Roof maintenance tips for every season
(BPT) - From intense heat to extreme snow, your roof protects your house from the elements all year long. When is the last time you checked to make sure your roof was in good shape? No matter what the seasons are like in your area, now is the time to begin preparation for extreme weather by giving your roof a second look.
“Regardless of your area’s climate, it is imperative that your roof stays up-to-date so that it can protect your home efficiently,” says Aaron Phillips, corporate director of technical systems for TAMKO Building Products, Inc.
Time-consuming roof projects can be a nuisance and a stress to homeowners. But, by staying on top of repairs, a roof will stay well maintained.
Spring
Spring brings warmer temperatures, green grass and flowers, but it also brings spring rain. While spring rain may be great for your garden, it can severely damage your home if your roof is out of shape.
Have your roof professionally inspected for any problems winter storms may have caused. Finding and fixing leaks is important so that the rainwater does not drip into your attic. Fixing leaks early will help you avoid problems later.
Water from spring rain needs to have access to easy drainage so it does not saturate your roof. Check your gutters for leaks and clean out leaves and debris that winter has left behind.
Summer
When the temperatures start to rise, it is important to assure that your roof can breathe. The area underneath your roof needs access to cooler air so that the warm, expanding air can escape. Allowing the warm air to escape can help the home maintain a comfortable temperature without overworking your air conditioning unit. When you consider how hot the temperature can get inside your attic, it is easy to see why proper ventilation is so important.
It is important to inspect your ventilation system, both inside and out. Ensure that nothing could block the escape of air, such as insulation or debris, and look for signs of wear that indicate you need to update your ventilation system. Under-ventilated attic space can lead to higher cooling costs and accelerate the aging of shingles.
TAMKO Building Products, Inc. carries a wide variety of ventilation products that help reinforce the beauty of a home and provide ventilation to your attic. The TAMKO Solar Attic Vent is a great product for all areas, including those that have unpredictable climates. The optional cold-weather thermostat automatically disengages the fan when the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. To learn more about TAMKO products, visit www.TAMKO.com.
Fall
As the summer heat starts to break and the kids go back to school, fall provides the perfect time to ensure that your home is protected for winter. If your roofing system is not up to standard, it may be time for new shingles. Shingles provide great protection for your home, but like everything else, reinforcing them with back-up makes them stronger.
Before having your new shingles installed, consider reinforcing your roof with an extra layer of protection. TAMKO carries a line of underlayments which help give your roof an extra layer of protection against rain and snow.
Your roof makes up around 50 percent of your home’s exterior. Something that is such a large part of your home and provides protection to your family and your belongings should be well maintained. By spreading your roof checkups throughout the seasons, you can ensure that your roof is always in the best shape possible. A well-kept roof means a happy house.