Every season takes a toll on your roof. In the winter, we see snow and hail; in the summer, thunderstorms and humidity. All of these cause significant issues for your roof. But with regular maintenance and repairs, your roof can last much longer. So, each summer, it’s important to check and perform maintenance on these five areas of your roof.
Clean Your Gutters
An important part of a healthy roof, your gutters help rainwater run down and away from your shingles and eaves. In the spring especially, seeds can land in your gutters and take root, only to grow more blockage through the summer. If you’re comfortable getting up on a ladder, clear your gutters of any leaves or debris that have accumulated in the past year.
Look at the Eaves
While you’re inspecting the gutters, take a look at the underside of your eaves – the part of the roof that hangs over the rest of your home. If the eaves are damaged or rotting, they could be allowing moisture into your home. Eaves are a common spot for bugs to create nests and hives. Some of the time, nests are harmless, but you should always remove hazardous hives. Stinging insects especially love to build under eaves, so be careful and call an exterminator if you see dangerous insects.
Inspect Your Shingles
The shingles are your first line of defense against water entering your roof. But throughout the changing temperatures and weather conditions, they will expand and contract. This movement is a leading cause of shingle displacement and brittleness. If you see these issues and your shingles are over 15 years old, it’s probably time for a replacement. Alternatively, you might see mold and mildew that thrive in damp summer conditions. If there are dark patches or green growth on your roof, have a roofing professional inspect them.
Repair Flashing
The flashing, the metal pieces around elements that intersect with the roof like the chimney or vent pipes, keeps water from entering at those intersections. Flashing can rust or warp, and you’ll need to replace it. But more likely, the caulk around the flashing fails before it, or your shingles do. Luckily, this is an easy and inexpensive repair that can be done in a day. You’ll just want to do it as soon as possible so that no water gets into your attic.
Correctly Measure Your Roof Insulation
We usually think about insulation as something that keeps us warm. But it actually works with your ventilation to regulate the temperature in your house, keeping it cool during the summer. Check your local regulations to make sure that you have the right amount of insulation in your home. Additionally, take a look at your insulation to ensure it hasn’t gotten damp from humidity or leaks in the past year.
Each passing year increases the likelihood that there is damage on your roof. Doing this simple summer inspection can help you prevent more expensive repairs or even total replacements in the future.
But it can be frustrating to deal with roofing companies and quotes when all you’re looking for is a minor repair. That’s because many roofing companies don’t even offer a repair as a solution. Usually, it’s not because they’re trying to scam you. They just only have the crews and equipment to do total replacements.
Take the frustration out of finding a roofing company that can repair your roof. Get matched with a trusted Maryland roofer! Someone that is able to do both minor repairs and full replacements to handle anything that is happening on your roof.
