Shingles, Nails, and Beyond

Summer isn't all carefree and sunny days. Animals and storms can all cause damage to your roof. With some planning and early repairs, you can make sure your home stays dry and secure all season long.

Stop Pest Invasions

Both animals and insects may try to invade your attic through the roof if you aren't careful. First and foremost, avoid storing food and water in the attic, since this can be a major draw for pests. Next, have any minor roof damages repaired. Holes in the eaves or a missing soffit vent cover provides easy attic access for insects like swarming bees or animals like small rodents and birds. Loose flashing or a damaged shingle may be all that is needed to tempt a larger animal like a raccoon to pull off parts of the roof to gain attic access. Repairing this damage, no matter how small, keeps animals out and protects your roof from more extensive problems.

Prevent Storm Damage

Storms can destroy a roof, but you can cut down on the chances of that happening by being proactive. Begin by surveying your roof every year in spring or early summer. Have any loose or damaged shingles replaced so you won't have to worry about the wind ripping them off or leaks occurring. Next, survey your flashing around the base of chimneys or vents. If the flashing is bent or warped, high winds can rip it from our roof. Finally, look at the trees near the roof. Have deadwood removed and trim back any overhanging branches so that you don't have to worry about them falling and causing a roof puncture. Trees too close to the roof can also scrape off shingles if they are blowing wildly during a major storm.

Manage Your Gutters

Your gutters should be considered a roof component. If the gutters are dirty and in ill repair, then water can't drain properly from the roof during a summer storm. Instead, the water will back up at the gutters, which can cause it to flow onto the eaves and over the fascia boards. Over time, this can cause the eaves to rot and water to invade your attic. More immediately alarming, though, is that the backing up water can also get beneath the shingles along your eaves and cause an immediate leak. Keep your gutters clean and have any damages repaired immediately to avoid roof problems.

Contact a roof repair service in your area if you need more help with fixing or preventing damage.