With summer officially here, most of us in the Jacksonville area are aware that our houses will be a shooting gallery for the next few months while we await the end of hurricane season. While storms are definitely the most serious threat to our houses, most homeowners neglect the fact that a number of other issues, particularly when it comes to your roof, can cause serious damage to your home in the coming months. While many homeowners feel that their roofs will be fine as long as there are no stray storms, the truth is that there are a number of other factors that combine to make the summer months extremely challenging for your home’s roof.
Due to the scorching heat, harsh sunlight, high winds, and pounding rain, your roof takes a beating throughout the summer, so there are a few things you should check before we go too deep into the season and it’s too late. This brief list has been compiled by our team of experienced specialists to assist you in keeping your roof in the best possible condition over the following several months. It outlines a number of important steps you can take right now to prepare your roof for the summer heat.
It’s Time To Clean Your Gutters
Despite common opinion, gutters play a crucial role in the maintenance of your home, contributing in the protection of your roof, but they can only do so if they are free of debris. During the summer, the majority of the debris and filth that ends up in your gutters falls. Twigs, dust, tiny rocks, leaves, and any branches or storm debris that could be carried there by the wind are all examples of this. All of these variables combine to make your gutters less effective, which could cause severe issues if a hurricane or significant downpour passes through the area. Water may pool on your roof and leak into your attic if your gutters are blocked, or the weight of the water in your gutters may push them to pull away from your house, causing serious damage. Now is the time to climb up there and clean out your gutters, or you can always pay a professional to do it for you if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.
On Your Roof, Look For Missing Shingles Or Tiles.
Changing temperatures in the winter and spring can loosen your roof’s tiles and shingles, exposing your roofing’s vulnerable underlayer to the elements. This is a significant issue because they are high-risk places for leaks, and as those of us who live in Florida know, water damage is a nightmare. Water damage can lead to a variety of issues, including the growth of mold and mildew, which can be extremely difficult to eradicate once it has taken root. While the weather is still warm, now is the time to climb up on your roof, or have someone else do it for you, and look for any areas where your roof’s shingles or tiles may have come away in recent months. If you uncover any of them, it is critical that you have them repaired as quickly as possible, or you may find yourself with water pouring into areas of your home where you do not want it.
Request An Inspection
A professional roofing inspection is one of the most important types of preventative maintenance you can provide your roof, especially if it’s over 20 years old. Summer is an ideal time to schedule these inspections since a residential roofing specialist will be able to assist you with all of the actions required to ensure that your roof is ready to endure the coming months while remaining in outstanding condition. Get in touch with Roof Solar today to learn more!
