3 Roofing Maintenance Tips for the Summer
Summer is finally here and will surely bring the typically harsh weather conditions associated with the season along with it. The scorching heat, high humidity levels, and unrelenting thunderstorms will wreak havoc on your roof all summer long. While you can’t prevent or change the weather, there are some steps you can take to make sure your roof is in fighting shape and ready for the challenges the elements have in store for it.
The following list of maintenance tips are all things you can do completely on your own and safely from the ground. If you discover a problem that requires maintenance, call the professionals at Dowell Roofing and schedule a professional inspection.
General Roof Inspection
Grab some binoculars, take a walk around your home and give your roof a general inspection. Keep an eye out for missing or damaged shingles, any variety of fungal growth, or collections of debris of any kind that may have gathered in valleys. Also be sure to inspect the state of the flashings around your chimney, vents, skylights, or any type of roof structures. Heavy wind and rain can cause flashings to become loose over time.
Eaves Inspection
These overhanging areas of the roof are notorious for collecting all sorts of unwanted debris. The shady areas under the eaves are the perfect spots for trapped moisture to evolve into mold and mildew. The shade protects growing mold from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which would usually prevent mold growth, and allow mold and mildew to thrive. Be extra careful when inspecting this area, as wasps and other stinging insects are known to build nests in these areas.
Gutter Inspection
Gutters seem to never be clean, so you can always count on having something to empty out of your gutters and downspouts. This time of year you should expect to find a good amount of flower blossoms, small branches, and large collections of twigs and seeds. Always remember to test your gutters and downspouts with a garden hose after cleaning them. This will not only show that they are completely clear of debris, but will also point out any leaks that would require tending.
Follow these tips to see if your roof is up to the daunting challenge of the harsh summer weather. Remember to contact Dowell Roofing in for any of your Middle Tennessee roofing needs!
