It is no surprise that the roof of your home can take a solid amount of abuse from the outside elements. The hot summer months are no exception. The heat, downpours, and wind that come with summertime may wreak havoc on an unprepared roof. The good news, there are a few easy things that you can do to help limit the amount of abuse your roof takes. Preparing your roof properly can help extend the lifespan of your roof and reduce the need for costly repairs in the fall.
Conduct an Annual Inspection on Your Roof
As a basic rule of proper roof maintenance, it is important to conduct a proper inspection annually. You will want to walk around your home from the ground level and look for any debris that could damage your roof. This includes overhanging limbs, overgrown shrubs, areas for water collection, and clogged gutters. Once you have completed your investigation from the ground, it is time to get on the roof and conduct an inspection for the same items. If you do not have a safe way to compose your examination from the roof, there are qualified professionals available that will help with your roof inspection.
Perform Proper Roof Maintenance
Regular roof maintenance is key to the longevity of the lifespan of your roof. It is critical to address any concerns that are present after completing your annual inspection. Gutters should be cleaned out and prepared for heavy rains during summer months. This is especially true for areas prone to hurricanes or heavy wet weather. Trees and shrubs should be trimmed back to help prepare for heavy rain, winds, and high heat. Clearing the area around your roof will help prevent tree limbs from falling and causing damage to your roof. Trimmed shrubs will prevent water collection and scraping that cause damage in inclement weather.
Review Skylights and Other Roof Access Areas
Heat and sun cause materials to break down over time. Common areas around access points like skylights have seals to help protect the inside of your home from severe weather. The seals will break down over time and allow weather or water to seep through. Reviewing and applying updated seals to skylights and other access points will help prevent this from happening. It is often best to employ a professional when addressing these items. Not all materials are the same, and it is important to make sure to address the issue properly.
Look into Roof Coating
If you are not at a point for a roof replacement, you may be interested in a roof coating. There are several options for roof coating that can extend the lifespan of your roof. Some roof coating options offer a reflective setup that can even help deflect heat and keep your roof and home cooler over the heat of the summer. The coating can also help restore and address certain breakdown issues to protect an older roof during the bulk of the heavy summer weather.
Eventually, there will come a time when preventative maintenance and addressing issues with your roof will no longer resolve all problems. It will be time for a roof replacement. When the time comes to replace your roof, working with a group of proven professionals is the best way to go. Specialty Home Products has a team of qualified professionals that are ready to help guide you through the process.