Protecting your roof in the summer
Protecting Your Roof in the Summer
Weather damage is mostly associated with winter; heavy rain, wind and snow all present obvious threats to the roof integrity of any property, but your roof can also become damaged in warmer weather. Summer roof maintenance is necessary and acting early will save you from needing to pay for expensive repairs caused by sun damage or summer storms.
One of the major sources of roof damage during the summer months is the sun itself. Even during cloudy days, the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to the weatherproofing of tiles and dry them out, thereby reducing their flexibility. Roofing materials adapt to changing weather conditions, expanding when it is hot and contracting when it is cold, but without the flexibility to do this, they are much more vulnerable to temperature damage, even in summer.
Roof maintenance is most effective when performed before a serious problem has taken root, so to identify early signs of sun damage, look out for:
* Faded or discoloured roofing material and sunspots
* Warped, dented or curling tiles or shingles
* Missing tiles or shingles
* Chipped or cracked roofing material
* Interior leaks or water damage near the roof
* Cracks in glass and deteriorated lining or grouting.
Once any damaged material has been identified, repair or replace that tile or section before the problem gets worse. Even damage that looks superficial (such as discolouration) is a sign that the material has begun to weaken. Check any skylights on the property for cracks in the glass, deteriorated lining and grouting or other damage. It’s crucial you get them repaired before any severe weather hits; if even a small crack is exposed to the elements, it will quickly become a bigger problem. Any roof repairs will be easier to undertake in the summer and will save a lot of hassle down the line. Some of these can be hard to spot so it is important to have your roof regularly inspected by professionals, especially before and after winter, where any weakened material will be even more susceptible to weather damage and will likely result in a costly repair job.
Whilst no-one wants to think about bad weather in the summer, it is inevitable, so it’s helpful to be prepared. Even during the summer, storms can still hit and be incredibly damaging to your roof and property. To help protect against summer storms, consider:
* Cutting down any loose or weak branches from tall trees near the property
* Regularly clear any leaves and debris from gutters and drains
* Look out for flashing that has started to peel away from the roof, and get it repaired.
Pre-emptively trimming down any loose branches from nearby trees prevents them flying off in a storm and causing damage to the property. Clearing all gutters and drains on the property will prevent the water sitting on top of the debris, which can lead to leaks, rot, and water damage. It’s also much easier to clear out the leaves when they’re dry! Loose flashing can be caused by the continued expansion and contraction of the material, and once a gap has been exposed, it becomes very susceptible to leaks.
And finally, ensure you get your roof inspected after any storm has hit, as damage may have occurred but be difficult to notice, and will be a significant weak point in the property when the weather starts getting colder. Simple summer roof maintenance can greatly reduce the costs of repairs and allow you to relax and enjoy the sun, knowing your property is protected for the seasons to come. Contact us
