Is your roof ready for Summer ?
There are plenty of factors out there that add up to make the summer months a particularly rough time for your home’s roof. Between the scorching heat, the intense sunlight and occasional rain, your roof takes quite a beating during the summer, and this means that there are several things you need to make sure have been accomplished before we get too far into the summer, and it’s too late. To assist you in keeping your roof in the best shape possible over the coming months, we have taken the time to put together this short list detailing several of the primary steps you can take now to prepare your roof for the summer heat.
Check the status of your roof
Inspect the condition of your roof, preferably in the morning before the temperature heats up, by looking for loose tiles and shingles or accumulation of leaves and debris. It is recommended for safety reasons that you perform this inspection from the ground, or if you are physically capable, you can safely use a ladder if, necessary. Pay close attention to the areas of the roof where debris may have become lodged over time, like the valleys and corners as the accumulation of materials like this on your roof can cause damage over time.
Inspect your roofing closely
Damaged roofing tiles, shingles or sheets can be the start of a serious problem, so it remains crucial for you to address any damage as soon as you notice them. Be sure to observe other signs of potential damage, such as missing, bent, or cracked roofing.
Take a look at protrusions and openings in and around the roofing system
The metal strips (flashing) around the areas of the vents, satellite dishes, skylights, or any other roof feature which protrudes, all deteriorate over time and must be tended to in a timely manner to avoid damage. Moreover, roofing protrusions could have experienced damage during previous rains, which could translate into some serious problems for your roof if they are not addressed in time.
Check Your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters out should be one of the important things you do to prepare for summer and something you should continue to do throughout the year as well. As gutters are commonly a hotspot for debris and other unwanted materials to accumulate and cause damage, be sure to thoroughly inspect and clean the entirety of the guttering system, also making the appropriate adjustments to the gutters, checking for tightness and proper angle of downspouts.
Schedule an inspection
If it’s been longer than four or five years since your last roof inspection, it’s a good idea to call a professional roofer to perform an inspection, especially if the roof is over 20 years old. A trained roofer will be able to spot any signs of weakness that could be problematic, as well as damage you may not even realize exists. This kind of inspection will give you the option to have the problem repaired before it causes any further damage to your roof, home, or property.