Summer brings warm weather, family gatherings and time in the garden, but it is also hard on roofs. In North Texas, a roof spends the summer under intense sun, sits over an attic that can get far hotter than the air outside, and takes the hits from late-season hail and wind. These are the five summer hazards we see most often, and what to do about each one.
Storm Damage
Summer brings hot, sunny weather that’s perfect for swimming, but it also comes with rough storms that can do a number on your roof. We recommend having your roof inspected after every major storm so you catch damage while it is still small. Storms can damage shingles and flashing, leaving you with leaks and structural damage. They can also blow tree limbs and other debris onto your roof, which can cause major damage and should be removed right away. Our storm damage page explains what happens next.
Ventilation Issues
North Texas summers are hot and often humid, and that combination is hard on an attic. Always have your roof and attic inspected together, since problems with one affect the other. If your attic has poor ventilation, heat and moisture build up and can damage the rafters and roof deck and cook the shingles from underneath. Leaving the problem alone for years can lead to extensive, costly repairs. Have your attic checked to see if the ventilation is adequate. If it isn’t, a roofer can add or correct intake and exhaust vents for more airflow and less moisture.
Moss and Algae Growth
Moss and algae grow in warm, humid conditions, and they could be growing on your roof. In North Texas, dark streaks from algae are far more common than thick moss, but both spread through airborne spores and both hold moisture. Spores cling to shingles in dry weather and grow every time it rains. Because moss grows in a mat and soaks up water, it can wick moisture under the shingle edges and into the roof deck.
Pests
Without a proper inspection, you might find that your roof has become a home for summer pests. Rodents, insects, birds and even bats can move in through gaps at the roofline. Infestations are costly and aggravating to deal with, which is why prevention is your best plan. Have your roof inspected every year before summer to make sure it isn’t offering shelter. Our post on keeping critters out of your roof covers the common entry points.
Leaks
Leaks can be caused by storms, failing shingles, debris, or failing flashing. Once a leak shows up on your ceiling, the best thing you can do is call a professional for a roof repair. Don’t try to chase it yourself, since water often travels a long way from where it enters before it drips. Your yearly inspection is the right time to make sure you aren’t at risk of developing leaks.
Roof Experts Can Help
If you run into any of these problems, or if you need your yearly roof inspection, call Roof Experts. We offer repairs, maintenance, inspections, and replacements for residential and commercial roofs from our office in Arlington. Our team will walk you through the process so you know what’s going on every step of the way. Call (817) 754-9484 or request a free estimate.