Regardless of the time of year, the health of your roof is incredibly important; however, the intense sunlight that summer brings makes this even more critical.
Despite this, dealing with your roof can be a frightening concept, as working at such a height can be nerve-wracking for anyone without IPAF training in Newcastle and Los Angeles alike.
Similarly, it’s easy to ignore any issues that your roof may have, since it’s not in your eyeline, yet this doesn’t make them any less detrimental.
Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to make sure that your roof is prepared for what lies ahead. Follow the below steps to guarantee your roof is in tip-top condition.
Table of Contents
Insulation
Your insulation is among the easiest things to monitor when it comes to your roof’s health, as it sits within your attic, rather than your roof.
A poorly insulated roof will mean that it will be much more difficult to keep your home cool, which will also contribute to cooling costs.
If you find that your roof isn’t well-insulated, you should get in touch with a professional who’s capable of assessing and installing the necessary insulation.
It’s a good idea to get going with this as soon as possible so that you’re not left sweltering whilst you wait for the installation to be complete during the summer months.
HVAC Maintenance
Having your HVAC (or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) assessed ahead of summer is a great way to ensure your roof is summer ready.
For instance, clean air conditioning filters can inhibit condensation from making its way into your home.
If these filters aren’t clean, the excess moisture can result in roof damage, as well as the presence of mold.
Therefore, regular HVAC maintenance can rescue your roof from multiple issues, which are particularly prevalent during the summer months, when moisture in the air is rife.
You can clean or change the filters in your air conditioning with relative ease by yourself, so it’s a cheap and simple process.
In addition to cleaning or changing air filters, it’s important to seal any air leaks around your home. Air leaks can allow hot air into your home, making your HVAC system work harder. This can also put extra stress on your roof. These tips ensure that your HVAC system runs efficiently, thus protecting your roof during summer.
But aside from the tasks mentioned above, you may also have your HVAC system serviced by a qualified technician. They can identify any potential problems with your equipment and make repairs before they cause damage to your roof.
Check for Damaged or Missing Shingles
Changing temperatures can result in tiles and shingles coming loose, which leads to the innerworkings of your roof becoming exposed.
Once exposed, these inner layers fall under threat from nature’s elements, resulting in areas of leaks and moisture, which can lead to significant damage.
Something that you should also be looking out for is curled shingles, as this suggests that they have been damaged by moisture.
As a result, they lose their protective granules, contributing to their vulnerability against the elements.
Therefore, it’s always wise to contact a professional roofer for a roofing inspection ahead of changing seasons to avoid ongoing damage.
If you’re looking for an experienced roofer in your area, you can ask for word-of-mouth referrals from the people you trust. You can also visit credible websites and other online resources to learn more information.
Clean Roof Gutters
It’s no surprise that roof gutters are often full of dirt, leaves, and other debris; however, this can be detrimental to your roof’s health.
This is because your gutters are responsible for draining water away from your home and, when it’s allowed to pool on your roof, this can result in it seeping into the attic.
Summer storms aren’t uncommon across the globe, so ensure that your roof is prepared for what may lay ahead.
Functioning gutters are imperative, and you can help guarantee that they’re in the best stead possible.
When cleaning roof gutters, you can use tools like a gutter vacuum, a leaf blower, or a power washer. These tools can be effective methods of removing debris from gutters.
However, if you’re uncomfortable cleaning your gutters yourself, you can have a professional do it for you. This can help you do the job efficiently and safely.
Start a Roof Garden
Keeping your roof healthy is one thing, but making it pretty is another. Why not create your very own roof garden, ready for the summer?
In addition to contributing to the aesthetic of your home, this will also help cool your home and make a positive impact on the environment.
Before starting a roof garden, consider some essential factors. For example, you need to check with your building manager or engineer to get approval, choose the right location, and decide which type of garden you want to create.
Then, choose drought-tolerant plants, as rooftop gardens can dry out quickly. Prepare the soil and install the garden.
By taking these steps, you can have a beautiful roof garden ready for summer.
Is your roof ready for the summer?
