6 Roofing Suggestions for Homeowners Before Summer

Written by Ray Harford Home Improvement on May 23, 2019. Posted in Blog

When the seasons change, there is a lot for homeowners to do to preserve their investment, including protecting and preserving the roof. Failure to maintain and take care of your roof can result in costly property damage over time. After the long winter and typically stormy spring, you should do some tasks to ensure continued performance and curb appeal.

Learn about six roofing suggestions to address before the summer season.

Each spring, examine the roof and shingles for signs of damage or loss. Remember that the sun can also wreak havoc with your roof, baking your shingles and causing them to crack and deteriorate.

Look for missing, cracked, bowed, or bare shingles that you should replace before the summer sun and heat; remember that gaps or cracks in your roofing will cost you in energy and cooling costs all summer long.

Spring is also the time to schedule your roof inspection, as availability can fill up fast. Homeowners should have their roof inspected regularly by a certified roofing contractor; routine inspections will tease-out any potential problems before the winter weather season hits.

Some homeowner insurance carriers give incentives to homeowners that have their roof inspected annually, so talk to your insurance representative to learn more.

There are mixed views regarding which way homeowners should clean their roof, primarily between pressure washing and chemical cleaning solvents.

Pressure washing makes the most sense for metal and concrete roofing, but could damage other types of roofing, like asphalt shingles.

Chemical solvents could cause runoff contamination which can harm your landscaping; talk to a roofing contractor to determine the best approach to clean your specific roof without causing damage to your property.

Algae is a living entity that feeds off the limestone commonly found in your roofing shingles. If left untreated, roof algae will significantly shorten the lifespan of your shingles, and possibly your roof.

Clear the shingles each spring or you may face the costs associated with a shoddy roof, including increased utility costs and roofing replacement expenses.

Before summer rolls around, pay some attention to your gutter maintenance. Check your gutter system for loose or leaking troughs as well as any clogs or debris that could interrupt the flow of water from your home’s roof.

If water, rain, and precipitation doesn’t flow through the gutters properly, you risk serious water damage and potential flooding in your cellar, crawl space, or basement.

Rain chains are unique, ornamental chains that dangle from the eaves on the corner of a building; they typically extend from the rafter to the ground, though some may stop around three to four feet above ground. These Asian-inspired ornaments are more than decorative as rain chains gently guide water from the roof to the ground below without splashing or puddling.

Rain chains are being used more often in homes widely and could be the perfect inexpensive helper for your home’s gutter system before the summer rain storms this year.

Most roofing tasks will be easier this spring — as opposed to waiting until the summer months — because of the cooler temperatures and the likelihood of fewer pests earlier in the season.

Don’t let your roof deteriorate this summer; give your roof some attention each spring to ensure it continues to protect your home and family. Call today to schedule an appointment for your roofing repairs and inspection with Ray’s Harford Home Improvement Contractors Inc. We will help get your roof in top condition.