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 strong. 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.
What Central Pennsylvania property owners should consider
Summer Storms is best understood in the context of the whole property, not from one symptom alone. The age of the materials, previous repairs, water-management details, installation methods, and nearby exterior components can all affect what is visible. Central Pennsylvania’s mix of heavy rain, wind, summer heat, falling leaves, freeze-thaw cycles, and winter weather can also make the same concern look different from one home or building to another.
Start with observations that can be made safely. Avoid climbing onto the roof or disturbing damaged materials. Instead, note when the concern appeared, whether it changes during particular weather, and whether it is isolated or occurring in several areas. Photographs taken from a safe location and notes about prior work can help a professional understand the history without relying on memory alone.
Details worth documenting
- the date and approximate time of the weather event
- photos taken safely from the ground before temporary work begins
- missing, lifted, dented, cracked, or displaced exterior materials
- interior stains or active water entry that need prompt attention
- temporary measures already taken to limit further damage
These details do not replace an on-site evaluation, but they make the conversation more useful. They also help separate a maintenance item from a repair need or a larger project. A clear evaluation should explain the observed condition, the likely scope, the surrounding components that were checked, and any assumptions that could affect the recommendation.
Questions to ask before authorizing work
- Does the property need temporary protection before permanent work?
- What documentation should be kept with estimates and photographs?
- Are roofing, siding, gutters, and flashing all included in the evaluation?
- Which repairs are urgent and which can be planned?
- What assumptions and exclusions are written into the proposed scope?
- Which conditions appear storm-related and which may be normal wear?
Ask for the proposed work in writing and compare scopes rather than price alone. Materials, labor, disposal, cleanup, ventilation, flashing, permits, warranties, and possible concealed conditions should be easy to identify. If alternatives are available, the practical differences should be explained in plain language so the decision reflects the property’s needs and the owner’s priorities.
Greenawalt Roofing serves property owners across Central Pennsylvania. Learn about storm-damage support, review what happens during a Full Exterior Exam, browse the company’s service areas, or request a free estimate.
