The heat of the Pocatello summer is right around the corner and you know what that means for Pocatello roofing — or maybe not. That’s ok. You’ve come to the right place for your Pocatello summer roofing tips. Problems don’t only happen during the winter. Here’s what you need to know during the summer when it comes to roofing.
Roof Inspections
This is how you will get a good idea of what may need to be done to your roof. Some homeowners prefer to do this themselves. But the majority of the time, you are better off having a professional take a look at your roof. If you decide to do it yourself, here’s what you should look for. (It is always a good idea to take some photos as you do your inspection. Having some before and after photos will help you to identify anything that has changed since your last inspection and anything that might need to be done going forward.)
- Check under the eaves and get rid of any loose debris that has gotten caught there. Otherwise, you might have some unwanted guests (like insects or rodents) looking to make a home under your eaves.
- Make sure that the metal strips around your vents, chimney, etc are not loose.
- Check your shingles. If you discover that any are missing, broken, loose, or damaged, then there is some work that needs to be done.
- Moss. If you find moss anywhere, it is a sign that you may have a leak.
The most important thing to remember when doing an inspection is safety. Here are some tips to help prevent injury during your roof inspection.
- Wear proper attire. You’ll want some protective clothing and shoes that provide some good grip.
- Get help. Have someone working with you — especially anytime you are using a ladder.
- Take your time. A lot of accidents can be avoided just by taking it slow and steady.
Clean The Gutters
Leaves and all sorts of other debris can get caught inside the gutters on the roof. You definitely need to be cleaning these in the winter but don’t forget about them in the summer either. They can get clogged, come loose, get cracked, etc. If any of these issues happen, they can start leaking and cause flooding problems.
Tree Trimming
Trees bring a lot of benefits to your property. They can also provide some pretty big challenges. It’s easy to not pay much attention to trees — some require very little maintenance — but before you know it, they can get pretty big and branches can give you trouble.
Limbs that are hitting your gutters, windows, and/or roof need to go. Before they do major damage.
Wildlife
Trees aren’t the only form of nature that has the potential to harm your roof. Rodents, pests, and animals will take advantage of any openings they find to make a home or nest. They can chew through wiring which can lead to major problems like a fire. You are sure to get some bird droppings hitting your roof as well. Those can be acidic and cause damage to your shingles. This is another reason why inspections are important.
Look Inside Too
A leak or other issue with your roof will likely leave evidence on the inside of your home. Check the ceilings for signs of mold. It’s also a good idea to take a peek inside the attic. Is there any discoloration? You might have mold. That is an issue that needs to be fixed right away!
Exhaust Fans
Some parts of your home like the bathroom or attic may have exhaust fans. If that is the case, do a quick check to make sure they are working. The purpose of these fans is to remove the humidity from a room so if you don’t have them or they aren’t working, that leaves your home vulnerable to moisture that can cause trouble. We recommend getting those exhaust fans installed or repaired as soon as you can.
Keep Workers In Mind
If you think it is hot when you step outside, just imagine how the workers on your roof feel. They’ll need to take some additional precautions when working in the intense heat. So, keep that in mind when you schedule your Pocatello roofing needs. There are thousands of workers afflicted with heat-related illnesses every year around the United States. Keep the following in mind for the roofing crew when there is a summertime Pocatello roofing project at your home.
- Check the weather
- Water breaks
- Heat-related symptoms
- Standard safety measures
- Caution with tools
- Working during the cooler hours of the day
Pocatello Roofing Maintenance — Do It Now
Don’t let a small issue that needs repair sit for long because when a minor issue is not addressed, it will likely turn into a much bigger problem. An entire roof replacement can be an expensive project and a huge burden to most homeowners. Your roof isn’t expected to last forever, but you can help it to last much longer with a little be of care and maintenance along the way.
We are a Pocatello roofing company dedicated to providing residential and commercial roofing services for clients throughout the Eastern Idaho area. We can help you manage all of your roof maintenance needs. Contact us today for a free roof evaluation and inspection.