Summer: It’s the time for pool parties, barbeques, and tropical vacations. But, to keep summer from becoming the season of roof damage, you’ll need to take a few precautions in the coming months.
There are multiple threats that can lead to roof damage in the summer. In this article, we’ll help you avoid Denver roof repairs with a few summer roof maintenance tips.
An often overlooked type of roof damage comes from an inevitable source: the sun. The sun emits UV light and infrared radiation that can be damaging to your roofing system over time.
UV light from the sun can dry the surface of your roof out, making it prone to cracking. If you have an asphalt roof, UV rays can oxidize the oils found in asphalt. This will weaken the asphalt, thinner and more breakable. If your asphalt shingles start to break down as a result of UV ray damage, the integrity of your entire roofing system could suffer, too.
Infrared radiation can also cause damage to your roof by heating it. On a very hot summer day here in Denver, infrared radiation from the summer may heat your roof’s surface to well over 150ºF. But, when the sun goes down for the night, the temperature of your roof’s surface may then drop below 100ºF. This dramatic change in temperature can make your roof expand then contract, potentially causing damage to your roofing materials.
It goes without saying that you can’t stop the sun from beating down onto your roof this summer. But, you can use a roof coating to shield your roof against damage from UV rays and infrared radiation. Roof coatings are applied to the surface of the roof and reflect the sun’s rays so that your roofing materials remain in good condition. Generally, roof coatings need to be re-applied every decade for optimal protection.
There are a variety of ways in which the trees on your property could harm your roof. Since thunderstorms are common during the summers here in Colorado, it’s especially important to consider the damage that fallen branches could do to your Denver roofing system.
Any trees that extend over the surface of your roof present the risk of branches falling onto your roof. These branches could scratch, dent, or puncture your roof. In these cases, roof repairs would be needed to restore the condition of your roof.
The best way to avoid roof damage caused by broken tree branches is to have the trees on your property pruned regularly. Make sure that these trees have been trimmed recently before the summer season, when big storms make it more likely for branches to break. Additionally, ensure that any old or ill trees are removed from your property promptly. These trees are at risk of falling down altogether, which could cause serious harm to your entire home.
Water is essential for life, but when it comes to your roof, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Whenever it rains this summer, any cracks, punctures, damaged flashing, or other weaknesses in your Denver roofing system will create the risk of a roof leak. Additionally, excess moisture that gets trapped on your roof could trigger mold development in your roofing materials. The wood within your roofing system may even start to rot as a result of excess water, which will significantly shorten the lifespan of your roof.
To ensure that existing roof damage doesn’t put you at risk of a full-blown roof leak, schedule a professional roof inspection with All Seasons Exteriors before summer is in full swing. Our roofing experts will be able to inform you about any damage to your roof and suggest repair solutions to restore your roof’s durability. Getting this damage repaired promptly will seal your roof against water so that it can endure the summer storms.
Contact All Seasons Exteriors today to schedule your summer roof inspection and any other roofing services that you need.
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