet away from your foundation. First, make sure that the gutters are still properly attached. If you notice any loose or missing screws causing some sections of your gutter to sag, you can reattach or replace them using a drill gun. Take the time to clean the gutters as well, so that the water can flow and drain as it’s supposed to. If any sections are damaged, you will need to replace them and consider whether it is time to replace the whole system.

Inspect Inside

An outside inspection is essential, but it won’t necessarily give you the full picture of what’s going on with your roof. For that, you need to perform an inside inspection as well. First, check for any dark spots on your ceiling that might indicate water leaks. Peeling paint on the ceiling or along the walls might indicate water infiltration as well. Other areas where water might come in are around the fireplace and vent pipes. Finally, perform a visual inspection of your attic to look for the presence of water or a sagging roof deck — signs that you need to call the roofers immediately.

If the past winter has been hard on your roof, you don’t want to chance it going into the spring. Perform an inspection and call in the professionals if your home’s roof is showing signs of wear.