Your home’s roof endures a lot of wear and tear from the elements throughout the year. Hot summers can be particularly tough on roofing materials, as can the cold winters and heavy spring rains. When not properly maintained, a roof develops serious problems that lead to expensive repairs.
The roof gradually weakens, losing the ability to protect your home from the elements, becoming a safety hazard. First, find a dependable roofer to carry out an inspection and give you a report on the state of your roof. Here are six maintenance tasks they may recommend you carry out in summer:
Check for Damage and Debris
After a long winter and heavy spring rains, it’s not uncommon for your roof to sustain some damage. Check for cracked, missing, or damaged shingles, and look for any debris accumulated on top. Debris cause water to pool on the roof, increasing the risk of leaks and other problems.
Missing shingles leave your roof vulnerable to water damage and make it more challenging to regulate the temperature inside your home. You can check the roof yourself, but it’s always best to hire a professional roofer to inspect it thoroughly.
Clear Gutters
The gutters play a vital role in protecting your home from water damage. They no longer do their job correctly when clogged with leaves and debris. It leads to water leaks and other problems.
You can clear the gutters yourself, but it’s a good idea to hire a professional gutter cleaning service to do it for you. If the gutters and downspouts are in good condition, they last for many years.
Inspect the Roof Ventilation
Poor roof ventilation is one of the leading causes of roof damage. It leads to heat and moisture build-up, causing shingles to deteriorate. Check the vents if they’re clear of debris. If you have a power attic, inspect it as well.
Dont forget to check the insulation. A properly insulated and ventilated attic keeps your home cool in summer and prevents the formation of ice dams in winter.
Check for Signs of Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew cause severe damage to your roof if left unchecked. Mold thrives in warm, moist conditions, so summer is the perfect time to check. Their growth indicates that the roof is inadequately ventilated. Look out for any black or green spots.
If you spot any mold and mildew, have it removed as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will continue to spread and cause further damage. Other than damaging your roof, mold and mildew cause health problems.
Trim Trees Near Your Home
Trees too close to your home can damage the roof. Overhanging branches damage the shingles, and fallen leaves clog the gutters. Trim any trees within 10 feet of your home. Doing this also makes your home more energy-efficient as the trees won’t block sunlight.
Check for Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common problems that roofs face. They result from damaged shingles, clogged gutters, and poor roof ventilation. Look out for any water stains on the ceilings or walls. Mold growth inside your home can also be a sign of a leak.
Address the leaks as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Because it’s not always easy to detect the source and extent of the leak, it’s best to hire a professional roofer to carry out repairs.
Have Your Roof Inspected Regularly
It’s a good idea to have your roof inspected by a professional at least once a year. They identify potential problems before they cause severe damage. Roof inspections are vital in summer, as the hot weather accelerates the deterioration. Other than this, don’t ignore any early warning signs of roof problems.
