PROTECTING YOUR ROOF FROM HEAT DAMAGE DURING SUMMER

14 Aug PROTECTING YOUR ROOF FROM HEAT DAMAGE DURING SUMMER

As the temperature begins to rise in the summer, there are a few things homeowners should know about their homes and how to properly protecting their roof.

Did you know the hot sun can cause damage to your existing roof?

The good news is there are things under your control you can do to keep your roof healthy and in shape.

Here are some tips on how to take care of your roof this summer.

The Most Important Roofing Tip – Take Care of Your Attic

Usually, homeowners tend to ignore the attic since it’s not always in front of them. However, your attic is a very important aspect of keeping your home cool during the summer months.

A hot attic not properly insulated can cause your air-conditioning costs to rise dramatically. A very hot attic can cause damage to your roof and shingles.

Here are a few tips for taking care of your attic:

1. Inspect the exhaust fans from your kitchen and bathrooms. If those are improperly installed, they can cause moisture buildup in your attic and ultimately result in costly repairs.
2. Make sure the exhaust fans or vent turbines that you might have installed within your attic are working well and are vented properly.
3. Make sure the drains and gutters on the roof are clean and free of debris. This will help prevent an overflow resulting in water damage during a storm.
4. Make sure you check the attic and the roof for small signs of damage and note them. Small spots can turn into large repairs if not monitored and corrected.

Check for Roof Damage

Each roof is different and proper maintenance depends on such issues as the type of roofing materials, the age of the roof and past maintenance.

For a roof with shingles, check for broken, warped and missing shingles. These indications are signs of a damaged roof. It should be easy using a ladder and slip-resistant shoes to check all areas of your roof. If possible, clean up any debris buildup if you are confident you can do it yourself. Although we do not recommend this if you aren’t experienced.

At HonestRoof.com, have both the expertise and experience in roof inspections. If you need your roof inspected, we offer a free service for DFW area homeowners. Just let us know and we can inspect your roof FREE OF CHARGE! No strings attached!

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

If the gutters and drains attached to your roof are clogged, rain could back up causing seepage of water under the edge of your roof and damage.

You need to keep your gutters and downspouts clean of all sticks; dirt and debris to make sure water can flow freely. When cleaning your gutters, make sure that they are firmly secured to your home and that they are free of any cracks. If your gutters are steel and rusted, we recommend that you replace them.

If you do not have the necessary skills or tools for cleaning or maintaining your gutters, hire a professional. You can find many professionals if you just look for them near you. Keeping gutters repaired is not very expensive compared to the roof and attic damage they can cause.

Check Your Home’s Overall Ventilation

The main culprit for heat related damage is the way your home’s overall ventilation is working. Your home’s ventilation plays an important role in protecting your roof in the long run.

Evaluating your home’s electricity bills over the last few months (especially summer time) and comparing them to the bills you paid during the similar period during prior years should help you know whether your ventilation is working well. If your AC is working harder this year compared to the last for cooling your home during summer, find out why.

If the bills are significantly higher in spite of the lack of changes in your lifestyle, it’s a good idea to call in a professional to assess your home’s ventilation. This may help save you some headaches with your roofing problems.

Trim Your Foliage

If your home has a great deal of overhanging foliage and trees, now is the time to start taking a look at what should stay and what needs to be trimmed.

That large oak tree that overhangs your home might look nice and give your home some character but those branches could spell disaster if one were to come down on top of your roof in the middle of a storm. Take the time now to inspect the trees on your property, especially around your building and take care of those risky branches.

These are some helpful tips for summer and if you live in the DFW area and need any advice or a roof inspection, we are available 24/7 at your service. Pickup your phone and let us know or send us an email.