The summer sun is shining and you finally can stop worrying about the wild winter weather. Gone are the days of anxiously watching ice dams form in your gutters or stressing over the snow that’s weighing down your roof.
Now that it’s a new season, your roofing needs are about to change. And yes, you’ll find that the winter weather woes are a thing of the past (at least for the next few months). But that doesn’t mean that you can completely ignore your roof’s maintenance.
What summertime roof issues do you need to watch out for? There are the obvious summer storms that can result in wind, hail, or rain damage. But storms aren’t the only issues that your roof can run into. Take a look at the top summer roofing issues and what you can do about them.
Shingle Blisters
The name says it all. Shingle blisters are bubbles on the surface — just like the blisters you get on your skin. Most roof blisters are related to moisture — more specifically to poor attic ventilation. As the heat and humidity build up in your attic — or any space under the roof — during the warmer months, you may start to notice bumps or pimple-like marks on your asphalt shingles.
Even though blisters don’t exactly add to your roof’s aesthetics, a few here and there aren’t likely to cause major problems. But if the blisters spread or grow, you may need to worry about the integrity of your roof’s water-tight barrier. If a blister does pop, it can expose the layer underneath it to the damaging summer sun or result in leaks during rainstorms.
So what can you do about blisters? A professional roofing contractor can assess the issue and recommend a treatment plan. This might mean replacing a few shingles or, if the problem is widespread or there is already extensive damage underneath, you may need to have a section or the entire roof re-shingled.
UV Issues
UV (ultraviolet) radiation is a type of light that can cause major problems. You might know this type of light as the culprit behind sunburns and skin cancer. Even though it can cause serious issues in the human body, it can also impact your home.
Over time, the sun’s UV rays can damage your roof. While this isn’t something that will happen in one summer, year after year of summer sun exposure can result in fading, warping, or curling. UV damage can also result in brittle shingles, making it easier for your roof to crack or sustain damage.
Keep in mind, the sun shines during all four seasons. This means UV damage can occur at any point in the year. But it may be particularly pronounced in the summer months. The added summer heat may accelerate the issues that the sun’s rays cause.
Regular inspection by a qualified roofer can help you to spot UV damage before it takes over. While you can’t stop the sun from shining, the roofer can repair or replace affected shingles.
Temperature Changes
Along with accelerating UV damage, the summer heat can cause expansion and contraction. While your roof itself may not move much due to temperature changes, the metal flashing around your chimney, vents, or joint areas can.
When the weather goes from hot and steamy during the day to cool at night, the flashing can start to move and separate from the roofing that’s near it. This can result in gaps that let water leak in. If your roof has expansion-and-contraction-related damage, you’ll need a professional to repair the flashing and the surrounding area.
Do you need a summer-time roof inspection or repair? Contact Rainy Day Exteriors for more information.
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