Summer is hard on asphalt shingle roofs. Your roof is subject to storm damage and extremely hot temperatures. The weather can take its toll during the summer, so you'll want to stay on alert for signs of damage so you can call a residential roofing contractor to make repairs when they're needed. Here are a few things that cause summer roof damage and the signs you may see.
1. Hot Temperatures
When your roof bakes in the sun all day, the oils in the shingles slowly evaporate. This is one thing that ages your roof. If your roof is old, the summer heat may push it to its limit.
Thermal shock is one problem your roof may encounter in the summer. When your roof gets hot from being in the sun for hours, the shingles expand. Then when the temperature drops suddenly as happens when a storm rolls through, the shingles contract. This sudden movement can cause shingles to crack.
Poor attic ventilation is another problem that causes roof damage in the summer. If the underside of the roof is too hot, the shingles heat up even more, and you may see curling of the edges or blisters. When you scan your roof during the summer looking for damage, look for signs of imperfections such as blisters, curling, and cracks, as these should be repaired so your roof doesn't leak.
2. Hail
If your roof is new or if you have high-quality shingles, your roof might tolerate a hailstorm. If the hail is large or if your shingles are old, then hail can destroy your roof.
Be sure to check your roof when it's been pounded by hail to see if it has damage. If you see circular marks on the shingles, call a residential roofing contractor for an inspection in case you need to file an insurance claim and have a new roof put on.
3. Wind
Even a summer storm without hail can cause a lot of roof damage. The wind might lift or rip off shingles. Wind can hurl objects against your roof and cause impact damage. Wind can also bend trees and cause their branches to sway against your roof and scrape away granules or shingles. It's a good idea to check your roof after it storms so you can spot missing shingles and other damage right away.
4. Animals
Wildlife is usually more active in the summer, and if squirrels or rats get on your roof, they might start gnawing and create holes that let in rain. Animals usually wait until evening when the roof has cooled off to climb up to the roof, so you may not know you have a pest problem.
When you check your roof, look on the underside as well as on the slope of the roof. Rats and squirrels tend to chew through fascia or soffit, especially if it's rotted and easy to get through.
Keeping a check on your roof isn't difficult and it doesn't take up much time. The more you check your roof, the easier it is to spot changes that indicate damage. Contact a residential roofing service near you if you don't feel comfortable checking out your roof yourself.
