When the summer season hits North Carolina, it can take a real toll on your roof. From constant direct sunlight to damaging summertime storms, it’s essential to be proactive to protect your roof from extensive damage. Below, we’ll discuss some of the best things you can do to make sure your roof is ready to handle whatever this summer brings.
Clean Your Gutters
A great place to start is routinely cleaning your gutters. Anytime your gutters are full of debris, like leaves, it can obstruct water flow away from your roof. Instead, the water backs up in your gutters and spills over your fascia boards and siding. It can also sit against the side of your roof, causing premature deterioration to shingles. Additionally, when gutters get too heavy, they start pulling away from your roof and may detach entirely.
Trim Overhanging Branches
If you have any trees that overhang your roof, it’s necessary to routinely trim them back to prevent damage to your roof. Weak branches can break under the force of heavy wind gusts during a nasty summertime storm. Additionally, any trees that overhang your home drop leaves and other debris onto your roof. This debris will accumulate moisture, deteriorate your roofing materials like shingles and the underlayment, and likely get stuck in your gutters.
Check for Sun Damage
Asphalt shingles take a beating from the sun over time. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause them to fade, curl, crack, or become brittle. These are signs your shingles may no longer be providing protection against the elements. If you spot any of these issues, acting quickly is essential. Because you may not be able to spot damage from the ground, annual roof inspections from our professional roofers are recommended.
Replacing sun-damaged shingles helps prevent water from penetrating your roof and protects your home from leaks and structural damage. In most cases, our roofers can fix the issue by replacing shingles in the affected area before moisture issues spread to the rest of your roof.
Check for Storm Damage
Summer storms in North Carolina can take a serious toll on your roof. After a strong storm passes through, take time to visually inspect your roof from the ground. Look for missing or lifted shingles, pieces of roofing material in your yard, or debris like branches that may have landed on the roof. Even damage that seems minor can lead to leaks or structural problems if left unaddressed. By spotting issues early and calling for repairs promptly, you can prevent more costly damage down the road.
Ensure Your Vents are Open
Attic ventilation plays a crucial role in protecting your roof. Your attic should have intake vents near the eaves and exhaust vents near the ridge to allow fresh air to flow in and hot, humid air to escape. This steady airflow helps keep the attic temperature close to the outdoor air and prevents moisture buildup.
Closing or blocking these vents can cause the attic to overheat, speeding up the deterioration of your roofing materials and creating the perfect conditions for mold and mildew. Always ensure your vents remain clear and open to protect your roof.
Treat Algae Growth
Warm, humid summers in North Carolina create ideal conditions for algae and moss to grow on your roof. While these green patches might seem harmless or even charming, they can do serious damage over time. Moss and algae trap moisture against your shingles, which are designed to shed water, not remain damp. This trapped moisture accelerates the breakdown of your roofing materials and can shorten the life of your roof.
Avoid trying to remove these growths with a pressure washer. Blasting the surface can strip away the protective granules on your shingles and lead to further damage. Instead, have one of our professionals treat your roof with a specialized cleaning solution that safely removes algae and moss while helping prevent them from returning.
Schedule an Inspection
An annual roof inspection is one of the most effective ways to protect your home and extend the life of your roof. While you can look for obvious issues from the ground, our trained professionals know how to spot early signs of damage that may go unnoticed. During an inspection, we assess every part of your roof, from the shingles and flashing to the gutters, fascia, underlayment, and decking.
Reliable Roof Inspection Service
Ricardo's Alpha Roofing offers reliable roof inspection and maintenance services for the Columbus, NC area. Additionally, you can count on us for all your roof replacement, installation, and repair needs. Call us today to book your next service consultation.
