Have a leaky roof or weak trees?
Springtime is here! Days are getting longer, temperatures rising, birds chirping, and green grass growing. As the season changes, it’s common to notice issues in your personal or commercial property, such as a leaky roof or weak trees after a long, grueling winter.
Check Your Roof.
How’s your roof? Any evidence of leaking? Check to make sure there are no shingles missing and no leaks or water stains in your attic. Leaks usually occur around chimneys, skylights, and other openings. If you do spot evidence of a leaky roof, contact a contractor. They can patch the leaks and help prevent any additional issues with your roof.
Check the ceilings in rooms below the roof, too, to make sure there’s no evidence of water leaks or discoloration.
ConsumerReports.org suggests inspecting your roof for “cracked, curled, or missing shingles. Asphalt shingles typically last 20 years.”
Check Your Trees.
After a windy, snowy winter, it’s important to inspect your trees thoroughly. How are the branches? Are any bending or not growing leaves anymore?
“Inspect trees for broken branches. If the limb is high up, hire a licensed arborist. If you can reach it from the ground, take it down using the three-cut technique, which prevents bark from tearing and creating an open wound on the trunk:
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Make the first cut 1 to 2 feet from the branch collar, sawing a quarter way through the bottom of the branch.
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Make the second cut 3 inches farther out from the first, saw all the way through the branch.
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Make the final cut just beyond the branch collar, sawing from the top down.”
Weakened trees can cause much larger issues. If you spot issues, hire a professional to help maintain your trees to ensure safety.
| This blog was adapted from an earlier version published by Merchants Insurance Group on March 2, 2018.
The quoted portion of this post is an excerpt from the article, “Spring checklist for the home.” For more information, please visit www.consumerreports.org. |
