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How to Prep Your Roof For Summer
Do an inspection
Start by doing a visual inspection of your roof. The best time to do this is in the morning before temperatures get too warm. Look at tiles and shingles to see if you find any visible damage. Check for debris and clogged gutters or drainage spouts. Inspecting your roof can be a bit of a chore. It requires an understanding of what is right and not right with shingles.
Most issues are not always visible unless you have a ladder and are physically able to get up close. Instead, you can use binoculars from the ground. Cleaning out gutters and roof debris is crucial to having a summer-proof roof. Once rain storms hit and temperatures get in the hundreds, it’s harder to get roofing issues handled and can be more costly for work. You can also have a professional roofing company inspect your roof.Replace damaged shingles
Replace damaged shingles
Damaged shingles usually turn into a more significant problem if left untreated. Take note of your shingles’ current state and get them replaced if you see cracks, missing shingles, bent, or turned-up areas. Hot summers will further the damage and can lead to roof leaks, and the need for a new roof.
Check roof flashing for protrusions
The metal strips around skylights, chimneys, vents, and other roof features are called flashing. If you find that there are bumps or openings around these areas, you may have had some damage from previous years. Replacing old or damaged flashing can prevent leaks and other roofing issues. Consult with a professional if you see that your flashing is protruding, as it’s a usually simple fix that can save your roof from summer storms and issues down the road.
Keep your roof cool
There are plenty of tips to keep a home interior cool, but an often overlooked way to keep your home cool is adding features to your roof or on the outside of your home. The easiest way to cool your roof and stop your home a/c system from working extra hard is by adding more shade along the perimeter of your home. Add in trellises or high walls around your house. The shingles will retain less heat from the sun and allow your house to stay cooler longer inside. Another way to keep cool is to add pergolas, grow a roof garden, or even by installing solar panels to the top of your roof.
Every home is different, and the need for keeping cool and preventing leaks during monsoon season changes with each residence. Harsh heat from the sun for months in a row can cause concern for most homeowners. Doing regular inspections, clearing debris, and finding ways to protect and cool your roof at home that fit your lifestyle and needs is a perfect way to summer-proof your roof and ensure roof longevity.
With summer on the way and thunderstorms prevalent during this season, now is the time to inspect your roof. Warm temperatures and sunny days make this the prime time for repairs and a total roof replacement. Here are some issues to look for which will tell you if your roof needs work.
Check for Leaks
It can be difficult to recognize leaks on a roof. You’ll want to check the flashing and around any vents. Look around gutters and windows to notice leaks before they cause significant damage. If in doubt, you can look in your attic for dark spots which indicate where water has found an entrance.
Analyze Ventilation
You can reduce energy costs by making sure your attic has enough ventilation. You also want to allow humidity an escape. Otherwise, you’re setting up the attic as a place where mold and mildew can grow. If your attic has poor ventilation, a roofing contractor can provide a proposal to improve your ventilation before hot weather arrives.
Check Surrounding Trees
You can reduce energy costs by making sure your attic has enough ventilation. You also want to allow humidity an escape. Otherwise, you’re setting up the attic as a place where mold and mildew can grow. If your attic has poor ventilation, a roofing contractor can provide a proposal to improve your ventilation before hot weather arrives.
When to Perform an Inspection of Your Roof
Summer temperatures can be hard on the roof while thunderstorms can do significant damage. Take time to inspect your roof and attic before summer arrives. If you find the roof needs repairs or to be replaced, you can schedule a roofing company before they get booked for the summer.
If you aren’t sure about doing the inspection yourself, you can hire a roofing team to come in and look at your roof. They will review all the features of your roof and provide an estimate of any repairs that are needed.
When a professional roofing company comes in and does an inspection, they want to make sure your roof can handle the heat as well as any summer storms. They check that it is in working condition and look for ways to ensure the life of your roof hasn’t been reduced through poor maintenance.
So, here’s a quick checklist for you to review when you inspect your roof this summer:
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Inspect shingles for damage or for those that are missing
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Look for signs of leaks
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Check ventilation
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Trim and remove tree limbs that overhang the house