5 essential summer roof maintenance tips

By The Coffee Shops. 

As temperatures rise and storms roll in, it's crucial to give your roof the attention it deserves. 

Summer is an ideal time for homeowners to check in on their roofs and ensure they’re ready to handle the challenges the season brings, including high heat, heavy rain and intense UV rays. Here are some simple, yet vital maintenance tips from the Royalty Roofing team to follow for a healthy roof. 

1 – Check your roof 

Start by visually inspecting your roof for any obvious signs of damage, such as cracked, curled or missing shingles. This is something to keep an eye on through the course of the season as intense summer storms or UV exposure are big factors in this type of issue’s development.  

Additionally, don’t forget to check for dark streaks, moss or algae, especially in shaded areas. On the surface these may seem like cosmetic issues, but in actuality they can trap moisture and weaken your shingles over time. For both of these issues, early detection is key to preventing further damage.  

2 – Clean debris and trim trees  

While trees provide valuable shade, overhanging branches can scrape your roof or fall during heavy winds and storms. Further, they can drop leaves and other debris that clog up your gutters. Then, during intense rainfall, like many areas experience during summer storms, clogged gutters can lead to water pooling on your roof, which can cause leaks and other issues.  

To avoid this, clear out debris like leaves and twigs to ensure water flows smoothly and away from your home. Then trim trees back to prevent any further damage to your roof or your gutters.  

3 – Inspect flashing and seals 

Many homeowners don’t realize that their roof is more than shingles and a coverboard, but there are many different parts of your roof that keep everything secure and leak-free. One of those parts that needs routine inspection is flashing. Placed around vents, chimneys and skylines, flashing makes sure the transition areas of your roof are secure.  

But, over time, the heat from the summer sun can cause that flashing, and the seals holding it in place, to expand and contract, which may result in leaks. Be sure to inspect these areas regularly and replace any worn-out flashing. 

4 – Look inside your attic 

Your attic is essentially the underbelly of your roof. And a quick check of it can reveal issues not otherwise visible. Look for water stains, mold or musty smells — these could indicate a roof leak. Ensure that your attic is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause further damage to the roof and home structure. 

5 – Call the professionals 

As for the best thing you can do to maintain your roof, it’s calling a roofer. Smaller checks like we mentioned above are helpful, but nothing beats getting a professional inspection. Roofing experts can identify potential issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye. And by calling them before an issue occurs, you will keep your roof in great shape throughout the summer and save on repair costs in the long run.  

Original article source: Royalty Roofing