Summertime is a widely anticipated season after months of cold and harsh weather. It’s a chance to enjoy warm temperatures and bright sunny skies. For homeowners, it means letting their guards down as the lack of ice and snow lessens the possibility of roof damage. However, summer is equally full of dangers that you need to wash out for.
This season increased roofing damage, as various elements, like humidity and temperature, change to become harsher on materials. To prepare you for this, let’s take a look at a few common problems homeowners may find with their roofs in the summer.
Cracked Shingles
During the summer, your roof will continuously be exposed to the sun’s heat and UV rays that can result in costly damages such as shingles drying out. In cases like these, your roofing shingles will also start to buckle and crack over time. In some extreme cases, they can even peel up or fall off.
These damages can completely expose your roof to any and every elemental danger. You’ll need the shingles to be in top condition to keep water out and avoid damage to the roof over time. Therefore, it’s essential to have your roof regularly check to ensure that your shingles are in good shape.
Summer Storm Damage
People mostly associate summer with long days and warm nights. And while it’s true, storms can still happen during summer. While these storms are usually short, they can be very violent. The mix of heavy rain or hail, combined with heavy winds, high humidity, and lightning, can take a toll on your roof.
A strong gust of wind can curl or tear shingles off your roof in a matter of seconds. As a result, water can pool and cause interior flooding. However, not all storm damage is visible right away. Sometimes, the water seeping into the ceiling might have come from the accumulated water in the attic.
At this point, molds and structural damage is most likely already a problem. Mold can cause serious health issues and can aggravate asthma and allergies. The structural integrity of your home can be at risk as well if the wood is molded and damaged.
Moisture Build Up
Summer weather gets hot and humid, meaning the air in your home will get humid too. Ventilation prevents the warm air from rising and getting trapped in your attic. If you don’t have any proper ventilation in the attic, it can lead to a buildup in moisture and humidity. Moisture trapped on the inside can cause the roof to weaken and potentially shorten the lifespan of the roof.
The hot and wet air trapped in your attic can weaken and damage the wooden structure. Additionally, dry rot and mold will set in too and cause much more significant problems. If this isn’t addressed in time, you can be looking at a seriously expensive repair or look at getting a new roof.
Homeowners often have their roof inspected at the same time as their ventilation as chances are, if there’s something wrong with one, there’s also a problem with the other.
Moss Growth
Moss or algae growth is not uncommon on homes, especially in damp and shaded environments with lots of moisture like the roof.
It spread through tiny spores that become airborne. Moss spores can land and accumulate on roofs, then grow in the space between your shingles. Moss can thrive in areas that get the least amount of direct sunlight, such as the north-facing sections of the roof or areas shaded by tree limbs.
The spring season also creates the perfect conditions for these spores to grow as there are still showers that are followed by cycles of heat. If left unchecked, roof moss will grow into a thick and resilient later by the time summer arrives.
Moss is usually not a huge problem. Some might find it charming on their roofs, but it can cause extensive damage to the roof if ignored. A lot of moss growth can trap moisture underneath your roof shingles, which can damage your shingles. Eventually, it can also cause damage to the wooden structure and materials beneath it.
Insect and Rodent Infestation
Summertime introduces an environment of heat, humidity, winds, and rain that can be quite for various insects and rodents. It’s during this time that they’d find shelter and comfort. Often, they’d inhabit your property. The typical roof pests during this season include:
- Bees
- Rats
- Birds
- Squirrels
- Bats
- Mosquitos
- Termites
- Hornets
Each of these pests can cause different types of damage to your roof that will require extensive roof repair.
Fahey Roofing Contractors has the experienced and skilled contractors you need to help you with any necessary roof repairs and roof replacement. We serve various areas in West Virginia and Ohio. Visit our website today at www.faheyroofingcontractors.com or contact us at (304) 826-1323 for West Virginia or (740) 523-0380 for Ohio to learn more.
Sources:
- https://www.findlayroofing.com/news/common-roofing-problems-to-watch-out-for
- https://roofingrenovationstn.com/3-common-roof-problems-seen-in-the-summer/
- https://piedmontroofing.com/roof-damages-summer/