Homeowners know how important their roof is for protecting their structures from the elements. Beyond safety and comfort, a healthy roof maintains a property’s structural integrity. However, it is also a fact that your roof deteriorates over time, which can lead to various problems. This is especially true in the summer, as your roof has to deal with storms, intense UV rays, and extreme heat. And as we enter July, the hottest month, you must pay more attention to your roof.
The blazing heat can cause havoc on your roof by hastening the aging process of the roofing material. It can also substantially damage Atlanta’s two most frequent roof types: asphalt shingles and metal roofs. The combination of heat, sun damage, rain, and moisture can all impact your roof.
So, as a homeowner, you can keep track of roofing problems that harm your roof. Accordingly, you can take steps to help your roof withstand the heat and last for years. Hiring local roofing contractors to do a complete roof inspection may be best. This can give you peace of mind about whether or not your roof can withstand the summer or coming years.
How Does Summer Affect The Roof Of Your Home?
Heat Damage
The hot and humid summer can expose your roof to many potential issues. High temperatures in Atlanta can cause your shingles roof to warp or crack, which may affect its efficiency. These are surefire signs of heat damage if you see any missing, curling, or blistering shingles. In addition, the intense UV rays of the sun can lead shingles to discoloration. The combination of water and heat can cause rust to metal shingles. It is best to conduct a Roof Inspection In Atlanta to reduce the potential risk heat can cause. Furthermore, you can ensure sufficient attic ventilation to prevent thermal stress on the roof.
Roof Leaks
Water damage can hurt your roof unexpectedly during the hot months of summer. After a heavy rainfall or storm, checking your roof for any signs of leak or water damage becomes essential. When you don’t check the roof for leaks, they can threaten the safety and integrity of your roof and home. This is why you should check for signs of water damage such as peeling paint, damp spots, or stains on ceilings or walls. If you don’t address and fix them on time, they will allow mold and other problems to expand. Since you know your roof can develop such problems, you should prepare beforehand. For example, you can keep your downspouts and gutters clean for optimal water drainage. You can also fix any cracks and gaps in the roof structure. However, if you can’t identify the issues alone, hiring local roofing contractors may be better.
Poor Ventilation
Inadequate attic ventilation is another problem you have to deal with in summer. Due to poor attic ventilation, it will lead to heat buildup. Consequently, it can compromise the comfort and durability of your home. Due to the lack of proper airflow, heat buildup can damage roofing materials, leading to energy bills. The shingles can deteriorate quickly. You should ensure adequate ventilation by installing the right fans and vents. Even with this minor step, you can help regulate the temperature and reduce moisture buildup. The easiest thing you can do here is to check and ensure that your vents don’t have any debris. For this particular problem as well, you can prefer a professional roof inspection.
Storm Damage
Hurricanes, hailstorms, and thunderstorms can cause different types of damage to your roof. They can pose a threat to the durability and integrity of a roof. When high winds strike, they can leave the underlying structure of a roof vulnerable to water infiltration and other severe problems. Hail is another major problem that can lead to punctures, cracks, and dents in your roofing materials. Of course, you can get a roof inspection in Atlanta after such weather events to assess any damage that occurred as quickly as possible. However, to ensure long-term peace of mind, consider choosing roofing materials that withstand hail and storm impact.
Blocked downspouts and gutters
Heavy rainfall with debris can block your gutters and downspouts, preventing proper water drainage from the roof. The clogged gutters can cause water to pool on the roof, which may seep under shingles. As a result, this will lead to structural decay, mold growth, and further water damage. You must clean gutters and downspouts to improve water drainage during rainfalls. Apart from cleaning, you may prefer using gutter guards to help ward off debris. The guards can be the best option to prevent twigs, leaves, and other wastes from blocking water flow.
Also Read: What Should You Expect During A Roof Inspection in Atlanta?
Moss and algae growth
Moss and algae growth is another problem that can frustrate you -especially in summer. The humid and warm climate during these months can be ideal or almost fertile ground for these organisms. To make things worse, occasional rain showers can also provide moisture to moss and algae. All these factors collectively make it easy for organisms to grow and thrive. These issues can hurt the aesthetic appeal of your structure while causing severe damage to roofing materials. Did you know algae and moss can trap moisture against your roof? This will allow them to speed up the deterioration of tiles and shingles on your roof.
Moreover, moss is known to lift and penetrate shingles, which reduces their effectiveness. Fortunately, there are specific preventive measures that you can take to combat algae and moss growth. In addition to cleaning your roof, you should also trim overhanging tree branches.
Things You Can Do To Minimize The Summer Roof Damage
While all these factors can affect the performance and lifespan of your roof, there are things you can do to keep it safe. By proactively monitoring it, you can ensure summer won’t hurt it.
Scheduling a pre-summer roof inspection can be a good idea to check for any existing issues your roof may have. Furthermore, you can double-check the attic ventilation to avoid heat accumulation in the summer. Another easy but effective approach to clear blocked gutters and downspouts is to clean them regularly. Finally, you can employ Local Roofing Contractors in Atlanta right before summer arrives. This will assure you that everything with your roof is fine or in better condition.
When defending your property, you must ensure that your roof is in good functioning, whether in summer or spring. Outdoor Makeover Roof & Exteriors is one of Atlanta’s premier roofing contractors, offering thorough roof inspections and repairs. They offer professional roofing solutions for your peace of mind with the proper insurance coverage, including workman’s compensation and a general contractor’s license for decks, porches, and roofs. Refer to their website to get a complimentary roof inspection today!