Summer roof maintenance is essential to extend the lifespan of your roof. The warm months can be tough on your roof, but with proper roof maintenance, you can avoid expensive repairs down the road. In this guide, we’ll explore how the summer sun impacts your roof and provide a handy summer roof maintenance checklist. By tackling the items on this list, you’ll keep your roof in excellent condition for years to come. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind all summer long knowing your roof will withstand the elements.
How the Summer Sun Impacts Your Roof
Constant exposure to UV rays can make roofing materials crack, fade, and weaken. The high temperatures can also cause roofing materials to expand and contract, which might result in warping or buckling. Warping is when shingles bend or twist out of shape, and buckling is when they ripple or form raised edges.
These issues can lead to several problems, such as leaks, reduced lifespan, decreased energy efficiency, and even structural damage. So, knowing how the summer sun affects your roof highlights why roof maintenance is so important.
Summer Roof Maintenance Checklist
To keep your roof in good condition, we created a summer roof maintenance checklist. Our goal is to help you spot and fix problems before they become costly roof repairs. Here’s what you should do every summer:
- Inspect and Clean Gutters
- Remove leaves, twigs, and dirt.
- Check for rust or damage.
- Make sure gutters are securely attached to your house.
- Repair and Replace Damaged Shingles
- Look for cracked, curled, or missing shingles.
- Replace damaged shingles quickly.
- Check for granule loss, which indicates wear and tear.
- Check for Water Damage
- Inspect the attic and ceilings for water stains or leaks.
- Look for mold or mildew, which signal moisture problems.
- Ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
- Inspect Your Insulation
- Check if the insulation is intact and properly installed.
- Look for signs of moisture or pests.
- Ensure the insulation protects against heat.
- Take a Good Look at the Eaves
- Inspect the eaves for damage or wear.
- Clear out any debris or pests.
- Check for proper ventilation to avoid heat and moisture buildup.
- Trim Back Nearby Trees
- Trim branches that hang over the roof.
- Remove dead or weak branches that could fall during storms.
- Ensure there is enough clearance between trees and the roof to prevent mold growth.
Inspect and Clean Gutters
The first roof maintenance item on your checklist is inspecting and cleaning your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, compromising your roof’s structure. For that reason, you should regularly remove debris from your gutters. Be sure to check for rust or damage while gutter cleaning as well. Then, ensure your gutters are securely attached to your roof and water flows freely through them.
Repair and Replace Damaged Shingles
The second item on your checklist is repairing and replacing your damaged roofing shingles. Keep in mind that damaged shingles can get worse if not fixed quickly. So, every summer, inspect your roof for cracked, curled, or missing shingles and replace them as needed. Also, look for granule loss on shingles, as this indicates they might need replacing soon.
Check for Water Damage
Next on your checklist is looking for signs of water damage. First, inspect your attic and ceilings for water stains, leaks, and mold or mildew. Then, check for moss or algae on your roof, which can signal moisture issues. To prevent moisture buildup, and further damage if you find any, make sure your roof is well-ventilated. To check for proper ventilation, make sure your vents are clear and unobstructed. Your roof also shouldn’t have multiple forms of outtake (ridge vent, whirlybirds, box vents, gable vents), and should never have box vents or whirlybirds on more than one side of the house.
Inspect Your Insulation
The fourth roof maintenance item on your checklist is inspecting your insulation. Proper insulation is key for keeping your roof protected and your home comfortable in the summer heat. First, check the insulation around attic vents and access points and make sure it’s intact and properly installed. Then, look for any signs of moisture or pests. Poor or damaged insulation might look compressed, wet, moldy, or show signs of pest infestation, such as droppings or nests. You’ll also want to make sure the type of insulation used provides adequate protection against heat.
Take a Good Look at the Eaves
The following item on your checklist is looking at the eaves (the edges of the roof that extend beyond the walls of the house), which help protect your home from the elements. Use a ladder to inspect them closely for any signs of damage or wear, such as rot, cracks, or peeling paint. Also, make sure there’s no buildup of debris or holes made by pests. And again, make sure the vents are clear and unobstructed to avoid heat and moisture problems.
Trim Back Nearby Trees
The final item on your checklist for summer roof maintenance is trimming back nearby trees. Overhanging branches can damage residential roofs, especially during storms. So, trim back any branches that hang over the roof and remove dead or weak branches that could fall. Also, make sure there’s enough clearance between trees and your roof to prevent mold growth.