Spring Roofing Checklist: Is Your Home Ready for the Rain?

March 27, 2025

Protect Your Home Before the Next Downpour

As winter fades and spring settles in, it’s the perfect time for homeowners to take stock of their roof’s condition. While spring brings blooming trees and longer days, it also comes with unpredictable weather patterns—heavy rain, strong winds, and even hail. All of these can spell trouble for a roof that’s not properly maintained. At Advocate Contracting, we believe in being proactive. A little attention now can prevent costly repairs later.


Here’s a comprehensive spring roofing checklist to help ensure your home is protected before the next downpour.

1. Inspect for Missing or Damaged Shingles

One of the most visible signs of roof wear is damaged shingles. High winds and fluctuating temperatures during the winter months can cause shingles to crack, curl, or fall off entirely. If you notice bare patches, granule loss, or curling along the edges, your roof may no longer be effectively shedding water—and that can lead to leaks. A professional inspection can identify problem areas early and recommend the best solution, whether that’s a minor repair or full roof replacement.



2. Check for Signs of Water Damage

After a wet winter, it’s important to check your attic and ceilings for signs of water intrusion. Water stains, mildew, musty smells, or even sagging drywall are indicators that your roof may be letting water in. Even small leaks can grow over time and cause significant structural damage, so it’s best to address these concerns quickly.

3. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts play a vital role in keeping your roof—and your home—dry. When gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, or debris, water can back up and spill over onto your roof, fascia, and foundation. In spring, melting snow and heavy rain can overwhelm blocked gutters, increasing the risk of water damage. A good cleaning and inspection will ensure that water is being properly diverted away from your home.



4. Look for Flashing and Sealant Failures

Flashing—thin metal installed at roof joints and around chimneys or skylights—prevents water from seeping into vulnerable areas. Over time, flashing can corrode, loosen, or be damaged by shifting temperatures. Spring is an excellent time to check flashing and sealants to ensure they’re still doing their job. If not, they should be replaced or repaired to prevent water infiltration.

5. Trim Overhanging Branches

With new foliage sprouting, now is a good time to assess nearby trees. Overhanging branches can scrape against roofing materials, dislodge shingles, or drop leaves that clog gutters. In a storm, branches can break off and cause serious damage. Keep your roof safe by trimming back trees and maintaining a clear perimeter around your home.



6. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

While some roof issues are visible from the ground, many require a trained eye to detect. At Advocate Contracting, we offer thorough roof inspections that assess not only the surface but also the structural integrity of your roofing system. We’ll give you a clear picture of your roof’s condition and honest recommendations if repairs or replacement are needed.

Why This Matters

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. In spring, the mix of moisture, wind, and warmer temperatures can expose existing vulnerabilities. By tackling minor issues early, you can avoid emergency repairs, extend the life of your roof, and maintain the value of your home.



Whether you’ve spotted signs of wear or just want peace of mind, Advocate Contracting is here to help. Our team specializes in high-end roof replacement and exterior improvements throughout the region. We’re committed to protecting what matters.

Premium Roofing Materials That Stand the Test of Time

September 2, 2025
A roof is one of the most significant investments you will make in your home. It protects your family, preserves your property, and contributes to overall curb appeal. When the time comes for a replacement, the materials you choose will determine not only how your roof looks, but also how well it performs in the decades to come. At Advocate Contracting, we focus exclusively on replacements and specialize in premium roofing materials that provide both long-term durability and timeless style.

What to Expect During a Roof, Siding, or Window Replacement Project

August 27, 2025
Boost Curb Appeal & Comfort Replacing your home’s exterior is a major investment, but it is also one of the most rewarding improvements you can make. A new roof, siding, or set of energy-efficient windows not only enhances your property’s appearance but also increases comfort, safety, and value. At Advocate Contracting, we focus exclusively on replacements, which means we have the experience and processes to ensure that every project is completed smoothly and efficiently. If you are preparing for an exterior replacement, here is what you can expect from start to finish.

How Energy-Efficient Windows Installed This Fall Can Lower Heating Bills

August 20, 2025
As the cooler months arrive, homeowners begin to notice drafts, rising heating costs, and the strain of outdated windows. Replacing old windows with modern, energy-efficient models in the fall is one of the best investments you can make in your home. At Advocate Contracting, we specialize in window replacements that not only enhance comfort but also protect your budget throughout the cold season.

