Most homeowners only think about roof maintenance in the winter, or perhaps when a storm hits in the fall or spring. Sipping a cold one after a relaxing barbecue on the deck, your roof is probably the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, Mother Nature can be just as brutal during those hot summer days. Windstorms, heavy rain, intense heat, and hail, can take a serious toll on your homes first line of defense against the elements.
Regular year-round maintenance is the best way to extend the service life of your roof and preserve your homes resale value. A few simple maintenance tasks, performed regularly, will bring you peace of mind and can potentially save you a lot of money in the long run.
Check for Granule Loss
Uniform loss of granules on asphalt shingles is the normal result of weathering. Extended periods of extreme heat however, or a hail storm, can loosen an abnormal amount of the granular surface, leading to noticeable thin spots, bald patches, and sometimes holes. If you see any of these, you’ll want to contact a roofing professional immediately.
Inspect Gutters & Downspouts
Make sure they are free of debris. Thunderstorms are common during the summer months and heavy rainfall can quickly exceed the drainage system’s ability to direct storm water away from the roof. Prevent leaks and water damage by maintaining your gutters and downspouts year round.
Keep your Roof Valleys Clear
Twigs, leaves, and flower blossoms just love to accumulate in the roof valleys. These valleys are an important part of your roof’s drainage system, allowing heavy rainfall to flow quickly and easily from the roof. Damp organic matter can promote decay, mold, and mildew. Clogged valleys can hold moisture that can damage shingles, underlayment, and decking.
Check for Storm Damage
Summer storms can come up quickly and do a lot of damage. A brief thunder shower, a few minutes of hail, or gusts of wind may seem like nothing, but the roof should be inspected afterward. Have any shingles come loose? Do you see any hail damage, holes, or tears? Tiles broken by tree limbs? Any noticeable gaps around the flashing, skylights, or vents?
Greenawalt Roofing recommends scheduling an appointment with one of our experienced sales representatives to provide a free hail/wind inspection. We will review damages found and give our recommendation if an insurance claim should be submitted.
Check the Interior
Check for any signs of water discoloration in the attic, or on the ceilings of each room. Summer temperatures can turn your attic into a hot box. This heat is absorbed by the roofing material. Most of today’s roofing materials are very robust. If any of the vents have been blocked, the attic fan(s) no longer work, there are insulation problems, or the venting was inadequate at construction, the temperatures may exceed the manufacturers’ expectations.
