The Four Summer Roof Issues Homeowners See

Summer roof issues can arise from the unique maintenance challenges associated with hot and humid weather. While homeowners are at work, on vacation, or hiding inside during heat waves, the sun and high Virginian humidity are constantly at work. Here are 4 roofing problems that you are likely to encounter this summer.

1. UV Rays

It’s no secret that the sun’s rays feel more intense in the summer. The sun is more direct during this season. While you’re putting on SPF 50 to feel some relief, your roof is taking the full brunt of this intense heat.  Strong UVA and UVB rays can make your shingles dry, break, and crack. Thankfully, most of this kind of damage is easy to spot, but it may take a more direct inspection to notice the early signs.

This is why it’s important to order a roofing inspection once a year to spot subtle signs of wear and tear. Instead of prematurely replacing a whole roof due to negligence, you can replace individual worn out shingles before these cracks and breakages lead to expensive water damage.

• Pro tip: The older the roof, the more at risk it is for sun-related damage. If your roof is nearing the end of its recommended lifespan, we recommend a full replacement so that you won’t have to pay for frequent small repairs. This will ultimately save you time and money while giving you peace of mind that you have a new roof that will last you at least a couple of decades.

2. Humidity

Anyone who has spent a little bit of time in Northern Virginia knows that it can get quite humid in the summer. Humidity can make roofing shingles “pucker” or “buckle”, which will weaken the entire roof and leave room for water damage underneath the shingles.

Humidity can also mess up other parts of your roofing system, like the attic, if it is not ventilated properly. Moisture can build up in your attic, which can cause musty odors, mold, and potential structural damage due to weakened or rotting beams. We can also inspect your attic to check the ventilation and let you know if everything is working as it should.

3. Thunderstorms and Your Summer Roof

The mixture of hot and cold fronts in early summer and the beginning of fall lead to some big storms. Some of these can even lead to tornado warnings, strong winds, and hail. We’ve discussed the ramifications of hail damage and wind damage in our previous blogs. The impacts from storm damage can affect roofs by denting, cracking, or blowing away shingles. strong winds and hail can also beat down and rip off weak gutter systems. Siding can also become detached if gusts are strong enough.

It’s important to check your home for signs of storm damage when you experience storms with strong winds, large hail, or if a tornado passed through your area and may have impacted your home. A professional inspection can also detect storm damage that isn’t obvious to the untrained eye. If you need to make a claim to reimburse the costs of repairs, an inspection can make your claim more valid.

4. Moss or “Black Streaks”

Interesting stains can develop on your roof during the summer. In Northern Virginia, roofs that are continually under shaded and moist conditions, such as a home in a neighborhood with many trees, can develop green moss. Algae, which often looks like black streaks, can also form on roofs even under full sun.

Though black streaks are mainly an aesthetic eyesore, they can lead to premature deterioration if it spreads. Green moss is more of a concern because it traps in moisture underneath roof shingles, which can spread moisture damage throughout your roofing system. When you notice either of these conditions on your roof, it’s a good idea to get an inspection to determine the best course of action for repairs.

Summer Roof Repairs & Inspections in Northern Virginia

Noble Roofing is the expert you can turn to for your summer roof needs. For more than two decades, we’ve developed a reputation for sheer quality and dependability. We serve Centreville, VA, and other nearby areas. Give us a call today at (703) 429-0840 and experience our top-notch service for yourself.