Once summer arrives in full swing, many homeowners might feel relieved by the thought that their roofs will get a much-needed break from harsh weather conditions. After all, summer is about warm and sunny weather. You won’t have to deal with falling temperatures, snow and ice build-ups, and heavy winds.
However, this season also comes with its own set of challenges. The scorching heat, intense sun, and pop-up summer storms can cause damage, especially to an unprepared roof. This can result in potentially costly repairs and internal water leaking issues.
As your home’s first line of defense, make sure that your roof is ready to handle the upcoming weather conditions coming up ahead and follow these simple steps.
Inspection
The transition period between spring and summer is the perfect time to inspect your roof for any damage. The weather is not as hot as it gets in summer and unexpected rainstorms are not much of a concern.
After a harsh winter and frequent spring showers, parts of your roof would have weakened. A roof inspection will reveal any trouble spots that need fixing before they get worse. It’s always better to catch the minor problems before they become an emergency later down the road. This will also save you a lot of money in repairs once summer storms strike.
It would also be better if a professional perform the inspection to make sure you won’t miss anything and stay safe. However, you can still take a look around your house and inspect the roof yourself. So, if you’re conducting a roof inspection on your own, here are some things to look out for.
• Missing or Damaged Shingles
Shingles and tiles are among the main components of the roof and should be at their best before summer kicks in. However, changes in seasons can be tough on your roof, and the damage can increase its chances of coming loose or breaking off once the summer storms start. This is why you need to check any curling, cracks, or broken pieces present.
• Damaged flashing
Flashing is a rigid material that maintains the integrity of the roof. Despite this, it can still crack, warp, and create blow-offs. Make sure that your flashing is all good before the summer season starts. Heavy rain and high winds can reveal weak flashing. When flashing is damaged or deteriorating, the risk of leaks increases significantly.
• Moss
Moss typically produces spores during fall and spring. If your roof hasn’t been inspected for a while, it might have time to grow. As a result, it will have plenty of time to dig into the shingles and destroy them. Unfortunately, it can also trap moisture and cause rotting to the wood and materials it is growing. Hence, the importance of removing moss.
• Stains on your siding
Siding plays a role in weather protection and insulation in your home. However, this material is susceptible to stains and other marks. These stains are not just a cosmetic issue, but they indicate a much more significant problem.
Therefore, make sure that your siding is in excellent condition and keep an eye out for these stains as you may have roof or gutter problems that need to be addressed.
Check Your Ventilation
The attic needs to be clean to have adequate ventilation. If the attic is left without proper exhaust and intake of air, it will be trapping hot air during the hot and humid summer months. As a result, the temperature can rise steadily. When the heat is combined with moisture, it can cause damage to the wood decking and rafters.
Proper ventilation will make sure the roof lasts longer while also reduces heat build-up. As a result, it will cut cooling costs during the summer.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutter cleaning is quite essential in your preparation for summer weather. Throughout the winter and spring, it’s not uncommon for your gutters to become stuffed with fallen foliage and debris. Dirt, leaves, bugs, twigs, small rocks can all pile up and eventually clog your gutters. Even if you aren’t in an area with foliage, different types of debris can find their way to your roof via the wind.
Since summer storms can be especially tough on the roof, you want to ensure the gutters are clean. When there is clogging when summer rains start to come down, rainwater can pool on your roof or leak down to where it is not supposed to be. It can seep down to the siding and foundation and do some severe damage.
The attic is in a perfect position to receive damage from roof leaks. Once the water enters the attic, it can leave you with many potential problems in the interior, like mold or structural damage. Finally, the combination of dirt and debris with clogged water can add so much weight to your gutters and result in permanent damage over time.
As such, you should get into the habit of checking and cleaning the gutters and drains. However, if you aren’t keen on cleaning the gutters, you can get gutter guards on home improvement stores to keep the debris from piling up in your gutters in the first place.
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. If you have questions or concerns, visit our website or contact us at (304) 826-1323 for West Virginia or (740) 523-0380 for Ohio.