Important Summer Roofing Tips to Keep in Mind

There is no doubt that summer is the best time of year for enjoying life to the fullest. Whether you want to lounge by a pool, head to the beach or just take it easy at home, the warmest months of the year are when having a great time comes easily.

Yet, this is also a season when you can take advantage of the good weather to sort out a few things around the house. For example, this is a terrific time for making sure that your roof is in perfect condition.

If it has been a long, cold winter or there have been a lot of storms, then there is a chance that your roof has suffered and now is in need of some care and attention in a variety of ways. We have listed a few of these below.

Clean Out Drains and Gutters

Heavy rain and high winds over the winter season can cause drains and gutters to get blocked by leaves, dirt, and other debris. If you have a tree that hangs over the house, then the leaves can land straight onto the roof during fall and cause blockages.

Summer is a good time to get up there and sort this out with a minimum of fuss. Not everyone is comfortable going up onto the roof themselves, of course, meaning that you may be happier getting in a roofing expert to get up and check this out for you.

If you are happy doing this on your own then you will want to use a good ladder that you can trust. Go up on the roof when you are relaxed and don’t rush to get the job done. The actual task shouldn’t take too long, but some time needs to be spend on getting prepared for it as you want to be safe.

Once the gutters and drains look to be clear you should pour some water into them to make sure that if flows away properly. If they are properly cleared then you can feel more confident about how your home will cope with heavy rain or snow later on in the year.

Check for Missing or Damaged Tiles

If it has been a harsh winter then the tiles on your roof may also have suffered some damage by the time summer arrives. Of course, loose, damaged or missing tiles might not become evident until the rains come along later in the year and you get leaks appearing in different places around your home.

By then it may be more difficult to fix anything that is damaged, so doing it in the good weather now makes perfect sense. In most cases, it is going to be necessary to get up on the roof to see whether everything is in order.

Fixing or replacing tiles is a relatively easy job for an expert but it can be fairly difficult if you haven’t ever done it before. Some people see it as being especially daunting due to the height factor and the safety precautions that need to be taken into account when working on a roof.

Clear Off Moss and Other Plants

The warm weather during the spring and summer months means that plants can grow quickly. Moss can be a particular problem if you let it grow extensively, as it can lead to the roof getting damaged by moisture and rot.

This is an annoying plant that loves to grow in damp, shady places and can very quickly cover a wide area if you let it run free.

The simplest way of getting rid of moss tends to be with a pressure washer. This gets rid of the moss quickly but getting up to the roof with washing equipment in the first place can be extremely tricky.

As a long-term solution, fitting copper or zinc strips to the roof can keep moss at bay.

Check for Obvious Signs of Damage

The cold, wet days of winter mean that we often run in and out of our homes without really paying too much attention to the little signs of damage that may be present. Therefore, summer is the perfect time for spending a few minutes checking if everything is in order.

Try taking a walk around the outside and inside of the house looking for signs of problems that need to be fixed. Are there signs of water damage on the walls or is the guttering leaking in places? Can you see mold or stains on the ceilings?

These are signs that some maintenance and repair work could be needed on your roof. You will need to get up there to carry out the work but you should be able to see if there is a problem from ground level in some cases.

Check That Sealants are Still Working Well

Roof sealants are typically used to carry out repairs to roofs or else to seal flat, felt roofs. This kind of sealant will last for a long time but it will stop working and will need to be replaced eventually.

If you have had a sealant used on your roof a few years ago then it may be time to see whether it is still doing its job effectively. It should last for 15 years or so, but adverse weather conditions can act to shorten its life.

If you can’t see any signs of damage, but are worried that your roof sealant may be failing, then soaking the roof with a hose can show you exactly what is happening with the area.

Conclusion

Working on your roof is something that it is definitely worth considering at this time of year. However, the last thing that you want to do is take any chances and you should always put your safety first.

Getting a professional in to sort out your roof is the smartest and safest way of making sure that it is ready in time for the rest of the year and you don’t have any unwanted surprises.