Summer is fast approaching, and while we all love the glorious sunshine, homeowners throughout Oregon must take responsibility. Knowing how to prepare your roof for summer is one of the most important ingredients in the recipe.
While Deschutes Roofing can provide extensive professional roof repair services, the following tips should help get your roof in great shape for summer.
Clean the roof and supporting items
When you look to prepare your roof for summer, it’s not only about the tiles and shingles. You must ensure that all gutters and downspouts have been cleared of leaves, blockages, or debris. Even if the rainfall isn’t as frequent, moisture damage can continue to affect the roof’s health and performance during the summer.
Moss growth is another issue you need to consider, as it can get under the roof tiles and shingles. Whether taking the DIY or professional route, clearing it all will be key.
Prepare your roof tiles for the summer heat
When researching how summer affects your roof, you will notice that exposure to humid conditions, UV rays, and extreme heat can be very damaging. The materials will expand and contract, which can compromise the structural integrity. Shading can be a good move, although you must avoid having large trees near the roof, as they could fall.
Adding insulation is another wise move, which will also help you in the summertime. Likewise, you should focus on attic ventilation to help the roof stay a little cooler during the warmer months.
Replace damaged tiles or shingles
If your roof has a few chipped tiles or damaged shingles, you might be tempted to resist fixing them. After all, all roof structures encounter wear and tear. Sadly, untreated damage will only escalate, which subsequently causes even greater problems down the line as you’ll need to complete a huge restoration. You should also check that birds have not dislodged tiles.
The summer months are also the best time for repairs because moisture levels are down, and fewer emergency repairs are needed. As such, you should avoid unwanted delays.
Check the roof flashing
Inspecting the flashing is one of the most essential and commonly overlooked aspects of preparing your roof for summer. Whether it’s an aluminum or plastic product doesn’t matter, you must confirm that it is correctly sealed. Otherwise, moisture can enter the home. It will cause significant problems during the summer months, and become even worse when winter arrives.
If the flashing is cracked, you may be able to replace it yourself. Alternatively, you can hire an expert to take care of the assignment on your behalf.
Get a professional roof inspection
If you are still concerned that your roof is still showing signs of damage caused by storm season or general wear and tear, a professional inspection could be the answer. Aside from identifying any issues that require a repair, our friendly experts can complete the necessary restorations in a fast and affordable fashion to put your mind at ease.
