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The hottest months of the year are just around the corner. With it comes hail damage, high winds, heavy rain, and a scorching sun that can potentially damage your roof. As the heat continues to rise, there are a few things you can do to prepare your home like storm damage repairs, for the season before it gets underway. Stay on top of your roof maintenance in Hope with these top five summer roof maintenance tips.
Check Your Attic
Did you know your attic can heat up to 150 degrees during the summer? Your roof absorbs heat from the sun’s rays during the day, radiating into your attic air. A poorly ventilated attic with heat buildup can shorten the lifespan of your roof. The heat can cause your shingles to crack and curl, resulting in roof leaks. This is why attic insulation is critical in keeping the heat and moisture out during the summer. It’s also important to look for any signs of moisture and mold in the rafters and attic during your summer roof maintenance since it can point to water leakage from your roof.
Clean Up & Replace Loose Gutters
Cleaning out your gutters is critical in preventing severe damage to your house. It’s important to clean your gutters regularly in the summer since many things can clog up your gutters and drains. If you see insects crawling around in your gutters, there is a chance they are clogged. Animals like mice and squirrels use the debris in clogged gutters to make their nests. If your gutters are clogged, water will accumulate on your roof and sit underneath your shingles, breeding mold and decay. Have you noticed your gutters sagging? If the gutters have not been cleaned long, the debris can collect and cause your gutter to bend and sag. Lastly, check to see if any granules are in your downspouts. If you see large amounts, you will likely have shingle damage.
Replace Missing Shingles
Replacing shingles may seem simple, but placing new shingles over old ones or using the wrong nails can lead to further damage. The wrong shingle could fade, crack, or even grow algae! For example, while inspecting a roof, walking on damaged shingles could cause more damage and lead to roof leaks in the future. Even small patchwork repairs may impact your roof’s overall health and safety. Because of these problems, many homeowners hire professionals to inspect and replace missing shingles.
Trim Loose Tree Limbs
It’s critical that you regularly trim trees that hang over your roof to prevent them from breaking after a storm. Even if the tree seems strong and healthy, the harsh summer storms can cause it to break and land on your roof. Low-hanging branches can easily scrape your shingles and strip layers of asphalt. The fallen leaves and twigs from these branches can also clog your gutters. Be extra diligent with trimming overhanging branches if you have a cedar shake roof since they are prone to moisture buildup and need to breathe.
Remove Any Debris
Clean up any debris on your roof that has been collected over the summer. That includes twigs and branches that can poke holes and cause roof leaks. Did you know that a clean roof without debris can adequately reflect the sun’s rays and keep your home from overheating in the summer? Safety should be your top priority if you plan to remove debris from your roof. Make sure to wear slip-resistant shoes and consider using a leaf blower to clear parts of the roof that you cannot reach. And remember, never power wash your roof! Power washing can lift shingles and expose your roof to further damage by winds.
Call For A Professional Roof Inspection
Your Hope roof is important, yet many of us don’t realize how heat, humidity, and storms can affect its integrity. It’s important not to skip out on your summer roof maintenance. If you spot any problems during your roof maintenance, it might be time to schedule a professional roof inspection. Call the roofing experts at Hostetler Roofing, your reliable Hope AR roofing contractor, to schedule and learn how we can help keep your roof sturdy all year!