Roofing Tips for the Summer

The summer is a great time for home maintenance. Your roof is one of the places that you want to make sure that you do not neglect. A good roof will help protect your home. There are several roofing tips that will ensure that your home in Winston-Salem is in good shape.

Perform a Visual Inspection

You will need to inspect your roofing in order to see what type of condition it is in. It is best to inspect your roof in the morning before the sun comes up. Debris and leaves are two of the things that you should look out for. You will also need to look out for clogged spouts.

You do not have to get on the roof to perform this inspection. If you have a set of binoculars, then you can perform this inspection without getting on the roof. You should only get up on the roof if you feel comfortable using the ladder. The shingle valleys are another area that you will need to pay close attention to. Debris can easily accumulate inside of the shingle valleys during the winter months. 

Inspect All of the Openings And Protrusions Around the Roofing System

The flashing, or the metal strips, around the roof have a tendency to deteriorate over time. The flashing can also be damaged by the winter weather. If those issues are not addressed, then they can cause more serious problems.

Have All of the Damaged Fixed

If you need to get your roof repaired, then this is not something that you want to put off. This is one of the most important roofing tips. Even if the damage is seemingly minor, you will still need to have it repaired. Getting this problem fixed can prevent you from having to get more extensive repairs later on down the road. Not only can this cause more damage to your roof, but it can also cost you a lot more money in the long run.

Waterproof

The summer rain and humidity can cause a lot of damage to your roof. That is why it is a good idea to apply a waterproof coating to the roof. Not only will this protect your roof from water damage, but it will also keep the water out of your home.

Inspect the Gutters

The gutters are another area of the roof that you will need to inspect. It is a good idea for you to inspect the gutters after a hard rain. Harsh weather can cause the gutters to loosen. You may need to tighten the bolts.

You will also need to clean the inside of the gutters. The leaves, sticks and debris can cause a roof leak. If you have a leak, then it is a good idea for you to contact a professional.

Seal the Nesting Spots

Critters can cause a lot of damage to your roof. Rodents can cause a lot of damage to the interior and exterior of your home. They can also damage your roof. Rats can burrow in your roof. Squirrels can chew through the roof, and raccoons can claw at it. That is why it is a good idea to seal the nesting spots.

Check for Mold

Mold can easily grow on your roof. All it takes is a little bit of water for the mold to grow. You do not even have to look at your roof to tell whether it has mold. You may notice a white spot or big black spot on the ceiling.

If the mold gets really bad, then it can leave a hole in the ceiling.

Update the Roof

The amount of time that your roof lasts can vary. It will depend on the type of roof that you have. However, most roofs last about 20 years. If your roof is nearing the 20-year mark, then it may be time for you to get a new one. A new roof will not only look better, but it may also reduce energy usage.

Maintain the Skylight

If your home has a skylight, then you will need to make check the metal stripping in order to make sure that it is not leaking. Your skylight should be checked after every major storm. Hail can also damage the skylight.

Get Roofing Assistance

There are a lot of roof repairs that you can do on your own. However, if you don’t know what you are doing, you will need the help of a professional. Hiring a professional roofing contractor ensures any issues are handled safely and repaired properly, so as not to build into bigger issues that cause damage to your home down the road. If you live in the Winston-Salem area and have a problem with your roof, then contact KNS Remodeling. We can perform an inspection of your roof and fix any issues. We also offer roof replacement services.