Practical Ways to Prepare Your Roof for the Summer

Practical Ways to Prepare Your Roof for the Summer

The following contribution is from another author.

The significant effect of the winter months on your home and its interior can leave you craving for the summer. However, a study has revealed the extreme effect of heat on millions of Americans. No matter the weather, your roofing plays a critical role by shielding you and making your home safer for your family. As a result, it is crucial to take practical steps to ensure your home is summer-ready. Here are a few best ways to prepare your roof for the summer. 

Check for missing shingles

Changing temperatures over the winter and spring months can cause your roof’s tiles and shingles to loosen and expose your roof underlayer to the natural element. This can leave your home exposed to water damage which is not something to take lightly since mildew and mold growth can be tough to tackle when they take hold. It’s critical to address any damaged shingles or tiles as soon as possible to avoid irreversible damage. You can DIY this job if you are comfortable climbing up the ladder and have the expertise.

Clear your gutters and drains

Your gutters collect stormwater, channel it down to the ground and ensure adequate drainage. So it deserves some attention, especially ahead of the summer months. The last thing you need is your gutters getting clogged, loose or leaky. Ensure to regularly inspect your gutters to catch any little issues before they turn into full-fledged problems. Your drains may overflow during rainstorms when your gutters are clogged, affecting the home’s foundation. So take care of any extra debris or leaves in your gutters to allow easy water flow. 

Remove outdoor hazards 

Several outdoor hazards can affect your roof and the comfort of its interior. For example, overhanging branches risk falling on your roof, so you want to remove them. These outdoor hazards won’t only cost you expensive repairs but also allow common summer pests such as mice, bees, squirrels, and others into your home. The twigs, leaves, and branches can also block your gutters. The standing water can damage the surface and cause your structure to rot. Some roofs are designed to reflect the sun’s rays and keep your home cool which relieves some pressure off your HVAC system to be energy efficient during the summer heat

Get an inspection 

A professional roofing inspection is one of the best preventative maintenance measures you can invest in for your roof. And this is more particular when your roofing is old. Spring is an excellent season to schedule roofing inspections, and a professional roofing specialist can help prepare your roofing for the coming months. You should perform professional roof inspections at least twice a year. The roofing specialist should be able to determine what kind of repair your roof needs for the oncoming summer heat. Likewise, you can visit sites like vlbuildersmn.com to improve your roofing and enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle. 

Protecting your home and family is vital, and the tips mentioned above can allow you to protect them and your most significant investment from the natural elements and extend your roof’s lifespan.

Author

Eric is the creator of At Home in the Future and has been a passionate fan of the future since he was seven. He's a web developer by trade, and serves as the Director of Communication and Technology for a large church in Nashville, TN (where he and his family are building a high tech home in the woods).