With the sweltering and relentless summer heat compromising your home’s roofing and shingles, it is important now more than ever to get your roof maintenance up to date. Property owners should be especially vigilant during the hottest months of the year, as leaving those damages unchecked can lead to much bigger problems in the long-term. This article gives you the six essential summer roof maintenance tips to preserve your property and keep your home safe from the blazing sun and its harmful rays.
1. Monitor Roof Temperature
Heat is one of the main enemies of your roof in the summertime, as temperatures can easily exceed 160 degrees Fahrenheit in some places. Constant exposure to these levels of heat can cause significant damage such as roof uplifting due to temperature differences or degrade roofing membranes and materials. To prevent such damages, equip your roof with proper insulation and venting systems to monitor and regulate its temperature.
A. Install a Cooling System
One of the ways to stay on top of your roof temperature is to install a cooling system with insulation foam material that will help your roof to reflect some of the sun’s radiation away. This foam also helps to reduce air leakage and provides better moisture insulation, as well as creating a cool roof deck.
B. Start Roof Insulation Early
Start working on your roof insulation as early as possible in spring, before the temperatures begin to rise. Check your roof for any signs of damages and begin insulating it with an appropriate material depending on your roof’s characteristics.
2. Clear Debris
While debris such as leaves and branches are not a problem during winter, the summer brings sun and strong winds that can blow this debris right through your roof. Before the summer hits, clear away any debris or dirt on your roof, making it easier to prevent any water or wind infiltration.
A. Trim Trees and Branches
You should not only clear your rooftops of any debris, but also prune nearby trees and trim their branches. An unkempt tree can cause extensive damage to a home’s exterior and promote water infiltration into vulnerable areas.
B. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Check for any gaps and cracks on your roofing material or shingles and coat them with a sealant that fits the original material as closely as possible. Having your home properly sealed keeps out pests and debris, as well as providing better protection from water infiltration and other elements.
3. Check Gutters and Downspouts
The most important part of keeping your roof clean and damage-free is making sure that all rainwater runoff is properly sheds away, so that no accumulation of water remains on the roof. This includes examining gutters and downspouts to clean and clear any blockages that may prevent optimal water flow.
A. Inspect and Clean Gutters
Before summer arrives, thoroughly inspect your gutters and clear them of any leaves, twigs, or other debris. If your gutters are severely blocked and this cleaning process is insufficient, consider hiring a professional gutter and roofing crew to install a gutter system for total protection.
B. Extract and Clear Debris
Check for anything blocking the downspouts, such as dirt or mud, and use a plumber’s snake or a pressure hose to extract and clear the debris out. If it’s clogged, you can also try and loosen the clog with a plunger; if this fails, reach for professional help.
People also ask:
How do I protect my roof from the summer heat?
Protect your roof from the summer heat by investing in insulation foam and proper venting systems, as well as using reflective roofing materials and keeping trees and branches trimmed away from your roofing materials.
What temperature is too hot for a roof?
Roofs should not be exposed to temperatures over 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher temperatures can cause damages to the roofing material and create further problems such as moisture infiltration.
How often should I check my roof?
Property owners should always inspect their roofs after winter season has passed and take remedial action when needed. Depending on the level of damage, repairing should be done annually or biannually.
What are the most common roof problems?
The most common roof problems include inadequate ventilation, pooled water, moss and algae buildup, fixtures and flashing misalignment, sealant failure, moss buildup and more.