4 Summer Roofing Woes You Can Avoid

Many homeowners think that winter weather wreaks havoc on their roofs. They must deal with freezing gutters, ice dams, broken tree limbs, or heavy snow. What many people do not consider is the damage that hot summer weather poses to their roofs. Before temperatures climb, look for and deal with a few summer roofing challenges. These issues could impact many other areas of your home if not addressed. 

1. Poor Ventilation

If you have an older roof, one of the first things to ensure is whether or not your roof has proper ventilation. Proper ventilation conducts airflow through your attic and reduces heat buildup that can transfer into your home.

A conventional roof can reach 150 degrees or more on a hot summer afternoon. If you do not have proper ventilation, this heat becomes trapped in your attic and pushes down into your home. This hot air raises the temperature inside your home, making your cooling system work harder. 

Proper ventilation and airflow will do much more. Ventilation will also prevent potential condensation, mold, mildew, and rot. These elements can become factors when the warm damp air of your home rises, and if it encounters the cool underside of your roof, it results in condensation.

The damp condensation is conducive to the biological formation of mold and mildew. The construction of mold, mildew, and rot, along with extremely hot attics, can also cause damage to your wood rafters, underlayment, and other roofing materials. 

2. Damaged Shingles

Summer sun and heat are some of your roof's greatest enemies. Over time, the sun's ultraviolet rays can wreak havoc on your shingles. While the manufacturers of roofing materials have designed them to withstand the heat, damage and deterioration can still occur from the sun's intense UV rays. 

Curled, cracked, or missing shingles on your roof cannot protect the integrity of your home. Damaged or missing shingles can cause your roof to leak, causing excessive moisture to your upper floors or attic. The water will not only damage these spaces but has the potential to damage your walls and ceilings below. If there is significant moisture, you may face structural damage. 

Missing shingles also impact your home's curb appeal and affects your property's value. A poorly maintained roof will turn off potential buyers before they enter your home. Some potential buyers will view a damaged roof as an expensive repair they may want to avoid acquiring. 

3. Encroaching Limbs

As summer brings growth to your tree limbs and the leaves on the trees, look for limbs that grow near your roof. Not only do you risk these limbs breaking and potentially damaging your home during a summer storm, but even healthy limbs blowing in the wind can damage your shingles or roof. 

Although tree trimming can cost an average of $460 and depends on how much or how little needs trimming, it is worth it. The cost is much less than repairing your damaged roof.

4. Clogged Drainage Systems

Another system that can significantly impact your roof is the drainage system that moves the moisture from the top of your home to the ground. Gutters in your home are more important than you think. They are instrumental in preventing damage to your home.

Heavy rains can cause water to back up under your eaves and roofing materials if anything blocks your gutters or downspouts. For example, summer storms may blow tree leaves and debris into your gutter system.

Your gutters and downspouts also draw water from your home's foundation. This function can keep water from accumulating under your house or entering your basement.

Clean your gutters before and after summer. Consider adding gutter guards to reduce the debris your gutters accumulate and help keep them functioning correctly.

A professional inspection is one of the best ways to ensure your roof is up to par to deal with the summer heat. DeShazo & Son Roofing Inc. has performed these inspections and roofing work for over 60 years. We will gladly come out and ensure your roof doesn't cause any summertime woes. Give us a call today for an appointment.