Summer Roof Care

With the onset of hot weather and the other elements of summer, homeowners in Akron are well-advised to pay attention to their roofs to avoid costly repairs. The experts at Legacy Roofing Services in Akron offer these tips to protect your roof, prevent unexpected costs and have a good summer:

Watch out for humidity. During the summer months, it is not uncommon for attics and other poorly ventilated areas of the house to become humid which will result in the formation of moisture. This moisture can cause rot on beams and other wood beneath the roof which may compromise the integrity of the roof. If you have an attic, make sure it is properly ventilated.

Fix leaks right away. Leaks are always bad news no matter what the season, however summer often brings short yet strong storms that can wreak all kinds of havoc on a roof. Add in some wind and your roof may be subject to additional damage. Periodically check your roof for loose shingles and any noticeable damage. It is also a good idea to have a roofing professional inspect your roof for any damage that may not be visible.

Watch out for rodents. Squirrels, rats and mice will often get onto a roof through nearby trees or openings in an attic. Rodents spend the better part of their day chewing, and this will cause issues not only on your roof but may also loosen your gutters and create openings under overhangs. Trim any trees that touch your roof so squirrels can’t easily get onto your house and watch for any nests on and around the roof. It is also a good idea to patch any openings in the attic and call an exterminator if there is any evidence of rodent activity.

Regularly inspect for cracked shingles. Direct sunlight, particularly during the summer, can be brutal and cause damage to anything it hits over an extended period. Your roof is a prime target for the UV rays of the sun, so make sure to look for dry and cracked shingles and get them replaced right away.

Look for moss and other growth. During the summer, it is not uncommon for the heat and humidity to cause moss growth on various parts of a house, including the roof. Keep an eye out for any green growth and immediately remove it before it causes moisture damage. Remove any growth right away, do not wait until the end of the summer to remove all of it.

The best thing you can do to keep your roof in good shape during the summer months is to do regular visual inspections and have a roofing professional take a close look to identify and problems that may be just starting to develop. When it comes to your roof, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.