This Summer Season Watch Out for These Common Roofing Issues

Roof maintenance is something that shouldn’t be ignored no matter the season. Keeping your roof in top shape is a year-round process and diligent homeowners know that it is a continuous task.

However, with the changing of seasons, the roof’s needs and maintenance tasks also change, as each season brings its own set of potential issues.

Summer may not seem like a harsh season, especially not when it comes to your roof, but as the heat and temperatures continue to rise, so do the potential risks for your roof.

Increased heat and sun exposure can bring about an array of potential issues, but with regular inspections, they can be caught on time or prevented altogether.

Here are some of the most common summer roofing issues to look out for.

Signs of Leaks

Cold winter months, as well as spring storms and rains, can leave your roof significantly damaged and vulnerable. So, if you still haven’t checked your roof, now is the ideal time to do it.

Conduct a visual inspection of your roof from the ground or call in your local roofer. There could be signs of damages and potential leaks, some that are more and some that are less obvious.

For example, if you have been noticing some stains on your walls and ceilings inside your home, as well as paint peeling and blistering, that is one of the more obvious signs of a potential roof leak.

There may be some cracks on your shingles that are letting water seep through, which may be rotting your roof’s internal structure. However, this is usually not very obvious, and it can become more problematic over time, without you even noticing it.

That is why it is also recommended to have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof and make sure that there are no such underlying damages. 

Presence of Pest

Pests love summer and it is precisely during this time of year that we see an increase in their presence, whether outside or crawling inside your home any way they can.

And they will crawl inside as soon as they see an opportunity, such as a crack in your roof shingle or any other part of your home’s structure. Whether it is insects or critters such as squirrels, opossums or rats, pests will gladly and quickly make your home their home as well.

They are most likely to be found in the attic, so make sure to check the attic for any presence of pests, as well as for any holes and cracks where they could potentially enter.

They can crawl in through the smallest of cracks so make sure to be thorough or call a professional roofer for a more detailed inspection.

Faulty Ventilation

Adequate roof and attic ventilation is a crucial part of your roofing system any time of the year. It allows for proper air ventilation and circulation, which is crucial in preventing humidity and moisture buildup.

During summer heat and humid weather, quality ventilation becomes even more important. In the absence of quality roof vents and proper attic ventilation, there is a serious risk of moisture collecting within your roof structure and in the attic, which leads to dangerous mold and mildew growth.

In addition to that, the wood in your roof and attic will start to rot and deteriorate, compromising the entire roofing system.

One of the first things to do once spring arrives is to conduct a visual inspection of your roof and the entire property from the ground.

Therefore, make sure to have your roof and ventilation professionally inspected and, if for some reason you still don’t have attic ventilation, you should have it installed as soon as possible.

UV Damage

Just like the sun can burn and damage your skin, it can also “burn” and damage your shingles. Depending on the weather and the amount of sun you receive during summer, your roof shingles can suffer minor or major UV damage.

When exposed to strong UV rays and a great amount of heat, the shingles can dry out and become brittle. This, in turn, can lead to cracks in your shingles and more serious future issues. Your shingles will become worn out or warped prematurely, and they may even fall off completely.

This is even more applicable to older roofs, those that are nearing the end of their lifespan or beginning to show signs of significant wear and tear.

A professional roofer should take a look at your shingles if they are experiencing damage from the sun so that they can be fixed, replaced, or properly protected.

Moss and Algae Growth

Moss and algae growth on roofs is not something out of the ordinary. They can be found growing on many homes and roofs. However, it is not a very nice sight to see and if there is anything you can do to prevent it, why wouldn’t you?

But the problems don’t stop with just a decreased curb appeal. They can grow much serious if moss and algae are not dealt with on time. When they grow to an excess, moss and algae are known to trap a lot of moisture.

This means that with every rain, storm, or simple water condensation, they will trap more and more moisture, ultimately causing water damage to the roof. This, in turn, can lead to wood rot and eventual leaks.

By simply removing the moss and algae as soon as you notice them, or hiring a professional to do it, you will save yourself from a lot of unnecessary stress in the future.

Final Thought

Being prepared and staying ahead of issues is the best way to save yourself from potential risks and unnecessary stress. Even though summer roofing issues may not seem very serious at first, they can quickly develop into costly and complex roof damages.

By inspecting your roof during summer and repairing any potential damages that the winter has left, you will have great peace of mind and will be properly prepared for the season(s) ahead of you.

Your reliable local residential roofing expert can help you keep your roof in great shape so don’t hesitate to call us for an inspection anytime.