Is your roof ready for the warm weather? You may have gotten through the cold weather alright, but warm weather also comes with its own perils for the roof. Harsh sunlight and UV rays cause expansion and contraction cycles that are hard on different roof components. Rising temperatures also make ventilation work harder. Mold growth is also a real danger if the humidity in the attic is not adequately vented. You will want a roofing contractor to take care of emerging or hidden problems to make your roof ready for the change in the weather. How do they prepare it?
1. Clean the Roof, Including Guttering
Clearing leaves and other debris from the gutters and downspouts is the first step to getting your roof ready for the warmer weather. A blocked gutter or downspout can cause water to back up under the shingles, which will lead to rotting and leaks. If you have an attic vent, make sure that it's clean as well.
2. Clean Out Pest Nests
Many insects and pests like to build nests in the nooks and crannies of a roof during the winter. Depending on where you live, it could be wasps, bees, or even rodents that have taken up residence in your attic. A roofer can help eliminate these pests before they become a problem in the warmer months.
3. Assess Attic Ventilation
You should have good ventilation in your attic year-round, but it becomes even more important in the summer. If you are unsure how well your attic is ventilated, ask a roofer to come and take a look. You can also call a roofing contractor to check the vent fans and ensure they are working properly.
4. Check Spaces in Chimneys and Skylights
When the weather starts heating up, you'll want to ensure that all of your rooftop openings are properly sealed to keep out rain and snow. A roofing contractor can check these areas for leaks and make any necessary repairs before the warm weather hits.
5. Cut Overhanging Tree Limbs
If your roof has trees overhanging it, they can pose a danger to your home in the warm weather. Pests and fire can both be potential problems. A contractor can trim any branches that are too close to the roof.
Preparing your roof for the warm weather is crucial to go through summer with a safe and secure roof. Call a roofing contractor to identify and fix emerging problems.
When you have something you like inside a jar, you probably put a lid on it — right? In a way, you can think of your house in the same manner. You like and value the items inside, along with the inside of the house itself. So, it only makes sense that you would protect the interior of your home with a lid. That lid is your roof.
Keep that perspective in mind as you read this blog. Learning more about roofing will feel more interesting if you remember what a roof does: it protects the inside of the home and the people who live in it.