The azaleas are in full bloom, the birds are chirping, the days are getting longer, and people are enjoying the outdoors more and more.  Spring is a perfect time to clean out your flowerbeds, begin mowing and trimming your lawn and bushes, and also to evaluate the outside of your home for any needed cleaning or repairs.  One part of your home that needs special attention after the dreary days of winter is the roof.

The roof of your home is like an umbrella that protects you during a heavy rainfall or from the blaze of the hot afternoon sun.  Your home’s roof takes a lot of wear and tear from weather elements, and it is wise to inspect it every now and then for any discrepancies.

One easy way to inspect your home is to pull out a pair of binoculars and complete a visual inspection of the roof’s surface.  You should look for any loose or missing shingles.  Also, beware of any shingles that appear buckled, curled, or misshapen in any way.  If you find any shingles that need attention, then it is important to call a roofing contractor for assistance.  A roofer will be able to repair or replace the damaged shingles, as well as inspect the surrounding area for any other potential problems.

Another activity that is beneficial for your roof is to clean out the gutters.  Spring and summer are well known for having strong storms and rain showers.  It is important for the function of your roof to have the gutters and downspouts clear of debris so the rainwater can run freely away from your roof.  If the water cannot escape, there can be potential damage caused by water pooling and leakage.  That could lead to more repairs that could increase damage and price significantly.

Another inspection that should also occur now is the inspection of your roof’s flashing.  Flashing is a building material that is used around the joints, or different edges, on your roof.  You may find flashing around roof vents, skylights, or various pitches along the roof.  If you see any flashing that contains rust or that has become dislodged, then it is important to repair or replace it.

While you are inspecting the flashing, it is also a good time to inspect the soffit vents around your home.  Soffits are sections of wood or metal that run underneath the roof, between the walls of your home and the roofline.  It is a good idea to spot-check them annually to check for rotting wood or dislodged pieces.  These should also be repaired as needed.

Although rough winter damage is unlikely in the Birmingham area, it is always wise to check your roof annually for damage from extreme weather elements.  Since the roof of your home takes the brunt of all weather forces, it is beneficial to keep it in prime condition.  Fix any damage as soon as you possibly can in order to prevent more damage from occurring.  Roof damage will not fix itself and may cause significant amounts of continuous damage if left unfixed.

As always, Bill White Roofing and Specialty is here to help you with any of your roofing needs.  We take pride in our work and our happy customers prove it! ​

We can’t stress enough how important it is to have a professional roofer inspect your roofing system during the fall.  Not only do they know exactly what to look for, but they can repair any small issues before they turn into much bigger problems during the winter.

If you're looking for a roofing company in Birmingham AL to help with any of these Fall roofing maintenance tasks, give us a call today!

Owning a home or business is a huge responsibility.  Maintenance must be done throughout the year to ensure your investment is protected.  As winter is quickly approaching (thank goodness for some cold weather finally!), there are several things you can do to winterize your roof.   Performing preventative maintenance will save you from a roofing emergency.  By checking and repairing these parts of your roof, you can cruise through the winter knowing that your roof is in good shape:

Branches can cause a lot of problems for your roof, so they need to be trimmed or removed.  Large overhanging branches will become very heavy with snowfall and will break and fall onto your roof.  Low hanging branches will scrape your roof and damage your shingles.  

We can't stress enough the importance of keeping your gutters and downspouts clear of debris.  Rainwater and melting snow need to be able to drain properly in order to prevent water damage to your roof, siding, foundation and other parts of your home or business.

Repair loose, damaged and missing shingles to prevent leaks.  Check the roof flashing (the material placed around joints and openings in your roof) for signs of wear or damage.  Cracked caulk should be removed and replaced.  Have a qualified roofing contractor in Birmingham inspect and repair any issues that are found.

Your attic should be properly ventilated and insulated in order to prevent heat loss as well as the formation of icicles and ice dams.  Be sure to consult with the experts at Bill White Roofing and Specialty on proper insulation levels and ventilation techniques.

Inspect the woodwork around your home or business especially around the roof and in the attic for warping and mold growth.  These are signs of water damage, usually pointing to a larger problem like a leak.  

While it hasn't rained here in Birmingham in quite some time, it's still important to safeguard your home or business from potential roof leaks.  If it ever does rain again, the last thing you want is a bunch of drip buckets strategically placed throughout your living room or office.  

Whether your roof is 3 years old or 30, a roof leak needs to be taken care of immediately so as to prevent further damage.  Repairing a small leak could save you a lot more money by preventing the need for a roof replacement or major remodeling job.

At Bill White Roofing and Specialty, we are your roof repair experts.  We've compiled a list of the most common causes of roof leaks, what they look like, why they occur, and what needs to be done to fix them

Roofs take a beating from heavy storms, strong winds, and extreme temperatures.  If proper care and maintenance is put into place, a roof will keep you safe and dry for many years.  Review this list of common causes for roof leaks and be sure to add these areas to your maintenance plan so you can avoid major damage to your roof and home.  As an experienced roofer in Birmingham, Bill White Roofing and Specialty will be glad to assist you with inspecting and maintaining all of your roofing elements.

Your roof is one of, if not the, most valuable aspects of your property, but is often taken for granted until it is too late.  Just like any other large investment, regular maintenance of your roof will help it lengthen its lifespan.  Here are several maintenance tasks that homeowners can handle on their own:

1. Remove loose debris:  Leaves, branches, and other debris that accumulate on your roof need to be removed regularly in order to prevent mold growth and structural damage.  If you are able to climb up on the roof to remove everything, be sure someone else is around to help, and always do it on a day that is sunny and the roof is dry to avoid slipping.
2. Clean your gutters:  As part of the roofing system, gutters help channel water away from the building.  When they become clogged and full of debris, water backs up on to the roofing materials and the extra weight pulls the gutter away from the roofing fascia.  We suggest cleaning your gutters at least twice a year, especially after the fall months when all of the leaves have fallen.
3. Perform general inspections:  Check your attic for water stains, sagging boards, and damaged rafters.  If you are able, get up on the roof and look for missing or damaged flashing, missing nails, and loose or damaged shingles.  Be sure to contact a professional roofer if you are unsure what to do about the damage you encounter.  Curling and peeling shingles are often times a sign that it is time for a roof replacement.
4. Remove mold and moss:  Purchase a roofing moss remover and spray it on affected areas.  Once you have given time for the cleaning solution to work, use a soft bristled brush to gently brush away the mold and moss.  Using anything harsher will remove the granules from the shingles, causing more damage than good.
5. Inspect the soffits and fascia:  Check for missing caulk, peeling paint, rotten wood, holes, cracks, or other damage.  Make minor repairs, re-caulk and re-paint, or call a roofing contractor to handle the larger repairs.
6. Inspect chimneys, skylights, and vents:  If any of these openings into your home are not sealed correctly and maintained, you risk the likelihood of water damage, pest infestation, and a spike in utility bills.  

Roof maintenance is a large undertaking for most homeowners, but it is extremely important and must be done regularly.  The sooner a problem is detected, the easier it is to repair and the less expensive it will be.  At Bill White Roofing and Specialty, we are here for all of your roofing needs.  Whether you find some minor repairs that need attention or you realize that your entire roof needs to be replaced, we will help make sure you have a solid and safe roof over your head well into the future.