Taking care of your home's exterior is just as vital as maintaining the interior. Your roof serves as your home's primary protection against the elements. For that reason, it's essential to keep the roofing system in excellent shape. Fortunately, the mild weather of summer makes it the ideal time to complete many of the maintenance tasks that are required. Here are three chores that should take priority as the temperatures begin to rise.

Your Summer Roof Maintenance Guide

1. Inspect the Shingles

Shingles keep water away from the non-moisture resistant building materials underneath your roofing. When they're damaged, they're unable to perform their duty and make the home susceptible to roof leaks.

Identify damaged roofing by walking around the perimeter of the home from the ground. Look for shingles with curling or missing edges as well as exposed underlayment. Additionally, visually evaluate the metal around vents and chimneys, known as flashing, for pieces sticking up or pulling away. If you suspect an issue, schedule a professional inspection so that roof repairs can be completed.

2. Clean the Gutters

The primary purpose of the gutter system is to safely remove water from the roof and distribute it away from the home. Yet, falling leaves and twigs tend to accumulate within the gutters and create blockages. When this occurs, it causes moisture to seep under the shingles and behind the siding. As a result, water damage within the home is likely. 

Thankfully preventing this issue is relatively simple. First, remove all winter debris from the gutters. Next, use a garden hose to run water throughout the system. Check all downspouts to make sure the water is flowing out correctly. This step helps wash away any remaining dirt while also identifying any hidden blockages.

3. Check the Attic 

Correct ventilation is vital as temperatures begin to get warmer. Without it, rising humidity can buildup within the attic and cause the roof's decking – the plywood base that also serves as the attic ceiling – to rot and warp. Such issues make the system susceptible to leaks. Identify inadequate attic ventilation by looking for mold growth, condensation, or discoloration on the decking. 

Skip the hassle of roofing maintenance by leaving the work to the professionals at All Tite Roofing in Elizabethtown, KY. Boasting nearly 15 years of industry experience, this family-owned business serves homeowners across Hardin County. From shingle inspections to flashing repairs, this certified roofing contractor is committed to customer satisfaction. Review their service offerings online, and request a free estimate today by calling (270) 307-5366.