(316) 927-2233Summer in Kansas brings a mix of intense heat, occasional storms, and increased humidity. A few months earlier, Winter brought heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures, and ice. Ensuring that your roof 1) survived Winter intact, and 2) will survive the Summer intact is important for extending the useful life of your roof. Here’s a comprehensive guide to summer roof preparation and summer roof maintenance to help you get started.
How to Inspect Your Roof’s Shingles for Damage
When you inspect your shingles in preparation for summer, you’ll likely notice minor changes resulting from natural degradation. UV radiation, rain, and debris gradually incur granule loss and discoloration. This is normal. What you’re looking for is anomalous damage caused by large hail and debris impacts, excessive UV exposure, or high winds. Below are key changes to look for and document. If you notice any of the following damages, we recommend calling a roofing expert to examine your roof’s condition.
Missing or lifted shingles.
As shingles age, fasteners can begin to pull out and shingles are liable to blow off in response to high winds. Hips, ridges, eaves, and rakes are the most likely locations to incur missing or lifted shingles.
Granule loss
Gradual granule loss is normal. Large bald spots, however, are just as unwelcome on a roof as they are on a head. Hail impacts and large debris impacts often result in impacted granules that are compressed into the shingle’s fiberglass matting. Additionally, an excess of granules in your gutters can suggest rapid granule loss.
Cracks and curling
Excessive heat can compound with inadequate attic ventilation to result in compromised shingles. Dry, hot shingles can visibly crack. Curling can occur for myriad reasons, but it typically occurs at the edge or bottom of a shingle and appears similar to an earmark. Both cracks and curling are significantly more likely to occur on roofs with under ventilated attics.
Check Roof Flashing and Penetrations for Leaks Before Summer
Flashing and penetrations are the most likely sources of roof leaks. While well-installed flashing significantly reduces the likelihood of water intrusion, all materials expand and contract over time, and high-quality installations can weaken under extreme conditions. Both natural wear and poor installation result in deficiencies that you can identify early to prevent costly repairs.
Cracked or missing sealant
Sealant is never a permanent waterproofing measure. When flashing vulnerable areas like chimneys we ensure that sealant is a redundancy, not the first line of defense. For example, if you notice deteriorated sealant on your chimney’s counterflashing or on exposed fasteners, reapplying sealant will temporarily salve the vulnerability until the issue can be solved. Vents, skylights, and heater flues are also likely to have visible sealant. Sealant is highly vulnerable to UV radiation, so any sealant on the field of the roof will crack over time. A good rule of thumb is, anywhere you can see sealant, you’ll almost certainly need to reapply sealant.
Rust or corrosion
Chimneys and roof-to-wall transitions generally have galvanized metal flashing. While it’s resistant to rust and corrosion, even galvanized metal can deteriorate over time. The zinc coating that protects the metal underneath is gradually affected by rain and UV radiation, and the metal will appear rusted or discolored. Usually, the solution to corroded metal flashing is replacing the material, which we recommend hiring a professional for.
How to Clean Your Roof and Gutters Before Summer Storms
Your roof is designed to shed water efficiently, but when leaves, branches, and a host of other debris collect in valleys, they create natural dams that trap moisture against the roofing system. Asphalt shingle roofs rely on proper drainage to function. When water’s downward flow is obstructed, water permeates the roof system, resulting in leaks.
Overhanging branches abrase shingles, removing granules and introducing more debris to valleys and gutters, which can cause overflow – a leading cause of foundation damage.
Fortunately, most of these issues can be easily identified and fixed.
Debris accumulation in valleys
While open (metal) valleys can effectively resist water infiltration, debris in valleys should immediately be cleared. If you have four-wheel drive, you likely use it to improve handling in snow and ice rather than opting for the worse handling two-wheel drive offers. Similarly, while well-installed open valleys resist water infiltration, do them a favor and clear any debris that’s present by hand or with a leaf blower. All valleys should be cleared of debris regularly to allow for proper water drainage.
Moss or algae growth
Moss and algae growth are most likely to occur in shaded areas and gutters that are clogged by debris. This growth enables the retention of water, deteriorating the roof system. While some shingle manufacturers offer products that resist algae growth, it can be cleared with a 50:50 solution of water and bleach. Clearing gutters of debris greatly reduces the likelihood of moss or algae growth, and clearing gutters of moss or algae greatly reduces the likelihood of debris collecting.
Clogged gutters and downspouts
If you notice water overflowing from the gutters, they should immediately be cleared. Clogged gutters drain slowly, creating capillary action, which is the same phenomenon you see when blotting water with a paper towel. Instead of a paper towel, water moves in to your fascia boards, causing wood rot. 6-inch gutters or 3×4 inch downspouts can nearly double your system’s water capacity if you continue to notice overflow. Gutter guards can prevent the accumulation of debris that causes overflow.
Overhanging branches
Branches that are within six feet of your roofline are liable to scrape your roof, resulting in granule loss to your shingles and damage to roof metals like flashing or gutters. Whole gale winds stress proximate branches, causing them to break and fall onto your roof. This can result in impact damage or the accumulation of dam-creating debris. To solve this, simply clear overhanging branches to ensure six feet of clearance from the roofline.
Gutters that sag or pull away from the fascia can prevent proper drainage. If your sagging gutters are paired with fascia damage, call a professional. Your fascia board, and likely your gutters, will need replaced.
Fix Roof Damage Early to Avoid Costly Repairs
A single missing shingle may cost less than $100 to replace. Waiting until the end of the summer could mean replacing underlayment and decking, costing thousands of dollars. According to the NRCA, most cases of underlayment and decking damage stem from unaddressed leaks that begin with minor, repairable problems.
Regular roof inspections are like progressive overload in strength training: if you track your progress, you know what to adjust. Without a baseline, you’re just moving weight. The same applies to your roof: track its condition, make small repairs when needed, and extend its productive life considerably.
For expert guidance or professional inspections, contact a trusted roofing expert to ensure your home is protected year-round.
