The snow has finally melted off your roof, the tulips are poking through the soil, and you are likely thinking about firing up the lawnmower. But before you focus on your spring landscaping, you need to look up. This has been a strange year for the Wasatch Front.
While the snow has been gone for a while in many areas, 2026 was the year Salt Lake City experienced its warmest winter on record, with average temperatures reaching an average of 40.7 degrees—a significant 7.6 degrees above the historical normal. This record-breaking warmth, combined with a general "snow drought" for much of the season, means your roof was exposed to UV rays and rain all winter long instead of being protected by a typical frozen blanket.
Even with the late "April Fools" storm that dumped up to 2 feet of snow on the Wasatch to kick off the month, the majority of the season saw precipitation fall as rain. April showers are still in the forecast, and if your roof’s armor is chinked, those rains are coming inside.
Here is your 3-step "Roof Rehab" checklist to tackle this weekend.
1. The Shingle Scan: Keep Your Feet on the Ground
You do not need to climb a ladder to check your roof; in fact, we recommend you stand across the street with a pair of binoculars. Because Utah saw record-breaking temperatures and less snow cover this winter, your shingles faced higher UV exposure than usual. ● Missing Tabs: Look for dark patches on your roof, which often indicate that a shingle tab—the rectangular flap—broke off during high-wind events. A missing tab exposes the nails and underlayment below to the rain. ● The Curl: Check the edges of the shingles to see if they are lying flat. Shingles curling up like potato chips are dried out—a process accelerated by record winter heat—and are likely nearing the end of their life. ● Granule Gutters: When you clean your gutters, check the debris you pull out. If it is full of sand-like granules, your shingles are losing their "sunscreen." Without these granules, your roof is vulnerable to rapid deterioration from UV rays.
2. The "Gutter Sag" Check
Even with the record-low snowpack earlier in the season, the strange winter of 2026 included intense, heavy-moisture storms that can stress your drainage system. Ice dams, though fewer this year, are heavy; a cubic foot of ice weighs nearly 60 pounds. ● The Pull-Away: Look closely at the gap between the gutter and the fascia board (the roofline). The weight of sudden late-season snow or heavy rain can pull the spikes or screws right out of the wood. ● The Risk: If there is a gap, rainwater won't go into the gutter. Instead, it drips behind it, saturating the fascia board—leading to rot—and running down your siding, potentially entering the walls or damaging the foundation. ● The Fix: If the gutter is loose, you may need to install new, longer gutter screws (not spikes) to bite into fresh wood and pull it tight again.
3. The Downspout Extension
Your roof catches thousands of gallons of water during a storm. While 2026 has been dry overall, spring in Utah is notoriously unpredictable.
The Fix: Re-attach your downspout extensions immediately. Ensure they discharge water at least 4 to 6 feet away from your foundation.
Why: As seen with this year's snow drought and dry soil, sudden spring moisture often runs across exposed surfaces rather than being absorbed efficiently.
Dumping roof water right next to the foundation is the primary cause of spring basement floods. Spot a Problem?
If you see a missing shingle or a sagging gutter, fix it before the next rainstorm. A small repair now is much cheaper than a major restoration later.
Write A Comment