How To Protect Your Roof In The Summer

It may not seem like it, but summer is almost here. It’s difficult to picture the sun shining and warm days by the beach now, but it will happen before you know it. When that sun does come out, it can also cause a lot of damage to your home and roof. Just like anything else, if you know what to look for and catch the warning signs early, you won’t have to spend your vacation money on repairs, as opposed to taking a beach trip.

1) Sun Damage:

No matter where you live in the nation, you’ll have to deal with the sun. While it is worse in other areas of the country, it’s still not something to be taken lightly. The same way you would protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, you need to protect your roof. Therefore, it is important you know the signs of a sun-damaged roof. The best thing to look for is warped, faded, chipped, or obvious signs of deformity to your roof and siding materials. These signs might not be obvious, so it’s a good idea to have regular roof inspections before and after the heaviest weather season if you’re not sure what to look for.

2) Water Damage or Leaks:

Superman has Lex Luther, and roofs have water damage as their number-one enemy. If you catch the problem early enough, it can be the difference between a minor repair and a major undertaking. Think of it like a sports injury. If you take precautions and treat a sore knee, you could prevent serious damage to its ligaments. Check the interior of your roof, as well as the outside, for seeping water and missing/broken shingles. Water can enter a house if a shingle is broken, missing, or worn.

3) Summer Storms:

With summer comes the inevitable thunderstorm or severe weather. The onset may be sudden, but the damages could amount to something significant if the proper precautions are not met.

  • If you have loose branches or tall trees near your home, make sure they are sturdy enough so they can’t be used as a projectile.
  • Gutters and drains should be free of all debris and correctly installed. This allows your roof to shed away water, and the longer water sits on a roof, the worse the damage can be.
  • Check the skylights or domes for any cracks or other damage.
  • High winds can push objects and cause damage as well. If you have equipment, toys, or debris piled on your property, make sure they are stored away properly or removed so the wind can’t get to them.

The best time to check for damage is after a major storm. Just take a walk around your home and determine what, if any, damage the storm caused. Even though winter has the reputation of causing the most harm to a roof, the summer season can be just as devastating and catastrophic if the proper inspections and checks are not performed. By simple roof management, you can cut down on the cost of roof repairs and enjoy your summer.

Sources:

  1. http://www.todayshomeowner.com/get-your-home-ready-for-summer/
  2. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8646137/list/what-you-must-know-about-the-sun-and-your-home
  3. http://www.mainsourcemgt.com/our-expertise/inspections-maintenance/summer-storm-roof-damage-is-your-roof-ready-for-severe-weather/

Contact us today to learn more about how to protect your roof from summer damage!