Summer’s here and the intense heat from the sun won’t just give you a burn at the beach. It can pose a lot of wear and tear on your home’s roof thanks to a combination of high temperatures, UV rays, and the occasional thunderstorm. If you don’t properly maintain your roof, you could be shelling out thousands of dollars on costly repairs.
If you want to make sure your roof can handle the summer heat, it’s important to perform routine maintenance throughout the coming months. Here are some top roof maintenance tips that will keep your roof in optimal condition throughout the summer. Hiring a roofer in East Bridgewater to address some of these issues is a wise idea.
Check For Damage and Wear
First, perform a thorough inspection to check for damage or wear. Be on the lookout for missing or damaged shingles, loose seams, and cracked flashing. Don’t ignore small issues now because they can worsen in the intense summer heat.
During your inspection, check for:
- Shingles: Check for curling, cracking, or missing shingles. Your shingles can become brittle when exposed to significant heat.
- Gutters: Clean your gutters of debris. Blocked gutters can result in water buildup, which puts pressure on your roof and causes leaks.
- Flashing: Inspect the flashing around skylights, chimneys, and vents. Fix any gaps immediately so water doesn’t get in.
In the interest of safety, it’s best to hire a professional roofing contractor in Hanson MA and surrounding areas to perform a detailed inspection.
Clean Your Gutters
Your gutters have a big job to do: direct rainwater away from your roof and home. Clogged gutters lead to accumulation of water under the shingles, potentially leading to leaks and rotting wood. Scoop out leaves, twigs, or debris that may have dropped in there over the spring. While you’re at it, check for any signs of wear, such as cracks or loose brackets.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Proper roof ventilation regulates the temperature inside your attic and prevents heat buildup. If your attic gets too hot during the summer, many issues can result, including:
- Premature aging of shingles: Excessive heat makes shingles crack, curl, or blister prematurely.
- Moisture buildup: Moisture in the attic can cause mold growth, wood rot, and insulation damage.
- Increased energy bills: Poor ventilation makes your air conditioning have to work overtime to cool your home, which brings higher energy costs.
Make sure your attic vents are working properly and that they are not blocked. Install additional vents or replace old ones as needed.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Trees and shrubs near your home may give you much-needed shade in summer, but they can pose a risk of damage to your roof. Tree limbs can break off and impact your roof during a storm, damaging shingles and gutters. On top of that, falling leaves and debris can clog gutters and lead to mold or mildew growth.
Trim overhanging branches to protect your roof this summer and reduce the chance of pest infestation as well.
Seal Roof Leaks and Gaps
Weather conditions and normal wear often cause small gaps or cracks in your roofing materials, leading to leaks and damage. Seal these gaps to avoid further complications. While you’re at it, fill gaps around chimneys, skylights, vents, and flashings with roofing sealant or caulk.
Choose a Reflective Roof Coating
If your roof is made of an older, darker material such as asphalt, it can absorb more heat from the sun. This makes your interior hotter and increases your air conditioning costs. You may want to consider applying a reflective roof coating to reflect the sun’s rays and reduce the amount of heat your roof absorbs.
Get a Professional Roof Inspection
DIY inspections can spot obvious issues, but this is no substitute for professional roof inspections in Mashpee. They will be able to catch underlying issues that might be missed in a casual inspection, from weakened structural components to improperly sealed vents.
There’s no denying the fact that a well-maintained roof is more likely to perform better and last longer, saving you cash and stress over time.
Contact Revered Metal Roofing
Not sure about the condition of your roof? Let us help protect it this summer. To schedule an inspection and free quote, contact us today at 781-536-4589.
Paul was easy going and a pleasure to deal with. No pressure. Crew got started late but the metal roof with new sky lights over our sun room was done in a day! Quality work. I recommend Revered Metal Roofing.