The summer months can be an especially challenging time for homeowners. This is because of two things. The first one involves the natural damages that extreme heat can cause on a roof, and the second regards the uncovering of damages caused during the wintertime. Fortunately, these damages can be contained before they become too severe. That, however, can only be accomplished by being proactive about the situation. The following includes four elements of your roof that are highly susceptible to damage during the summer season.
Flashing
Those who live within hot climates can tell you that extremely hot days often come with an intense thunderstorm the very next day. This is because when there is a lot of humidity in the air as well as high temperatures, moisture tends to build up, causing those strong summer thunderstorms. Unfortunately, this moisture is extremely damaging to your roof flashing. The flashing is a material placed around chimneys, past damages, and under your shingles that help to protect your roof from water. When this is compromised, then the rest of your roofing material is compromised to water damage and warping. As soon as you see any sign that your flashing is compromised, contact a roofing contractor to prevent the damage from spreading.
Roof Shingles/Tile
Your roof shingles are your first line of defense when it comes to keeping intense temperatures outside as well as protecting your home from damaging weather. However, homeowners are often unaware that roof shingles and tile are often the first things to be damaged during the summer season. The reason for that is due to the intense expansion and contraction of the material throughout the day caused by the extreme temperature changes. Although this happens throughout the year, it can be especially intense during the summer when the temperature during the day is drastically different from the temperature at night. Depending on your shingle material, this can cause curling and cracking. Shingles that have sustained this type of damage have to be replaced in order to preserve your roof’s waterproofing.
Roof Coating Damage
When materials are installed onto a roof, they are usually covered with a protective coating that extend the life of your shingles despite heavy weather wear. However, as it continues to be pounded by intense UV rays, the coating becomes brittle and dry, removing that protection. That coating is also important in maintaining the waterproof qualities of your roofing material, as bare shingles are prone to erosion. If there is any damage to your coating, it should be replaced immediately and the surrounding area should be professionally examined for further damage.
Color Fading
Most shingles that are attached to a home come painted dark brown or gray. This is purely cosmetic. However, during those long sunny days, the paint color may begin to cause discoloration throughout your roof. This does not affect your roof in terms of functionality, but it can severely damage the value of your home if you ever decide to place it in the market. While you can wait until that time to have this type of damage repaired, it can also serve as an indicator of areas on your roof that are facing the most wear and tear and need to be examined for more extensive damage.
The summer months are near, and homeowners must take proactive steps to ensure that their home roof is ready for the fight. It is highly recommended to take into consideration the information listed above, and by doing so you can save costs on repairs.
