May 21, 2024
Summers in Reno bring warm weather, barbecues, and a whole lot of sun. But as you gear up for the season’s fun, have you considered what the intense heat is doing to your roof?
Constant exposure to sunlight and UV rays can cause your roofing materials to age faster, warp, or crack. You might even see your cooling bills soar as the heat sneaks in through unattended gaps.
As the weather continues to get hotter, there are a few things you can do to prepare your roof for the rest of the season. Here are some summer roof maintenance tips to keep your roof in good shape.
With temperatures in Reno often soaring into the triple digits, your roof is your first line of defense against the harsh seasonal extremes. Let's explore some vital summer roofing maintenance tasks to make sure your roof can handle the heat.
Start by giving your roof a good once-over. A visual inspection can reveal whether you’re in urgent need of roof repair in Reno.
Look for missing roof shingles, cracked flashing, other roof debris, or any subtle signs of wear and tear. Pay close attention to everything, even if it seems insignificant.
Next, inspect your roof for any signs of water intrusion. Apart from big, obvious leaks, check for any water stains or mold on your ceilings and attic. These can indicate that moisture is getting in where it shouldn’t.
When you've got clogged gutters - with leaves, sticks, and whatever else blows in - water can pool and seep under the shingles, damaging your roof’s structure. To prevent this, regularly check and clean your gutters to make sure nothing’s blocking them, especially after a big summer storm.
But don’t stop there.
Your roof can also gather a lot of debris, which can trap moisture against your roofing materials. Over time, the trapped moisture can lead to mold or rot and weaken your roof. If you take care of this in the summer months, you can help to prevent ice dams in the winter.
It’s important to give your roof a good cleaning to dispose of this gunk. For most homeowners with a ladder, this is a doable DIY task. However, if your roof is particularly steep or high up, it might be a smarter move to hire professional roofers in Carson City NV. They have the right tools and safety equipment to do the job risk-free.
Ventilation is vital year-round, but it’s non-negotiable during the hot summer months. In case you’ve noticed your energy bills creeping up, it might be a sign your attic’s vent pipes needs some attention. Consider getting expert roof repair services to check out your ventilation and make sure everything’s working properly.
Now, onto insulation. In summer, good insulation keeps the cool air in and hot air out, which, in turn, reins in your cooling costs. Inspect your attic’s insulation levels: ensure it’s up to snuff and evenly spread. If it looks thin or patchy, consider adding more.
When it comes to keeping your roof in great shape, you need to tackle a couple of pesky problems head-on: moss and algae growth.
Besides being eyesores, moss and algae can seriously compromise your roof’s structural integrity. Moss loves moisture and can cling to asphalt shingles, gradually breaking them down and impacting the boards below.
Algae might not be as thick, but it can leave behind ugly dark streaks that diminish your home’s curb appeal.
If you see any signs of moss or algae, it's best to deal with them quickly. You can use a gentle wash designed for roofs or even a mixture of bleach and water to get rid of them. Just be sure not to use too much pressure if you're spraying them off, as you could damage the shingles.
Don’t forget about the little repairs, either. Things like replacing damaged or missing shingles or sealing a small leak can seem minor, but addressing these issues right away can prevent bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
Now, if you’re leaning towards DIY summer roof maintenance, safety must be your top priority. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind.
Always wear non-slip footwear and use gloves to protect your hands. Safety goggles are a must if you’re using sprays or chemicals.
Make sure your ladder is secure. Always lean it on a flat surface, and ideally, have someone with you to hold it steady.
Never work on the roof in bad weather. Wet roofs are slippery, and high winds can make even the most stable person unsteady.
Keep your tools securely fastened in a tool belt and make sure you know how to use them properly. Accidents can happen when tools are mishandled.
All set to get your roof summer-ready? Here are a few more summer roofing repair tips to help prep your roof for the hot months ahead.
Trim off branches that hang close to your roof to prevent them from dropping leaves and debris. A quick pruning session can also keep these branches from scratching and banging against your roof during a summer storm.
Regular roof maintenance is crucial to make sure small issues don't turn into large, costly problems. The first step is to sign up for a professional roof inspection. While you can spot some issues with a DIY check, a professional roofing company brings expertise that’s hard to match. Expert roofers are trained to notice subtle signs of trouble and offer the right solutions to fix them - and prolong your roof's life span.
It’s smart to schedule professional roof inspections at least once a year. Not only do they catch small problems early on, but they can also provide official reports that come in handy for warranty claims or if you plan to sell your home.
And that wraps up our guide on summer roofing maintenance! Heat can be hard on your roof, and it’s up to you to keep it safe and sound. We hope this post will help you draft a solid summer roofing checklist that covers all your bases.
Need more summer roof maintenance tips? Reach out to the team at Mountain Vista Roof Systems! We specialize in asphalt shingle roofs, metal roofs, concrete/clay roofs, slate, flat roofs, and more.
Whether you need roof maintenance, roof repairs, or a complete roof replacement, we can help your roof battle the blazing sun this summer. Call us today!
