Whilst roof maintenance is important all year round, there are a few dangers posed by the summer months that you should be aware of and keep an eye on throughout this warm period of the year. The sun can cause damage to roof tiles and encourage the growth of moss or mould. This can make the roof less stable and pose a safety risk to the occupants of your home. You should check for any signs of this as summer progresses to make sure that any damage to your roof does not develop any further.
Damaged roof decking
Roof decking is the base of your roof and is essential to maintaining the overall structure and supporting the weight of the shingles above it. Most roof decking is made from plywood, so can be vulnerable to damage in certain conditions. A particular concern is water damage, and with the sunny weather that summer brings, this can often be followed by heavy showers.
If water finds its way into your roof decking, it can cause the wood to warp, bend, and slowly rot. Extensive water damage can even cause wood to break and the whole structure of your roof could be compromised. Any damage to the shingles or underlayer of your roof could lead to decking being exposed or, if your roof is not properly ventilated, warm moist air could collect in the attic and weaken the decking.
The consequences of damaged decking can be severe, so you should make sure that no areas are exposed and your attic or loft space is properly ventilated.
Moss or mould growth
Another possible risk posed to your roof as a result of water is moss or mould. The warm, damp, or humid conditions that summer brings are perfect for moss to grow, and this can quickly cover your roof in a thick green layer. With moss growing between shingles, it will absorb all of the moisture from the air or rain and can concentrate it in specific areas. Allowing moisture to gather can cause water to begin leaking into the structure of your roof, damaging the roof decking and causing it to become unstable. Installing copper ridges can help prevent this mass build-up of moss and preserve the structural integrity of your roof.
Cracked shingles
It is not only moisture that provides a risk to your roof structure, as the effects of the sun can be just as detrimental. As the temperature climbs outside, the heat in the loft or attic area below your roof can climb even higher than these levels. Shingles are designed to be able to withstand all weather conditions, but these sustained levels of heat can eventually cause them to dry out and curl, making them brittle and weak. Once the next rain shower eventually arrives, the shingles may crack or allow water into your roof, which can compromise the whole structure. You should make sure that the shingles of your roof are still providing the necessary protection.
If you notice signs that the condition of your roof is deteriorating and its structure may be at risk, why not give our experts at Roof Rescue a call? We can carry out high-quality repairs to preserve the condition of your roof and make sure it does the job of protecting your home. If you would like to book in any of our roofing services, give us a call today on 020 3189 1618 or email .
