As summer starts to come into view and the days grow a little longer, it becomes easy to be drawn into a sense of relaxation. But before you unwind completely, there is one critical area of your home that needs attention: your roof maintenance. You know how the peak hurricane season sets in August if you happen to live in Crofton, Maryland. So don’t wait until then to take care of your roof.

An exceptionally well-maintained roof can be what it takes to navigate the storm, dry and safe inside, and deal with less-expensive repairs after it has passed. A little time taken to inspect and care for your roof could very well avoid major damage and extend its life. Here are six critical summer roof maintenance tips for keeping your home out of harm’s way this hurricane season.

1. Gutters and Downspouts: Clean those

One of the easiest, yet most important things you can do, is to clean the gutters. In the South, big rains during the summer can fill up gutters full of leaves, twigs, and other debris in no time. If the gutters are blocked up, then the water has no place to go, and it will start to back up underneath the shingles, possibly causing leaks and water damage.

Just make sure that water flows freely by getting rid of any leaves and other debris from your gutters and downspouts. With these, be extra cautious about the downspouts, as they are easily clogged and cause water to flow around the foundation of your house, which can create structural problems.

Among those little things which can prevent big issues resulting from a rainy season is maintaining regular gutter maintenance.

2. Trim back overhanging tree branches.

While most of Maryland lush trees are beautiful, if not properly kept in check, they can be a hazard to your roof. Overhanging limbs scrape your roof with every breeze and can even snap off in a storm, seriously damaging your roof’s shingles.

Trim big branches hanging over or near your house to protect your roof from damage. This will not only reduce the likelihood of damage to your house during a storm but will also minimize the quantity of debris that falls onto your roof, making ongoing maintenance much easier.

3. Regularly Remove Roof Debris

Keeping your roof free from debris is just as important as keeping your gutters clean. Leaves, twigs, and other elements settle on top of the roofing and retain water, which in turn decays shingles.

It’s always a best practice to make it a habit to check on your roofing and clean up any debris found. By doing this simple action, you will avoid moss and algae from growing, which can cause further damage to your roof, and help you identify other problems before they turn into big ones.

4. Inspect Your Shingles for Damage

Since you will be up there anyway, sweeping off debris, take the opportunity to closely inspect each shingle. Shingles tend to crack or curl and often loosen over time, especially in the areas most exposed to bad weather.

If any shingles are found to be damaged, do repair or replacement right away. Small repairs prevent leaks, and this will give your roof a long life, saving you from further major—and in most cases, costly—damages in the future.

If you are not sure about the condition of your shingles, consider bringing in a professional to do a thorough inspection.

5. Look for Signs of Water Damage

Water damage is something that can quite often be subtle in origin; hence, no apparent signs and symptoms may turn up until it’s too late. When inspecting your roof, keep an eye out for the tell-tale dark spots, mold, or other indications of water intrusion.

It’s essential to detect it early enough to avoid further serious damage. Address the signs of water damage as soon as you note them to prevent any further spreading of the leaks, which may result in problems in your interior.

The maintaining of a photographic record of your roof condition will help in noticing changes taking place and, thereby, offer one a chance to deal with problems before they are worse.

6. Make use of a professional roofing contractor.

Although roof maintenance doesn’t generally rank high on anyone’s summer fun list, for too many people, it’s entirely out of the way. If you’re not comfortable climbing onto your roof yourself, the hiring of a professional roofing contractor might just be smart business.

Experienced contractors can identify problems that otherwise might not be visible to the naked eye and carry out repairs that ensure your roof is in top condition.

In Maryland, with hurricane season ever at their doorstep, it’s well worth the peace of mind to have your roof taken care of by professionals. Whether you’re looking at complete inspections, minor repairs, or a full replacement, a little money invested now in quality maintenance can save major headaches later on.

Contact us for Your Roofing Needs

USA Builders and Developers understand that home roofing maintenance is a unique challenge for Maryland homeowners, especially during hurricane season. Allow our professionals to assist you in maintaining your roof during the summer season. From inspections to repairs, our services are comprehensive to ensure your home remains safe from elements.

Don’t let the storm clouds gather over your head—schedule your roof inspection today and be able to have a worry-free summer knowing that your home is safe from damage. For any roof maintenance, contact USA Builders and Developers.