Residential roofs in Florida have a lot to put up with. Getting your home’s roof ready for summer can help to prevent expensive repairs, reduce energy costs, and avoid water damage to your property. Unfortunately, some homeowners only think about the roof when there’s a problem.
The unique climate of the Sunshine State means that the sun is constantly beating down on your roof. The UV rays of the sun, humid conditions, torrential rainfall, and tropical storms can damage shingles and the roof structure. In time, small areas of damage can lead to costlier repairs.
The last thing you want is to arrange for emergency roof repairs during hurricane season.
Reasons to Get Your Roof Ready for Summer
Your roof is responsible for protecting your home from sun, rain, wind, and other harsh climatic elements. But your roof doesn’t just protect the building. It keeps you, your family, and your precious possessions safe from the elements. Additionally, the roof plays a significant role in heating and cooling your home.
The end of spring in Florida is the best time to inspect your roof and fix any issues. Also, the start of the hurricane season in June means that many roofing contractors are busy repairing roofs after major storms.
All roofs are subject to weathering and aging. However, the damage is difficult to notice from its looks. And if you can see roof damage from your yard, then chances are that the damage is more extensive than you could imagine. Therefore, it’s vital to inspect them regularly.
5 Tips to Get Your Roof Ready for Summer in Florida
What are the essential five steps to ensure that your roof is ready to withstand everything that Florida’s weather has to throw at it? Please read on to find out.
1. Carry out a thorough roof inspection
The first step in getting your roof ready for summer is to conduct an inspection. This will allow you to see any problems or issues before the intense sunshine starts beating down on the shingles. It’s vital to check for damaged shingles, exposed roof surfaces, and missing flashings.
A compromised roof structure puts it at risk of severe damage if storms hit. It will also mean that your air conditioner must work harder to cool the home, thus increasing your energy bills.
The best tip to inspect your roof is to arrange for a local trusted roofing company. This can save you time and money as professional contractors easily spot the signs of roof damage. You also avoid the risk of climbing up ladders onto the roof.
2. Clean gutters and downpipes
An essential part of preparing your roof for summer is to clean the gutters and downpipes. Gutters are a vital part of the roof’s function because they prevent water damage to the property. However, debris like leaves, twigs, mud, and other unusual items can clog up gutters.
The problem with clogged gutters is that they cause serious moisture issues inside your home. This can lead to mold and mildew and eventually damage facades and roof trusses. Also, hot weather causes the water in the gutters to evaporate. The excess moisture can cause shingles and adhesives to break down.
There is another reason to clear gutters and downpipes from debris. The weight of mud and water in the gutters can cause cracks in the joints. In severe cases, the whole gutter system can tear away from the property.
You could easily avoid these roof problems by cleaning gutters in early spring.
3. Replace loose, broken, damaged, or missing shingles
Even though Florida doesn’t get harsh, freezing winters, fluctuations in temperatures during winter and spring combined with high humidity levels can damage shingles. When this happens, the exposed underlayer of roofing is at risk of damage. The typical result is water leaks that lead to severe water damage.
The issue with water leaking in a roof is that it’s not noticeable at first. However, as dampness builds in the attic, dangerous mildew and mold will start to grow. This is not only challenging and costly to remove, but it poses a great health risk.
Arranging for a professional roof inspection means that the contractors will identify and fix any problems and potential problems they discover. So, come hurricane season, your roof will be watertight.
4. Service the HVAC system
A general rule is to service the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in your home annually. Because your roof is connected to heating and cooling, it’s best to service the HVAC at the same time. Essential HVAC maintenance involves cleaning or replacing the filters, checking for blockages, and checking refrigerant levels.
An HVAC system that functions efficiently helps reduce energy bills. However, it also ensures the best air quality in the home and prevents excess moisture. Humidity that builds up inside the house is just as risky as dampness caused by a leaky roof.
5. Trim trees on your property
Another way to get your roof ready for summer is by pruning and trimming trees on your property. Usually, late winter and early spring is the best time to prune trees as they are typically in their dormant stage.
Of course, pruning branches and leaves is vital for a tree’s health. However, it also means that there is less potential for clogged gutters. Also, a professional arborist will identify weak or damaged branches that could break during a storm. Therefore, you can minimize the risk of a large branch crashing through your roof during a hurricane.
Consider Replacing Your Roof
In some cases, it makes sense to replace your roof if it needs extensive repairs. For example, many Florida residents install a cool roof as an eco-friendly replacement. This can significantly reduce your energy bills because your home will be cooler in the summer. For example, an attic can be up to 100°F cooler after installing a cool roof.
Do You Need to Get Your Florida Roof Ready for Summer?
Every homeowner in the Sunshine State needs to prepare their roof for summer. By taking the time to make sure your roof is in great shape before summer, you can prevent expensive repairs and reduce energy costs. This means that storms later in the summer won’t turn into a disaster.
Don’t leave it to chance — call the professionals at Code Engineered Systems to inspect your roof and make the necessary repairs. For a free roof inspection estimate, you can contact us at 813-373-9088. Or you can fill out our online form HERE.
