People often worry about their roof in the winter, when heavy snow and ice can cause immense damage, but summer roof damage can be just as devastating as winter damage, if not worse. With the summer winding down, it’s important to get your roof checked before those cold temperatures start to set in. The experts at Vertex Roofing Contractors can help ensure your roof is winter ready!
5 Causes of Summer Roof Damage
Sun Damage / Heat
Your roof is sensitive to UV rays and strong heat during the summer. These factors can wear down roof materials over time. Sun damage and heat can result in warping, buckling, and cracking. If your shingles become unstable, this could cause leaks which could lead to issues with water damage and moisture. Damaged shingles can also leave untreated wood underneath more vulnerable, leading to rot and deterioration.
Extreme heat also causes the roof to expand and contract, and can dry out tar paper under the shingles, which is one of the last lines of defense to protect your home. In addition, roofs that are damaged due to the sun and heat can make your energy bill rise.
Strong Winds
Strong winds can cause all sorts of debris to land on and damage your roof. They can also cause damage to shingles even without debris in the equation. Shingles can blow off or loosen in strong winds, which can cause leaks and other damage. High winds can also worsen existing problems with your roof, causing the rate of deterioration to quicken.
Severe Storms
Along with strong winds, hail and rain due to storms can also be damaging to your roof. A combination of these three can also cause many different types of debris to land on your roof, which is a problem in and of itself. Heavy rainfall can cause water to collect on your roof, putting a heavy burden on the structure. Hail can damage shingles to the point that they need repaired or replaced; they can develop cracks, holes, or completely get knocked off.
Moisture
One of the biggest problems with roofs is that no matter what the damage may be, water and moisture can enter the home, which can cause mold, mildew, and rotten wood. This is why it is so important to repair roof damage as soon as possible. Water damage can wreak havoc on a roof; even a small leak in a roof could result in thousands of dollars of damage after a heavy downpour. In addition, if algae or moss forms on your roof, moisture can be trapped underneath, causing slow deterioration.
Debris
Sometimes, damage from debris is extremely obvious, such as when a tree branch falls on your roof. Small and large debris can damage the structural integrity of your roof. Debris can cause damage in other ways though that may not be so obvious. For example, debris and water from heavy rains can clog your gutters, which in turn causes damage to the roof. This could even cause your gutters to fall off.
Preventative Roof Maintenance
There are many things you can do to prevent damage to your roof.
- Proper ventilation can help lessen the impact of heat on the roof.
- Routine ceiling and attic checks for moisture can help you spot a small problem before it becomes a huge issue.
- Highly reflective roof coatings act as a sunscreen for roofs that can protect your roof for 10 years.
- Checking for shingles or pieces of shingles after heavy winds and damaging storms can alert you to potential issues.
- Trimming tree branches that are near your roof can prevent branches from falling on your home.
- Home inspections after storms can help you have peace of mind that your roof survived the storm.
Attempting to do roof work on your own can be dangerous, and can potentially cause more problems than it solves. It’s important to take safety precautions while on your roof, and to leave any maintenance or repairs up to professionals.
Roof Repairs from Vertex Roofing Contractors
The experts at Vertex Roofing Contractors can help you with all of your roofing needs. We offer many roofing services, such as repairs, inspections, and replacements. If your roof has been damaged due to summer conditions, give us a call at 801-639-0477 or contact us here to schedule a free inspection. Even if there is no obvious damage, we can also check your roof to make sure it is ready for the severe winter weather before the cold sets in.
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