Summer Roofing Maintenance Tips for a Cool Home
Summer is here—is your roof ready to face the heat? Summer roofing maintenance is especially important for months when your roof is vulnerable to the sun’s scorching rays. The intense heat can cause worrying damage to your house’s first line of defense, which can turn into bigger problems down the road. So, it’s best to take action and ensure that your roof is in tip-top shape while keeping your home cool and comfortable.
Top 6 Summer Roof Maintenance Tips
To make sure that your roof is strong enough to weather the season ahead, here are some maintenance tasks you can prioritize to avoid costly repairs, roof decay, and severe damage to your roof. If you wish to perform the roof inspection yourself, make sure to utilize proper safety equipment, fall protection equipment, as well as a steady ladder. Alternatively, you can also hire a trusted professional to inspect your roof for you.
Inspect and Clean Your Gutters
An important step of your summer roof maintenance is inspecting and cleaning your downspouts and gutters regularly. You might end up with clogged gutters due to various environmental factors, which can possibly result in water damage, mold damage, and roof leaks.
By removing debris buildup and ensuring that the gutters are in good shape, you can rest easy in the knowledge that your gutters are functioning as they should.
Check for Mold, Moss, and Algae
Your roof is especially susceptible to mold, moss, and algae growth during the summer because they tend to grow in warm, humid spaces. If these issues aren’t dealt with properly, they can lead to moisture retention, buildup in your gutters, and even possibly cause issues with your attic’s ventilation system. All in all, it can affect the structural integrity of your home. So, make sure to check any spot on your roof where mold, moss, and algae may grow.
Check Your Shingles
Over the seasons, your shingles bear the brunt of the harsh forces of the weather. At the same time, your shingles can also be victim to various small creatures that like to nest, dig, or peck your roofing material.
So, be on the lookout for tell-tale signs that point toward damaged shingles, such as cracks, holes, deformation, curling, or missing shingles; if you notice any of these, it might be an indication that your roof has been compromised and is need of repairs.
Remove Debris
It’s also important to keep your roof’s surface clear of leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris. The components and weight of this debris buildup could lead to damaged shingles, a leak, and mold growth over an extended period of time. And while it might be tempting to do so, here’s a friendly reminder to never power wash your roof as the pressure will only cause more damage to the material.
Inspect for Water Damage
When left unchecked, water damage can lead to dangerous structural issues. Make sure to check various spots in your home where water intrusion is likely and keep an eye out for peeling paint, discoloration, sagging walls, and moldy odors, which are signs of hidden water damage.
Remove Large Overhanging Tree Limbs
If you have trees on your property, make sure that none of their branches or limbs hang over your roof. A particularly strong gush of wind could break off its branches and send them crashing into your roof, causing damage. Keep the area around your roof clean and safe from objects that could compromise its overall integrity.
Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor
Roof maintenance can be more complicated than it seems. If you’re worried about your safety and would like to make sure that you’re inspecting and repairing your roof properly, consider hiring expert roofing contractors to oversee your roof maintenance or any roofing project you might need this summer.
Robbins Roofing and Construction offers various roofing services such as roof repairs, inspections, replacements, and installations. Many homeowners across Oklahoma City trust the Robbins Roofing experts with their summer roof maintenance tasks. Schedule a call and get a free estimate today!
Common Questions About Summer Roof Maintenance
How Can Weather Affect My Roof in Summer?
With summer comes scorching, high temperatures that can cause the material of roofs to contract, expand, and deteriorate after being exposed to the sun for too long. It’s also especially humid in the summer, so expect possible moisture buildup on your roof, which could lead to mold growth. These factors cause various damages that can cost you a hefty amount of money if left unattended.
How Do I Protect My Roof From the Sun?
You can look into adding reflective coatings on your roof which will deflect sunlight and heat. Another option is installing light-colored roofing materials, such as white shingles. Compared to darker colors, lighter shingles reflect sunlight instead of absorbing heat, which helps prevent shingle damage.
How Do I Keep My Roof in Good Condition?
Of course, a regular roof inspection and roof maintenance will go a long way in preserving the health of your roof. For added assurance, consider hiring a roofing contractor to do the inspections for you. Most homeowners are more confident when they have a professional maintaining their house, including their roof.
Keep Your Roof in Great Shape this Summer
Your roof’s summer maintenance should be at the top of your priority list every year. Think of it this way: Your roof protects you from the changing seasons, keeping you and your family safe and comfortable, so it’s definitely worth it to continuously invest in its strength and reliability. Knowing that you’re properly maintaining your roof can give you comfort, security, and peace of mind all year round. Looking for a reliable roofing company in OKC? Call Robbins Roofing today!
