How to Protect Your Roof in the Sweltering Summer
Fort Worth summers can be rough, but do you know how rough they can be on your roof?
Texas is famous for sweltering summers that only a native Texan could love (and even then, not always). The sun beats down relentlessly as temperatures swell to the 90s and even into the 100s. August may be over, but anyone who’s lived in Fort Worth for longer than a year knows that doesn’t mean that the heat is finished with us yet. Residents know how to take precautions for themselves: crank up the AC, break out the sunglasses, and use sunscreen if you’re going to be outside for long. But what precautions are you taking for your roof?
The extremes of summer weather is often your roof’s worst enemy. It’s directly in the line of the sun’s most harmful UV rays, and, without protection, it can start to deteriorate. Hot, sunny weather isn’t the only thing to worry about in the summer. Your roof can also sustain water damage, tears, and leaks as a result of severe storms. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to protect your roof. Here are some of the dangers your roof can face in the summer and what you can do to protect it.
Damage from the Sun
Your roof may shield you from the heat and UV rays of the sun, but in doing so, it can take quite a beating. The extreme heat can erode the weatherproofing materials used to protect your roof and dry out roof tiles, making them obsolete. When the weather changes rapidly due to a storm, the roof can’t keep up and tiles may become loose. Additionally, changes in weather cause the roofing materials to expand and contract, so the more the weather changes, the more your drainage system can be pushed away from your roof.
We have sunblock to protect our skin from the worst effects of the sun, and for roofs, there’s roof coating. A reflective roof coating will reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them. It can last up to 10 years before it needs another coating, but especially in the hottest days of the year, it’s important to watch your roof for obvious signs of sun damage. Do you notice any faded discoloration? Any cracks or loose tiles?
Damage from Storms
Summer storms are as brutal as the summer sun. They can take a toll on your roof, and so can the humidity that follows as a result. Humidity can weaken and erode the materials of your roof, making it more susceptible to those heavy hitters like hail and strong winds. You also have to worry about damage from nearby trees. There might not be much you can do to prevent a tree from falling on your roof if the storm is strong enough to knock it over, but you can cut away close branches that could scrape and puncture your roof in the midst of a storm.
If your roof doesn’t have impact-resistant asphalt shingles, now may be the time to change that. They’re built to withstand heavy storms and even hail. Talk to a roofing professional about replacing the shingles on your roof, or repairing any damaged shingles. Before summer begins, your roof should be in top shape to best protect it from those severe summer storms.
Water Damage
With storms comes rain, and water damage can be the greatest threat to your roof. Untreated water damage can lead to leaks, roof rot, and weakening of your home’s structural integrity. The important thing is to stop water damage before a leak occurs by watching carefully for signs. Do you notice any curling of your roof materials? Any crumbling cement? Are your vents in working order or are they clogged? You can also see water damage from inside your home by watching for any discoloration or bulges on the ceiling.
Your roof’s best defense against water damage is its gutters. The drainage system is designed to collect all the water that falls on the roof during a storm and direct it away from the house. If your gutters are clogged or damaged, water will pool on your roof and weaken it. Clean your gutters regularly and if they need to be repaired, don’t hesitate to repair them. You should also call a roofing professional at the first sign of a leak to seal it up before it causes serious damage to your home.
Roofing Contractor Fraud
It’s not just the weather that your roof needs protection from–it’s people. Because of all the dangers it poses to your roof, summer is the prime time of year for roofing contractor fraud. Unfortunately, these con artists often appear after a natural disaster and take advantage of homeowners with damaged roofs. An alleged roofer may ask for a down payment before starting the work and never return to do the work after the payment is given. They may offer a “free roof inspection” and then cause extra damage to the roof, so that the insurance company will cover the repair cost. They may tell you about an extremely limited time offer to pressure you into signing a contract without looking elsewhere.
Don’t be pressured, and trust your instincts. If something sounds too good to be true, that’s probably because it is. Do your research on any roofing contractor that approaches you, no matter how sweet their deal sounds. Get quotes from multiple companies and read reviews to make sure you’re getting the best quality for your money. After all, roofing repairs can be a hassle. You want to make sure that they’re done right in the first place.
When searching for a legitimate, quality roofing company in Fort Worth, you want a company whose reputation speaks for itself. Search their ratings with the Better Business Bureau and see what their customers have to say about the quality of work they provide. You want a company who has nothing to hide because they’re proud of their service. First Texas Roofing has been in business for over 15 years and maintained a standard of excellence. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate.