Maintenance & Repairs
Spring Roof Maintenance Checklist
Winter in Knoxville is mild compared to up north, but the area still averages about 68 nights a year at or below freezing, according to the National Weather Service, and those freeze-thaw cycles, plus wind and falling limbs, take a toll. Early spring is the time to catch damage, because severe weather season is right behind it: the NWS office in Morristown says tornadoes peak in April and large hail in May.
Here's your quick post-winter checklist.
From the Ground (5 minutes)
Walk around your house and look up. Binoculars help. Watch for:
- Missing or visibly damaged shingles
- Shingles that look different from the rest (curling, lifting)
- Debris on the roof (branches, leaves piled up)
- Gutters pulling away or sagging
- Visible damage to flashing around chimney
- Downspouts disconnected or damaged
Gutters and Downspouts (20 minutes)
Winter drops a lot of debris. Clean gutters now before spring rains.
- Clear all debris from gutters
- Check for proper slope (water should flow toward downspouts)
- Look for rust, holes, or separated seams
- Verify downspouts are connected and directing water away
- Make sure extensions are in place so water discharges well away from the foundation
- Check hangers and fasteners – replace any that are loose
Attic Check (10 minutes)
Go into your attic on a dry day after a sunny spell.
- Look for any new water stains on rafters or decking
- Check for daylight coming through (you shouldn't see any)
- Feel for wet or damp insulation
- Look for signs of mold or mildew
- Check soffit vents – are they clear or blocked?
- Any signs of pests or animal entry?
Interior Signs (Quick walkthrough)
Inside your house, look for:
- New stains on ceilings (especially near exterior walls)
- Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
- Musty smells in upper floors
- Stains around skylights or bathroom vents
Around the House
While you're at it:
- Clear any debris that accumulated against siding
- Check that nothing is blocking foundation vents
- Have branches that overhang or rub the roof trimmed back (a tree service is the safe choice for big limbs)
- Check caulking around windows and where siding meets trim
What Winter Damage Looks Like
Specific things that happen over winter:
Ice and snow damage: Knoxville averages only about 4.6 inches of snow a year, so ice dams are uncommon, but after a heavy snow or ice storm look for lifted or damaged shingles near the roof edges and water stains inside near exterior walls.
Flashing movement: Freeze-thaw cycles can shift flashing. Check around chimney and vent pipes for gaps.
Gutter damage: Ice-filled gutters can bend, pull away, or develop cracks at seams.
Vent damage: Strong winter winds can damage vent caps and turbines.
When to Call a Pro
If you find any of these, schedule a professional inspection:
- Multiple damaged or missing shingles
- Visible flashing problems
- Any signs of active leaks
- Sagging areas on the roof
- Structural concerns (soft spots, sagging gutters pulling on fascia)
Late winter and early spring are good times for a professional inspection, before storm season keeps roofers busy with damage calls. Our roof inspection page explains what a thorough one includes.
The 30-Minute Version
If you want to keep it simple:
- Walk around, look up (5 min)
- Clean the gutters (15 min)
- Quick attic peek (5 min)
- Check ceilings for stains (5 min)
That's it. Thirty minutes a year can catch small problems before they become expensive ones. After a big storm, do the ground and attic checks again; our East Tennessee hail season guide explains how to check whether hail hit your area.
If you spot any of these problems during your inspection, don't ignore them. Learn more about warning signs that your roof needs replacement.
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- Complete Gutter Maintenance Guide
- Professional Roof Inspection Checklist
- Winter Roof Maintenance Tips