The Long-Term Value of Coordinating Roof, Siding, and Window Replacements

August 12, 2025
How Coordinated Exterior Projects Save You Time and Money Exterior home improvements are significant investments, and the timing of each project can have a direct impact on both cost and performance. While many homeowners choose to replace a roof, siding, or windows separately, coordinating these upgrades into one comprehensive project offers substantial long-term benefits. Advocate Contracting & Restoration Services, with nearly five decades of experience in complete exterior replacements, has seen firsthand how combining these services leads to stronger results, improved efficiency, and enhanced property value.

Is Your Home Ready for a Midwest Winter? Why Now Is the Time for Exterior Replacement

August 5, 2025
Why Fall is the Best Time for Exterior Upgrades In the Midwest, summer doesn’t last forever. As the days get shorter and the air cools, it is the perfect time to start thinking about how well your home’s exterior will hold up through the months ahead. Winter brings freezing temperatures , snow, ice, and strong winds, all of which can expose weak points in your home’s protective shell. If your roof, siding, windows, soffit, fascia, or gutters are aging or showing signs of wear, now is the right time to plan a full replacement. Waiting until winter hits is often too late. That’s why homeowners who act early not only protect their homes but also avoid the stress, expense, and discomfort of mid-winter damage. Here’s why fall is the ideal season to move forward with replacement work and why high-quality materials and expert installation make all the difference.

Why Cheap Roofing Quotes Can Cost You More in the End

July 30, 2025
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Roof Bids When it comes to major home improvements like roof replacement, most homeowners face a familiar dilemma: how to balance quality with affordability. While it’s tempting to go with the lowest quote, especially on a project as expensive as a new roof, the reality is that the cheapest option is rarely the best one and, in many cases, it ends up being the most expensive in the long run. At Advocate Contracting, we focus exclusively on replacement, not patchwork or quick fixes. We work with homeowners across the Midwest who expect long-term performance, not short-term savings. Here’s why you should think twice before choosing the lowest roofing bid.

Protect Your Soffits and Fascia Before Winter Hits

July 23, 2025
Key to a Strong Roof and Home Protection When homeowners think about exterior maintenance, they often focus on the big-ticket items: roofing, siding, windows. But soffits and fascia, though less talked about, play a crucial role in the health and longevity of your home. If these components are damaged or deteriorating, they can compromise the integrity of your roofing system and leave your home vulnerable to moisture, pests, and rot. At Advocate Contracting, we specialize in full exterior replacement services, including soffits and fascia. As the Midwest heads toward cooler weather, now is the time to assess their condition and take action before winter brings snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.

The Truth About Gutter Guards: Do They Really Work?

July 15, 2025
Gutter Ma  intenance Made Easy with the Right Guards Gutters serve a vital role in protecting your home from water damage, but keeping them clear is a recurring (and often dangerous) chore. Homeowners in the Midwest know the drill: leaves, pine needles, seed pods, and other debris can quickly clog gutters, leading to overflow, rot, mold, and foundation problems. Gutter guards are marketed as a solution, but many homeowners still wonder: do they actually work? The short answer is yes . When professionally installed and properly matched to your home, gutter guards are one of the most effective ways to reduce maintenance and protect your home’s structural integrity.

What’s Hiding Behind Your Old Siding? Signs of Hidden Moisture Damage

July 10, 2025
The Hidden Costs of Failing Siding When most homeowners think about siding, they think about appearances — color, texture, curb appeal . But siding has a far more important role than aesthetics. It’s your home’s first line of defense against wind, rain, snow, and temperature extremes. When siding begins to fail, it can allow moisture to penetrate the exterior shell of your house, leading to hidden and expensive damage behind the surface.  At Advocate Contracting & Restoration Services, we replace aging siding systems throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. We have seen firsthand how undetected water infiltration can compromise a home’s structural integrity — and how addressing it early can prevent thousands in future repairs. Here’s what you need to know.

Top 5 Exterior Upgrades to Boost Home Value This Summer

July 2, 2025
Best Exterior Enhancements for Curb Appeal  & Comfort When summer arrives in the Midwest, homeowners in Wisconsin and Illinois begin thinking about curb appeal, comfort, and energy efficiency. It is also peak season for real estate listings, making it the perfect time to invest in upgrades that enhance both the appearance and the long-term value of your home. At Advocate Contracting & Restoration Services, Inc., we specialize in full exterior systems—solutions that not only protect your home from the elements but also deliver real return on investment. Whether you’re planning to sell or simply want to elevate your home’s performance and aesthetics, here are five of the most impactful exterior improvements to consider this summer.