5 Summer-Time Threats to Your Roof

It’s summer time and the living is easy. It’s the season to get outside for picnics, trips to the cottage and to enjoy summer festivals. So your roof is probably the last thing on your mind.

But summer throws its own unique problems at your roof and here are just a few that you should be aware of so you can regularly check your roof for warning signs throughout the season.

1. UV Rays

Asphalt shingles are the most popular material for roofing repair for Markham and GTA homes, but they don’t like too much sun. UV rays in sunlight deteriorate asphalt shingles. Look for dried, cracked or blistered shingles and look around for any that have come loose.

2. Overhanging Trees

In winter, tree limbs can seem far away from your roof. But in summer, those limbs carry the extra weight of leaves and the pressure of the wind and rain on them. It means the limbs can come in contact with your roof and damage the shingles.

3. Wildlife

No, we’re not talking about your summer deck parties. Birds and other small wildlife are far more active in summer. Woodpeckers might start drilling into your eaves looking for insects and raccoons have been known to lift up shingles looking for a way into your home.

4. Insects

Also more active in summer, carpenter ants and termites can damage your roof’s supporting structure. They also attract the wildlife we talked about above, so looking for and getting rid of them can solve two of summer’s roofing problems.

5. Poor Roof Ventilation

Your roof and the attic below it can reach temperatures that are far higher than the outside air, even on the hottest days. Humidity and cooler temperatures at night can cause damaging moisture problems to your roof’s deck and supports. Properly ventilating your attic minimizes moisture build up.

The biggest threat to your roof in summer is:

You not checking for signs of trouble and getting them properly repaired when you find them. Small problems can become big ones if they are not addressed soon enough. Regular roof inspections and maintenance will add years to the life of your roof.