Spring Roof Inspection Checklist (NC): 15 Things to Check After Winter
Winter in Western North Carolina is an endurance test for your roof. Between the ice dams in Maggie Valley and the heavy winds along the Blue Ridge Parkway, your home’s first line of defense likely has some battle scars.
As the snow melts and the spring pollen season begins, it is time to assess the state of your shingles or metal panels. Catching a small winter-related issue in April can prevent a catastrophic leak during a July thunderstorm.
Use this guide to perform a safe, ground-level evaluation of your home. If you notice any of these red flags, it is time to schedule a Detailed Roof Inspection with a professional.
The Roof Surface: Asphalt and Metal Components
Granule Loss in Gutters
Check your downspout runoff. If you see piles of sand-like granules, your asphalt shingles are losing their protective layer. This is a primary indicator that they are reaching the end of their service life and becoming vulnerable to UV damage.
Curled or Clawed Shingle Edges
Look for shingles that are "cupping" upward or clawing at the edges. This is a common sign of thermal shock caused by the extreme temperature swings we see in Hendersonville during the winter months.
Missing or Lifted Shingles
High winds often break the sealant strip on shingles. Even if the shingle is still attached, if it is "flapping" in the breeze, it is no longer watertight. These are the first sections to blow off during a spring storm.
Backed-Out Metal Fasteners
On screw-down metal roofs, the freeze-thaw cycle can literally "spit" the screws out of the wood. Look for screw heads that are no longer flush with the metal surface. These create a direct path for water to enter your roof deck.
Metal Panel Oil Canning
Look for "waves" in your Standing Seam Metal. While often an aesthetic issue, extreme warping can indicate that your roof deck shifted or settled under a heavy winter snow load.
The Penetrations: Where Most Leaks Begin
Cracked Pipe Boots
The rubber gaskets around your plumbing vents are the leading cause of leaks in Asheville. Intense winter cold makes the rubber brittle and prone to splitting as it expands in the spring sun.
Separated Chimney Flashing
Check the metal where it meets the brick or siding. If the sealant has pulled away, snowmelt has likely been sitting behind that metal all winter long, slowly rotting the underlying structure.
Skylight Seal Condensation
If you see fogging between the panes or water stains on the interior light well, your seals have failed. Skylights are under immense pressure during freeze-thaw cycles and often fail during the first spring thaw.
Valley Debris Accumulation
Pine needles and oak leaves trap moisture in your valleys. This creates a "wet blanket" effect that can rot shingles and underlayment in a single season. Clear these valleys immediately to allow for proper drainage.
The Drainage System: Gutters and Edges
Visible Gutter Sag
Heavy ice and snow can pull gutters away from the fascia. Look for visible gaps between the gutter and the wood of your home. If the pitch is off, water will pond and rot your rafter tails.
Drip Edge Wicking
Check the wood at the very edge of your roofline. If it looks dark or "spongy," water is wicking backward during heavy rains. This indicates that your drip edge was either installed incorrectly or has been damaged by ice.
Downspout Blockages
Ensure that spring seed pods and winter grit haven't plugged your drainage pipes. A single blockage can cause an entire gutter system to overflow, leading to foundation issues.
Fascia and Soffit Rot
Look for peeling paint or soft spots on the boards behind your gutters. This is a primary indicator of chronic overflow and indicates that your gutters were overwhelmed during the winter.
The Attic: Searching for Internal Clues
Daylight Through the Roof Deck
On a sunny day, go into your attic with the lights off. If you see "stars" of daylight coming through the wood, water is definitely getting in. These small holes are often caused by "nail pops" during the winter.
Wet or Flattened Insulation
Insulation that looks clumped or matted down has likely been wet recently. This indicates a slow, hidden leak that hasn't quite made it to your drywall yet, but will soon become a mold issue if not addressed.
Why a Professional Eye Matters
While this checklist is a great starting point, some damage is invisible from the ground. Micro-fractures from hail or "unsealed" shingles often require a physical, on-roof evaluation to identify before they cause major damage.
At True North Roofing, we provide a Detailed Roof Inspection that goes far beyond a quick glance. We provide photo documentation of every component, from the ridge vent to the foundation line. If we find damage that warrants a Roof Replacement, we give you a clear, honest plan without the high-pressure sales tactics common in our industry.
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