Hard Work & Innovation: The Job of a Roofer

While the winter months are starting to wind down, the fact remains that your roofing probably took a beating during these chilly months. But while some homeowners solely focus on the state of their roofing shingles, you should know that the guttering is just as vulnerable to damage during this season, and this can be attributed to several factors. Icicles and ice dams, for example, not only clog the gutters, but they can also cause physical damages to these structures, more so if you choose to break them off on your own. 

Strong winds can harm the gutters too, more so if these structures were already in jeopardy. The biggest mistake to avoid, though, is simply inspecting for rust under the impression that this is the only form of damage that would necessitate hiring the services of a roofer. Instead, here are a few additional symptoms to be wary of signaling that you need to hire a roofer to replace your guttering system as soon as possible. 

Multiple growths on the gutters 

When you think of mold, you likely assume that this fungus is limited to the interior of your house because of the moist and warm conditions that it would require to thrive. But while this is true for some species of mold, you should know others can flourish in vastly different conditions, such as during the winter. If you have not been engaging in thorough cleaning of the gutters during the warmer months, some mold spores can likely find food sources on the guttering once the temperatures drop, allowing them to grow throughout the winter months. 

Before you know it, these fungal growths will not just be on the gutters, they will have spread to the soffits, fascia, and even the siding of your home. To ensure that the interiors are not at eventual risk of an infestation, it is best to hire a roofing contractor to replace the gutters immediately. 

Perpetual structural issues 

Another problem to be wary of after the winter is suspicious structural issues. Certainly, gutters will not stay flush against the roof, more so when exposed to high amounts of precipitation in the form of rain and snow. However, when your gutters are in optimal condition, you should only notice a slight incline that can easily be fixed once you hire a roofing contractor. 

The moment the gutters are not only sagging but have also lost their fasteners, you should be concerned about severe structural problems that would mandate having them replaced. When the seams of the gutters can no longer support the loads that the gutters are exposed to, your home's siding, foundation, and walls are at increased threat of water damage, so it is best to mitigate the risk of this happening by opting for prompt gutter replacement.

Contact a local roofer to learn more.