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The hottest months of the year are just around the corner. With it comes hail damage, high winds, heavy rain, and a scorching sun that can potentially damage your roof. As the heat continues to rise, there are a few things you can do to prepare your Slidell home for the season before it gets underway. Make sure you stay on top of your roof maintenance with these three summer roof maintenance tips.
Replace Missing Shingles
Replacing shingles may seem like a simple job, but placing new shingles over old ones or using the wrong nails can lead to further damage. The wrong shingle could fade, crack, or even grow algae! For example, while inspecting a roof, walking on damaged shingles could cause more damage and lead to roof leaks in the future. Even small patchwork repairs may impact the overall health and safety of your roof. It’s because of these problems that many homeowners hire roofing professionals to inspect and replace missing shingles.
Check Around Your Roof: Attic and Trees
Did you know your attic can heat up to 150 degrees during the summer? Your roof absorbs a lot of heat from the sun’s rays during the day, and it radiates into your attic air. A poorly ventilated attic with heat buildup can shorten the lifespan of your roof. The heat can cause your shingles to crack and curl, resulting in roof leaks. This is why attic insulation is critical in keeping the heat and moisture out during the summer. It’s also important to look for any signs of moisture and mold in the rafters and attic during your summer roof maintenance since it can point to water leakage from your roof.
It’s critical that you regularly trim trees that hang over your roof to prevent them from breaking after a storm. Even if the tree seems strong and healthy, the harsh summer storms can cause it to break and land on your roof. Low-hanging branches can easily scrape your shingles and strip layers of asphalt. The fallen leaves and twigs from these branches can also clog your gutters. Be extra diligent with trimming overhanging branches if you have a cedar shake roof since they are prone to moisture buildup and need to breathe.
Clean Up, Replace Loose Gutters, And Remove Debris
Cleaning out your gutters is critical in preventing severe damage to your house. It’s important to clean your gutters regularly in the summer since many things can clog up your gutters and drains. If you see insects crawling around in your gutters, there is a chance they are clogged. Animals like mice and squirrels use the debris in clogged gutters to make their nests. If your gutters are clogged, water will accumulate on your roof and sit underneath your shingles, breeding mold and decay. Have you noticed your gutters sagging? If the gutters have not been cleaned for a long time, the debris can collect and eventually cause your gutter to bend and sag. Lastly, check to see if any granules are in your downspouts. If you see large amounts, it is more likely that you have shingle damage.
Clean up any debris on your roof that has been collected over the summer. That includes twigs and branches that can poke holes and cause roof leaks. Did you know that a clean roof without debris can adequately reflect the sun’s rays and keep your home from overheating in the summer? If you plan on removing debris from your roof on your own, safety should be your top priority. Make sure to wear slip-resistant shoes and consider using a leaf blower to clear parts of the roof that you cannot reach. And remember, never power wash your roof! Power washing can lift shingles and expose your roof to further damage by winds.
Call For A Professional Roof Inspection
Your roof is important. Yet many of us don’t realize the extent of how heat, humidity, and storms can affect the integrity of our roofs. It’s important not to skip out on your summer roof maintenance. If you spot any problems during your roof maintenance, it might be time to schedule a professional roof inspection. Call the roofing experts at Bergens Roofing to schedule and learn how we can help keep your roof sturdy all year long!