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6 Summer Roof Problems to Check for Before Autumn Arrives

Admin • July 31, 2020

Roof Installation — Oxnard, CA — All American Roofing

Summer is underway. The drier, brighter days of summer are a great time for home maintenance. One area of your home that might need your focus this summer is your roof. The heat and humidity alone can leave a roof in poor shape. With the cooler temperatures of autumn just a few weeks away, now is the time to ensure your roof is in good shape.

This year is likely to be one of the hottest years on record, according to climatologist Karin Gleason. Is your roof ready for that kind of heat? Here are some of the most common roofing issues to look out for this summer.

1. Roof Damaged by Pests

During summer, people are much more active — but so are insects, birds, and rodents! If any nearby trees overhang your roof, corrosive bird droppings could be damaging your roof's shingles. And roof rats are opportunists that will seek to gain entry through your roof via damaged shingles or flashing. As they do so, they will cause more damage.

Insects like termites and carpenter ants are also very active during the summer. If rats and birds have already damaged your roof, these wood-damaging insects will move in.

2. Gutters Blocked With Tree Foliage

Trees are beautiful during the summer, with their green canopies and seed clusters. But an unfortunate downside of trees in full bloom is the loose foliage they produce. This is especially true in late summer when trees begin to shed. Clogged gutters will cause rainwater to pool on your roof. This will cause rot, mold, and later, leaks. Termites are also fond of moist wood.

If you have trees near your roof, keep an eye on your gutters for blockages.

3. Shingles Dried and Cracked by Sunlight

Asphalt shingles do have some resistance against the sun's rays. But this resistance begins to fade over time. As asphalt shingles weaken due to constant exposure to the sun's UV rays, they begin to crack, curl, and warp. This year has seen some scorching temperatures. Your asphalt shingles might be in need of repair or replacement.

4. Roofing Material Compromised by Storms

Summer storms and hurricanes can wreak havoc on a roof. And this year has already seen plenty of storms and rainfall hit California. Are you sure that your roof shingles are in good condition for the cold and rain of the coming autumn and winter seasons? Consider hiring a roofing specialist to inspect your roof for storm damage.

5. Roof Damage Due to Poor Ventilation

The heat and humidity of the hot summers in California can cause a buildup of moisture in your attic if the ventilation there is poor. A well-vented roof pushes out heat and moisture. But if age has compromised your roof's ventilation, then a number of issues can occur that will weaken your roof.

Moisture and heat lead to rot and mold. This can gradually weaken your roof's support beams. And excess heat and moisture can weaken your roof's underlayment and even the shingles too.

6. Rot and Moisture Damage Brought About by Mold

Mold thrives in humid conditions, especially if there is adequate rainfall to bolster that growth from time to time. California is no stranger to mold, especially after the rainy season of spring. If left to grow out of control, mold can rot roof shingles and even damage the wooden structure underneath. This could lead to severe leaks during autumn and winter.

Is your roof ready for the coming colder temperatures of autumn and winter later this year? If not, this summer is the ideal time to call in some roofing professionals. Call All American Roofing today. We'll inspect and repair your roof so that it stands up to whatever the California climate throws at it in 2020.

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