How to Prep Your Roof For Summer
Summer can do a number on your roof, and if you head into summer without taking the right steps to summer-proof your roof, you may find leaks or expensive roofing repairs arise after the season is over. We compiled some helpful tips on how to prepare your roof for summer.
Do an inspection
Start by doing a visual inspection of your roof. The best time to do this is in the morning before temperatures get too warm. Look at tiles and shingles to see if you find any visible damage. Check for debris and clogged gutters or drainage spouts. Inspecting your roof can be a bit of a chore. It requires an understanding of what is right and not right with shingles.
Most issues are not always visible unless you have a ladder and are physically able to get up close. Instead, you can use binoculars from the ground. Cleaning out gutters and roof debris is crucial to having a summer-proof roof. Once monsoons hit and temperatures get in the hundreds, it's harder to get roofing issues handled and can be more costly for work. You can also have a professional roofing company inspect your roof.
Replace damaged shingles.
Replace damaged shingles
Replace damaged shingles.
Damaged shingles usually turn into a more significant problem if left untreated. Take note of your shingles' current state and get them replaced if you see cracks, missing shingles, bent, or turned-up areas. Hot summers will further the damage and can lead to roof leaks, and the need for a new roof.
Check roof flashing for protrusions
The metal strips around skylights, chimneys, vents, and other roof features are called flashing. If you find that there are bumps or openings around these areas, you may have had some damage from previous years. Replacing old or damaged flashing can prevent leaks and other roofing issues. Consult with a professional if you see that your flashing is protruding, as it's a usually simple fix that can save your roof from summer storms and issues down the road.
Keep your roof cool
There are plenty of tips to keep a home interior cool, but an often overlooked way to keep your home cool is adding features to your roof or on the outside of your home. The easiest way to cool your roof and stop your home a/c system from working extra hard is by adding more shade along the perimeter of your home. Add in trellises or high walls around your house. The shingles will retain less heat from the sun and allow your house to stay cooler longer inside. Another way to keep cool is to add pergolas, grow a roof garden, or even by installing solar panels to the top of your roof.
Every home is different, and the need for keeping cool and preventing leaks during monsoon season changes with each residence. Harsh heat from the sun for months in a row can cause concern for most homeowners. Doing regular inspections, clearing debris, and finding ways to protect and cool your roof at home that fit your lifestyle and needs is a perfect way to summer-proof your roof and ensure roof longevity.
Patterson Construction Company installs and repairs residential roofs of all kinds, skylights, roof ventilation, fascia and underlayment on Phoenix-area homes. Call 602-825-3638 for a free quote today!
