Summer in Philadelphia brings baseball, backyard barbecues with friends, and pool parties—but, when summer storms rip through, it can also bring big problems for your roof and home. High winds and driving rain can cause flooding and shingle damage, and sometimes much worse things.
It’s not only storms and weather that can cause problems for your house, either. In this article, we’ll look at some of the greatest threats to your roofing. Fortunately, summer is also one of the best times to take care of any problems that develop.
Storms and Severe Weather
The most immediate problem your home faces is a severe summer thunderstorm. Not only do you need to worry about torrential rains seeping in through cracks in your flashing, but gusty winds can rip off and damage shingles. Wind can also send branches and leaves into your gutters, clogging them and sending rainwater back where you don’t want it to go.
As soon as a summer storm blows through, you should check your house inside and out to see if you’ve had damage. Internally, you’ll notice water spots where the water is seeping in, which indicates that your roof is leaking. Externally, check for broken or damaged shingles.
Water infiltrating your home isn’t always easy to spot, so if you see torn up shingles, you may already have a leak. Call one of our qualified representatives to make a full assessment.
Hard rains also bring down leaves, which might not sound serious, but a clog of leaves in your gutters can back water up onto your roof and cause it to malfunction. Most people check their gutters in the fall. But, to avoid leaks, you should check your gutters after every heavy rainfall, particularly if you’ve noticed that your drainage isn’t what it ought to be.
Wildlife and Other Pests
Most people don’t think of animals as a threat to roofing, but small animals look for places to stay all through the summer. Birds and squirrels love to crawl through broken shingles or weak soffits, and once they’re there, it’s hard to get them out. Animals living in your soffits may not sound like a terrible thing, but their waste and nesting can destroy insulation and make it much easier for moisture to get in.
Heat and UV Damage
Summer heat causes problems as well. Constant heat dries out sealants around vents and chimneys, which then crack. These cracks, if left untreated, can become leaks that moisture and rainwater exploit. Small cracks in sealant aren’t as easy to spot if you don’t know where to look. If you believe you have sealant cracks, call your local contractor to make a full assessment.
Fortunately, summer is the also best time to address all these problems. The days are longer, and there’s plenty of time to deal with roofing issues. Give us a call if you’re worried about your roof, or if you have any questions.
