Summer Roofing Problems You are Likely to See

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Summer roofing problems you are likely to see from Republic Roofing. People tend to ignore their roofs until they have a problem that requires immediate attention. Humidity, strong sunlight, storms, and various pests can cause roofs to suffer damage during the summer months. Summer roofing problems can best be solved by understanding how they develop and taking preventative measures.

Summer-Roofing-Problems-You-are-Likely-to-See

Some summer roof problems can be remedied by you on your own, but in other cases, professional roofers will need to inspect and repair your roof. The top roofing problems to watch out for in the summer will help you know how to protect your roof.

1. Sun Damage

A warm summer day is great for spending time outside, but too much sun damage can also affect your roof. Summer sun exposure can cause your roof to fade and deteriorate, as well as damage the adhesives that hold it together. In the same way that UV light damages your skin, strong ultraviolet (UV) light can seriously damage the materials in your roof, including plastics, wood, and asphalt shingles. During the summer, UV light from the sun is less affected by the atmosphere and can cause damage even on cloudy days.

2. High Humidity and Moisture

Another major cause of roof problems during summer is hot, humid weather, which is worsened by poor attic ventilation. If your roof is not ventilated properly during high humidity, moisture can quickly accumulate, deteriorating the materials and causing rot. If your roof has parts made of wood, they will easily absorb moisture, sustain swelling and shrinkage damage, and start to rot. Excessive moisture in your roof can cause structural damage and leaks over time. 

3. Heat Damage

When your roof is not shaded by trees and other buildings, the sun and heat can cause damage. During the day, dark asphalt shingles will absorb a great deal of heat, leading to rapid expansion and contraction as the temperature drops. As a result, your roof may become compromised.

Heat can also damage other materials. Metal parts may warp, causing a gap to form on your roof. You may be vulnerable to water damage during summer rainstorms if the flashing on your roof melts or cracks, protecting joints and chimneys. High temperatures can cause serious damage to your roof during days of high heat.

4. Water Damage

Summer rains can quickly worsen roofing damage caused by water damage. Roof shingles damaged by breaking, cracking, warping, or falling off can leak over time. Consider hiring a professional to assess your roof for cracks and weak spots to minimize the risk of water damage. It might be necessary to hire a professional to install a waterproof layer.

There are many ways debris on your roof can cause water damage, including branches, leaves, and other forms of debris. If debris builds up in your gutter or on your low roof, it can trap moisture that will wear down your home over time. 

5. Storm Damage

Storms during the summer can damage your roof in many ways. After each storm, you should check your roof for damage. Strong winds can damage shingles or damage your roof altogether. The wind can also blow tree branches and other debris onto your roof, damaging it. 

  • Make sure your roof is not leaking into your home.
  • Be sure your gutters aren’t clogged, as weighed-down gutters can break off during a storm.
  • You should check nearby trees for large branches that could fall during strong winds and damage your roof.

6. Moss and Algae Growth

Algae and moss often grow together in moist environments. Although moss or algae in small amounts won’t harm a roof, large amounts may trap excessive moisture and deteriorate the wooden materials. No matter what type of roof you have, moss growth may lift the shingles and cause more water damage. The spores of moss spread through the air and land on your roof in wet weather, where they begin to grow. When it is on your roof for a long time, it becomes harder to remove, so get rid of it as soon as possible.

With a pressure washer, you can remove moss from your roof, but you may want to consult a roofing professional – improper pressure-washing could damage your shingles. 

7. Pest Problems

Roof damage and expensive repairs can be caused by many types of insect and rodent pests. During the summer, most of these pests are at their most active, and if you haven’t inspected your roof and taken precautions, they can establish a home on your roof. Some of the most common pests include:

  • Rats
  • Bats
  • Squirrels
  • Termites
  • Mosquitoes
  • Bees
  • Hornets

For more information, contact Republic Roofing in Collierville, Bartlett, Germantown, Memphis, and Lakeland, TN at 901-437-5278.