Summer is a great time to maintain your roof. The first step for roof maintenance is inspecting the roof and attic to identify any issues. Next, you can clean the roof and trim back branches. Part of maintenance is removing roof moss and taking preventive measures to keep it from coming back.
It’s important to maintain your roof throughout the year, but summer is the best season for doing maintenance. There are many things to look for when checking for problems in a roof, so it’s best to have a professional roofing company perform an inspection for you. Equity Roofing and Exteriors performs thorough roof inspections so that we can do proper maintenance.
With temperatures this high, your roof is under a lot of stress. Since Washington gets so much rain, summer’s dry weather is the perfect time to maintain your roof and keep it healthy. Maintaining your roof and addressing issues early on is important so that they don’t worsen and lead to serious concerns like a sagging roof deck. Roof maintenance is especially important in the Pacific Northwest because of our moist climate and harsh weather.
Inspect Your Roof
The first step in summer roof maintenance is to have an expert inspect your roof. Otherwise, how will you know what needs fixing? An inspection includes checking the roof for signs of shingle or flashing damage. Summer storms and UV rays can damage your roof. Damage can look like missing, curling, or cracked shingles, or shingles missing their granules. Flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and roof seams may be damaged if it is rusty or there are gaps.
In shaded areas of the roof, the roofer will look for moss or algae, which can trap moisture and damage the roof. Detecting problems early and fixing them helps prevent the damage from worsening. An inspection may also check whether heat and moisture are getting trapped in the attic, which can mean poor ventilation. Signs include musty odors or visible mold or staining.
Trim Back Branches and Clean Up Organic Debris
Trees are a blessing in the summer, providing shade for your yard and house. However, overhanging branches can scratch your roof or even break off and fall onto it. Branches also drop needles, leaves, pinecones, and/or seeds that can clog your gutters and stop them from draining correctly. As a preventative measure this summer, you can trim tree branches away from your roof so they don’t cause damage. You can also have your roof cleared of debris to keep moisture from building up.
Moss Management
If you notice moss starting to build up on your roof, don’t just leave it there. You also shouldn’t try to pressure wash it off yourself, because this can damage your shingles and remove the protective granules. A roofer can gently remove the moss so that it doesn’t cause damage. You can also prevent moss from coming back by installing zinc or copper strips to keep the roof clean. You can also apply treatments once or twice a year to keep moss from growing back.
Maintenance For Energy Efficiency
Your home’s roof plays an important role in heating and cooling, especially in Washington, where we have a wide range of weather and temperatures. Maintaining your roof can help you save on energy bills. Properly sealing the attic helps it retain heat in winter and keep your house cool in summer. Maintaining the attic vents can also help regulate moisture and temperature to keep your home safe.
Summer is the best time to conduct roof maintenance because there’s less rain. It’s the perfect time to repair your roof before the rainy autumn season starts. A professional roofer can ensure nothing is missed. Have Equity Roofing and Exteriors inspect your roof and make repairs to help it last longer. Don’t neglect maintenance this summer!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some common issues that can happen to roofs in the Pacific Northwest?
Common roof problems include damaged or missing shingles, loose flashing, clogged gutters, moss growth, leaks, and poor ventilation. Any of these problems can lead to more serious issues, so it’s vital to fix them as soon as you notice them.
2. How often should I have a roof inspection done?
In the Pacific Northwest, roof inspections are recommended once a year or after a heavy storm. If you notice your roof is leaking or looks damaged, schedule an inspection as soon as you can.
3. What should I look for in a roofing company?
Make sure the roofing company you choose is licensed, certified, and experienced. Check their reviews and see what previous customers are saying, and ask to see the company’s documentation.
4. How can roof maintenance help with insurance claims?
If you maintain your roof and keep the documentation, it can show that any damage wasn’t caused by neglect on your (the homeowner’s) part. It’s a smart idea to keep roof inspection reports and photos, just in case you need them.
5. Why are roof inspections important after a storm?
Summer storms can be serious, with heavy rain and wind that can cause branches to fall and take a toll on your roof. After a storm, check your roof for loose gutters, missing shingles, and bent flashing.
6. Can moss damage an asphalt shingle roof?
Yes. Moss can hold moisture against the roof and grow around or beneath shingle edges. Over time, this can interfere with the roof’s ability to shed water properly and contribute to shingle deterioration. Addressing moss early can help protect the roofing system.
7. Should gutters be cleaned as part of summer roof maintenance?
Yes. Gutters and downspouts help move rainwater away from the roof and home. Leaves, needles, and other debris can restrict drainage, so keeping gutters clear is an important part of maintaining the entire roofing system before Washington’s wetter seasons return.
8. How does attic ventilation affect my roof?
Proper attic ventilation helps manage heat and moisture beneath the roof. Excess moisture can contribute to condensation, staining, mold, and deterioration of roofing components, while excessive attic heat can make it harder to keep the home comfortable during warm weather.
9. When should roof maintenance lead to a roof replacement?
Maintenance can address many smaller roofing concerns, but widespread deterioration, recurring leaks, significant granule loss, soft or sagging areas, or an aging roofing system may indicate it’s time to consider a roof replacement. A professional roof inspection can help determine the roof’s condition and the appropriate next step.
10. Can summer roof maintenance help prepare my home for fall and winter?
Yes. Summer provides an opportunity to identify damaged shingles, flashing problems, moss, debris, drainage issues, and attic concerns before Washington’s wetter fall and winter weather arrives. Addressing these concerns early can help the roof enter the rainy season in better condition.
