Most homeowners are aware of the fact that certain types of weather will cause general wear and tear on their roof systems over time. This is especially true if you live in an area that experiences regular rainfall during the fall and spring seasons and snowfall during the winter. However, just because it doesn’t snow or rain (that often) during the summer season doesn’t mean that summer weather can’t affect your roof as well.
The following are a few examples of how summer weather can cause damage to your roof, both immediate and over the long term:
1. Excessive Exposure to the Sun’s Heat
Constant exposure to high heat can cause your shingles to dry out. While shingles are generally built to be able to withstand heat, regular exposure to the sun will cause general wear and tear over the years. Eventually, shingles will begin to dry out or curl, which will make them more brittle. As a result, they will be more vulnerable to serious damage or to being blown off the next time a storm comes around. Once your shingles are broken or torn off, that area of the roof will be exposed to potential leaks.
2. Exposure to High Humidity Levels
The buildup of moisture tends to be a problem in the summer due to the high humidity levels. If moisture collects in your attic as a result of poor insulation and a lack of dehumidifying capabilities, it can build up in the layers of your roof, resulting in the growth of moss. Not only can the growth of moss on your roof be a visual eyesore (thereby hurting your property’s curb appeal), but the presence of it will attract even more moisture. As a result, water damage can occur to your roof decking, thereby threatening it’s structural integrity.
3. Damage Caused by Summer Storms
Despite the fact that it’s the other three seasons that are more well known for instances of bad weather, storms do occur during the summer. These summer storms can result in roof leaks if it rains hard enough. Not to mention that high-speed winds can tear off roof shingles and cause trees or their branches to collapse into your roof if they’re too close.
How to Protect Your Roof During the Summer
Because the summer weather can cause damage to your roof, it’s important that you take the necessary precautions to prevent or at least minimize the damage that’s done. The following are a few tips on how you can prevent roof damage from summer weather:
Replace Damaged Shingles
If you spot any issues with your shingles, whether they are beginning to curl, are broken, torn, or are completely missing, you need to address it right away. Damaged or missing shingles will expose your roof to potential water damage when it rains. Not to mention that it will be easier for high-speed winds to tear off or damage surrounding shingles.
Look for Signs of Moss or Mold
If you see signs of moss or mold growing on your roof, call a professional roofer right away. Because of its green, fuzzy appearance, it should be easy to spot mold or moss on your roof from the ground. Not only will you want to have it cleaned off of your roof, but you’ll want to have a professional roofer inspect the roof itself to see if there is any moisture trapped inside and whether there is any water damage on the interior of your house.
Check the Attic for Leaks or Moisture Issues
Go into your attic during the day. If it’s particularly humid in the attic, then your roof is more vulnerable to moisture-related damage. You may want to consider having your roof inspected as well as adding insulation or vents that can help prevent heat from being trapped in your attic. Additionally, go up to your attic during or following a rainstorm to see if there are any visible leaks.
Schedule a Routine Inspection
Even if you don’t spot any issues, you should consider scheduling a routine roof inspection at some point during the summer. A professional roofer can spot minor issues that could grow into major problems if they’re not addressed right away. If you notice any issues with your roof this summer, or are interested in talking about replacing your roof, contact us at Armorvue Home Exteriors today!
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