Summer in Des Moines can be steamy and brutally hot. In the heat of the season, the last thing you want to think about is dealing with a faulty roof. That said, humidity and sun exposure are two of the most common culprits of roof repair in Des Moines. Luckily, there are ways you can mitigate these problems before they take hold.
Here are the best tips and tricks for protecting your roof before summer strikes, courtesy of Shamrock Roofing and Construction, one of Des Moines’ most-trusted roofing contractors.
Repair Obvious Damage
One of the easiest ways to get your roof ready for summer is to give it a good survey with the naked eye. Things like missing shingles, curled edges, or bent flashing are noticeable from ground level and are no-brainers when it comes to making repair decisions. Large dents or dings (typically caused by hail damage or spring storms) can also be addressed by a roofer Des Moines. Either way, the sooner you tackle these problems, the better off you’ll be!
Give the Gutters a Good Cleaning
Gutters are an ever-important aspect of any efficient roofing system. However, spring storms in central Iowa can wreak havoc on gutters. When full of storm debris and buildup, your gutters aren’t able to function as intended, which results in water accumulation and eventual leaks. To avoid this disaster during the summer months, keep your gutters and downspouts clear and debris-free. You’ll be glad you did!
Install Better Ventilation
One of the top reasons for roof repair in Des Moines stems from inadequate ventilation. Ventilation, such as an attic fan or properly placed exhaust pipes, is important because it keeps the air in your home fresh and helps prevent excess moisture from making contact with your roof. The summertime is notorious for identifying breakdowns in roofing ventilation systems, so we recommend getting a jump on this common problem and having a professional inspect your systems ASAP!
Clean Up the Perimeter
Another recommendation from our pros at Shamrock Roofing is to hire an arborist to trim back trees and surrounding shrubbery. Des Moines has been known to produce a rugged storm or two in the summer months. Failure to maintain the perimeter of your property can result in lots of damage to your roof. Loose or dead branches often break during a storm. When they land on the roof, they can puncture it, creating opportunities for water infiltration. It’s best to get ahead of the curve and ward off this problem before it occurs.
Give Your Roof a Bath
Over time, the buildup of dirt, leaves, and other debris can serve as a breeding ground for water accumulation and eventual mold and mildew. Shamrock Roofing (and any expert on roofing in Des Moines, for that matter) recommend giving your roof a bath at least once per year. Just spray it lightly with the garden hose to remove debris and other matter that has landed on the shingles. Don’t hit it with a power washer because the high pressure could remove granules from the shingles or cause other damage to them.
This simple step will keep things in top shape year-round.
It’s Time to Schedule an Inspection with Shamrock Roofing!
With summer weather already here, it’s time to get a free roof inspection on the calendar. Make sure it’s with Shamrock Roofing and Construction. Our Des Moines roofers are the best in the business. With over 40 years of experience, we can help you initiate and manage your summer roofing routine. Contact us today to get scheduled!