Welcome to Family Roofing

While not something many people often think about, roof maintenance really is something that needs to be kept up with all year long.  Yes, summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it’s also a good time to take care of some basic summer roof maintenance.   While you can certainly tackle these tasks on your own if you prefer, another option is to hire a professional roofing contractor to take care of your roof maintenance for you.  But if you decide to go it alone, here are some things you’ll want to scratch off your to-do’s this summer.

Clean Out Your Gutters

Gutters are meant to keep water moving away from your roofing system.  But over time they can get backed up with leaves and other debris, making them less effective.  When gutters are not working properly, this can cause water to puddle, making your roof more susceptible to water damage.  So this is one task you’ll want address seasonally.

While you are cleaning out your gutters, you may also want to check the condition of your gutters.  Do they still look in good shape, or do they look rusty and damaged?  Ensuring your gutters are in top shape is one of the best ways to protect your roof during the summer months.

Remove Roof Debris

Another simple summer roof maintenance task is to keep your roof clean of debris and other build up.  Throughout the seasons, all sort of debris can find their way to your rooftop such as tree branches or pollen.  Keeping your roof clean and clear reduces the risk of damage to shingles.

When shingles become damaged, this can make your roof more vulnerable to damage in the underlying roof structure.  If this happens, the door is open, so to speak, to additional roof damage, causing the need for a significant roof repair.

Trim Tree Limbs

In addition to keeping your roof clean, another important step you’ll want to take is to trim tree branches that neighbor your roof.  Many older homes have large trees that sometimes hover over the roof.  While these trees are beautiful to look at, branches that sit on top of your roof are one of the easiest ways that your roof can sustain damage.  So consider taking a little off the top, or using a tree trimming service to get the job done.

Look for Any Signs of Mold

Usually this can be a bigger problem during wetter months, but that doesn’t mean mold can’t form in the summer.  As part of your summer roof maintenance tasks, have a look around the outside and inside of your home for any signs of mold.  Sometimes mold can form as a result of a roof leak from rain, or from an AC unit in the attic.

If you find any signs of mold, you’ll certainly want to call a roofing contractor to have a look for you and correct the problem.  Taking care of mold also helps keep everyone in the house safe and healthy so harmful air is not being breathed in.

Inspect Your Skylight, Vents and Pipes

Any areas on your roof where there is an opening such as a skylight or vent should be checked periodically for signs of damage.  Checking seals and flashing is a good way to make sure that there is no opportunity for leaks to occur.  When there are cracks or damage to openings in your roof, this is one of the easiest ways that water can enter your home. Something you’ll certainly want to avoid.