Some roof problems are unique or common during specific seasons. For example, the hot summer weather affects your roofs in ways that the cold winter weather doesn't. Fortunately, appropriate measures can help you prevent such seasonal roof issues. Below are some tips to help you protect your roof during the summer.
Inspect for Signs of Problems
A roof inspection is always advisable before each major season. You can inspect the roof as a DIY or contract a roofing contractor for the inspection. Consider a professional inspection:
- If your roof is relatively old
- If you have not inspected the roof in a while
- If you have experienced roofing problems in the recent past
Some of the things the inspection should check for include:
- Gutter conditions (think pitch, connections, and corrosion)
- Shingle conditions
- Flashing condition
- Roof discolorations
Hopefully, the inspection won't reveal major issues with the roof.
Fix All Damages
Fix all damages that the inspection reveals; don't just focus on the major problems. The summer season is typically unkind to roofs due to the season's precipitation, storms, and temperature, among other weather-related issues. Therefore, even seemingly minor roof problems might worsen over the summer if you don't correct them.
For example, a loose shingle is not automatically a roofing emergency. However, strong summer winds can fling the single from the roof, cause damage to neighboring shingles, and allow moisture to penetrate the roof. Fix such issues upon detection.
Conduct Preventive Maintenance
Every roof needs regular maintenance, even without damage. The summer season is a good time to conduct the maintenance and avoid future problems. For example, you should:
- Clean the roof to remove debris that would otherwise attract and retain moisture and pests.
- Seal the roof to protect it from weather elements, such as rain and heat.
The exact measures depend on the type of roof. For example, flat roofs need sealing more than pitched roofs due to the former's high risk of drainage problems.
Trim Tree Limbs
Don't just focus on the roof; consider other objects or issues in your home that might damage the roof. For example, summer storms can break tree limbs and uproot tall trees; the limbs and trunks can damage the roof. Therefore, trim tree branches around the house and remove weak trees as part of your summer roof care.
Hopefully, your roof won't experience problems during the summer or the rest of the year. Contact an experienced roofing contractor to inspect and maintain your roof to ensure it stays structurally sound and efficient. For more information on roof maintenance, contact a professional near you.
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.