With the official beginning of summer just around the corner and the extremely hot weather already here your mind is probably focused on summer vacations and swimming, and not necessarily on the condition of your roof. But as boring as it sounds compared to all the summer adventures you’re planning, you really do need to remember your roof this summer!
From broken shingles and clogged gutters, to algae stains and fallen tree branches, there are a variety of summer roofing maintenance jobs that need to be completed before the summer months start advancing. So to make this summer roofing-maintenance job as quick and painless as possible, we have put together a list of tips and advice to guide you through the process.
- Perform a visual inspection on the status of your roof
-Begin in the morning before the temperature heats up, and from the ground you can easily use a set of binoculars to get a complete look at the surface area of the roof and ascertain if there are any potential problems (you can safely utilize a ladder if necessary).
– Potential problems you need to be looking out for are numerous and some will require further maintenance; pay close attention to fallen debris which can become lodged into shingle valleys and other previously unseeable areas because this debris can actually lead to shingle cracking and eventually, roof leaks.
-Also be on the lookout for damaged shingles, as they can be the start of a serious problem and need to be tended to as soon as possible when damage is noticed.
-The metal strips (flashing) around the areas of the chimney, vents, satellite dishes, skylights, or any other roof feature which protrudes, all deteriorate over time and must be tended to in a timely manner to avoid damage. Checking of the metal flashing during your visual inspection is very important to remember.
- Clean debris and dirt off your roof if you’re comfortable doing it yourself
-If you feel comfortable performing a basic superficial cleaning and gutter clean-up on your roof, be sure to use the appropriate safety and protective gear (face mask, eyewear if necessary), as well as the appropriate tools for the job, including a hose, trowel, gloves, bucket for debris, etc.
-As gutters are commonly a hotspot for debris and other unwanted materials to accumulate and cause damage, be sure to thoroughly inspect and clean the entirety of the guttering system, also making the appropriate adjustments to the gutters, checking for tightness and proper angle of downspouts.
- Trim trees and surrounding foliage near your home
-Whether you hire a professional to trim your trees for you or you are willing to do it yourself, it’s imperative to trim the trees surrounding your roof for a variety of reasons; first, fallen branches can cause shingle damage and eventual leaks, fallen debris from low-lying trees usually means that your gutters clog frequently, and tree branches give rodents access to your roof, and eventually your attic.
- Don’t forget to inspect your attic for signs of leaks, damage
-If your roof has already sustained damage, say from missing or cracked shingles, the attic can be a good indicator of the damage. Be sure to inspect the ceiling in the attic, looking for water damage and signs of mold, as these can be symptoms of a larger roofing issue.
Now that you know some of the basics behind summer roofing maintenance, don’t hesitate to call your local Bay Area Roofing company if you have any technical questions or concerns about a roofing inspection for your home this summer!