With average temperatures of around 104°F, Arizona summers can get really hot. Although you may cool off by floating on the Salt River or checking the Canyon and Saguaro Lake, your roof can still sizzle and suffer from damage. The scorching heat and harsh UV rays will take their toll on its structure, causing cumulative roofing issues that build up over time.
Most homeowners ask: What are the most common signs your Arizona shingle roof needs to be repaired? Is my roof ready for the summer here? Here are 4 practical pointers for preparing your roof for this summer.
Proper Ventilation
All those extra hours of UV light exposure and direct heat will indeed negatively affect your roof, but this isn’t the most difficult part of the day for your systems. In reality, it’s when the sun goes down that your roofing is endangered. Your roof achieves peak temperatures between 2 and 4 pm and cools off quickly as soon as the sun sets, causing a thermal shock.
The roofing materials, especially metal, will expand and contract without a break, which causes severe damage over time. The good news is that you can prevent this by having the proper ventilation system, which keeps your roof’s temperature steady throughout the summer days. You can also have vents closer to the ceiling that will help air circulate more evenly.
Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts
The stormiest months of the year in AZ are from June 15 to September 30, and they include thunderstorms, hurricanes, and high winds that can almost tear off sections of your roof. Having a sound gutter system is the easiest way to combat possible roofing problems.
Your gutters are a playground for debris and other contaminants to spread, posing a threat from high winds and rain. Always let a professional roofer perform safety audits and thoroughly clean your gutters. You should also properly adjust your guttering system, check for tightness, and position your downspouts at the optimal angle for effectiveness.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
A practical approach to preparing your roof for the heat is to check if any major foliage, including overhanging tree branches, mature trees, and shrubbery, is trimmed back in an orderly manner. Any kind of excessive vegetation can move around when the stormy season starts, and residue can get clogged in your gutter system, thus taking its toll on your roof’s shingles. Save yourself from the hassle of leaves, debris, and falling branches by doing some diligent roof maintenance steps on your front and backyard.
Get A Roof Inspection By Roofing Professionals
Once you’ve addressed ventilation, gutters and downspouts, and overhanging tree branches, it’s time to do the most important aspect of the preparation – getting a professional inspection. Roofing experts will inspect for leaks, weak ventilation, clogged gutters, dried-out or cracked shingles, and more.
It’s essential to schedule inspections regularly so that you can increase the likelihood of major roofing issues and spot minor problems early. Roofing pros will look for even the tiniest indicators of damage that you’re unable to spot on your own.
Let FoamCo Roofing Prepare Your Roof For This Summer
Preparing your roof for the summer is easy when you know about our practical pointers. Ensuring proper ventilation, cleaning gutters, trimming overhanging branches, and inspecting your roof for damage are important, but so is hiring a reputable company for the job.
FoamCo Roofing is your trusted roofing company specializing in Arizona roof repair, replacement, and recoating. Our experienced team is looking forward to transforming your roofing system and making it last for years to come.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.