Summer is here, and with it comes sweltering temperatures, beaming sunlight, and heavy rain. These factors combine to create an environment that can damage your roof. It’s best to take precautionary measures now, instead of waiting for the damage to occur and then paying for more expensive repairs down the road.
Here are some tips you can use to help mitigate potential damage.
Check for cracked or missing shingles
A cracked or missing shingle can be the beginning of a much larger problem. Dirt and water can work their way into a crack or under the surrounding shingles. Over time this compromises the integrity of large swaths of shingles on your roof.
Not only that, but if you replace a missing shingle with the wrong model, or even use the wrong nail, you may end up causing more damage. It’s important to be sure to use the correct shingle and nail if you are going to replace it and the best way to do that is to contact a professional.
Remove debris
Periodically check your roof for debris. If you spot any twigs or limbs it is best to remove them as soon as possible. These can poke holes in the shingles which compromises the structural integrity of the roof.
Debris also prevents your shingles from effectively doing one of the things they are designed to do: keep your home cooler.
Shingles are designed to reflect the sun, thus cooling your home. A roof full of debris traps heat on top of your home, causing you to either have a hotter home or spend more money running your AC to keep it cool.
Check for mold
With summer comes rain and humidity - the perfect conditions for the growth of mold and algae. If you see moss, algae, or mold on your roof, call a professional.
Moss and algae can create water buildup on your roof as well as cause your shingles to curl or crack. Mold, on the other hand, eats away at the very structure of your roof.
Checking your roof for these three things is essential to maintaining your roof.
Clean your gutters
No one enjoys spending their afternoon cleaning their gutters. But there is a reason homeowners do it: a clogged gutter can cause water buildup on your roof where it eventually settles underneath your shingles - creating moss or mold.
As we just discussed, moss and mold are huge problems for the health of your roof.
Summer brings wind and rain which cause your gutters to get clogged with leaves, twigs, dirt, and even birds nests.
The best way to prevent this is to stay on top of it. It’s much easier to clean your gutters if you do so on a scheduled interval, instead of waiting for the buildup to become a problem and then solving it.
Call a professional
These are only a few of the things you need to keep an eye on if you want to prevent roof damage this summer. The best thing you can do is contact a professional.
Each roof is a little different. While these tips generally are good practices to follow, a professional has the experience and equipment to provide personalized solutions for your specific needs. Not only that, but roofs are dangerous.
If you are worried about your roof, or just want to be a proactive homeowner, schedule a roof inspection so you can enjoy your summer confident that your roof will hold up.
