The heat of summer has only just started to get into full swing, and with it comes hail damage, high winds, and a scorching sun. All these elements can potentially damage your roof and force you to pay for repairs. Here are a few things you can do to help prepare your roof for the summer season.
Replace Missing Shingles
Missing or damaged shingles can eventually lead to more headaches down the road. As your shingles are exposed to the harsh elements, they can start to fade, crack, and grow algae and moss. This can lead to leaks and eventually cause more damage to your home. Be sure to inspect your roof for shingles that need to be replaced so that you can avoid future issues. If you are unsure about how to replace your shingles, be sure to get in touch with a professional to get the help you need!
Check for Contaminants
Summer can often increase humidity in your environment, creating the perfect conditions for contaminants to grow on your roof. Such contaminants include algae, moss, and mould, all of which can eat away at your roof shingles and lead to roof decay. Be sure to catch these contaminants in your gutters to avoid water build-up and water damage. It is essential to have your roof inspected to catch these issues well before they get out of hand!
Inspect Your Attic
Don’t neglect your attic! As your roof absorbs heat, it is directly transferred to your attic air causing accelerated heat build-up. Ensure that your attic is properly ventilated to avoid excessive heat, a problem that can cause your roof’s lifespan to shorten. As heat builds, your roof shingles can start to crack and curl, causing leaks and potentially moisture/water damage. Be sure to properly insulate your attic to avoid having to pay for the damage caused by poor attic maintenance.
Trim Your Trees
Tree limbs that hang over your roof can be a source of damage, especially during windy and stormy weather. For example, a severe thunderstorm can potentially cause the limbs of a tree to break off and land on your roof, causing immense damage. Branches can scrape and scratch the shingles of your roof, shortening their lifespan and protection capabilities. Leaves and twigs can also easily clog your rain gutters and result in moisture build-up and water damage. Be diligent and clean up after your trees or trim any branches that happen to be hanging over your roof.
Clean Your Roof
Be sure to remove any debris that may be lying around your roof such as leaves, twigs, branches, and more. A clean roof results in more surface area to reflect the sun’s heat, preventing overheating and keeping your home cool. Better heat reflection also means less energy used on air conditioning and ultimately a lower energy bill!
Remember: NEVER POWER WASH YOUR ROOF. Power washers can damage your roof by lifting shingles and exposing the underlying area to wind and water.
Check your gutters for clogs
If you haven’t already guessed it, summer brings debris, and debris can clog your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to long-term water damage and eventually cause severe damage to your home. Not only should you check for the usual suspects (such as algae, leaves, twigs, etc) you should also keep an eye for animal nests that may be preventing your gutters from doing their job. A sign that your gutters may be clogged can include insects crawling around as well as sagging gutters.
Use a Professional Inspection
Your roof is a complex system that can be daunting to inspect on your own, especially if you are new to the practice. It’s why if you don’t know where to start or have inexperience, we do not recommend tackling this job by yourself. Get in touch with a professional roofer to inspect your roof for you. Superior Roofing has over 25 years of experience and can easily help find the areas you may have missed or neglected.