How do I protect my asphalt roof in Burlington, NC during the summer? It's a question we hear a lot once the warm weather sets in. Summer brings warmer temperatures and longer days to the Triad, but it also increases the risk of severe storms, high winds and heavy rain that can take a toll on your roof. Staying proactive is the best way to protect one of the biggest investments in your home.
Use the checklist below to walk through the most common summer roof and gutter problems before they turn into costly leaks. If anything looks off — or you'd rather have a professional take a look — Redeem Roofing offers free inspections across Burlington, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and the surrounding Triad.
1. Check Your Attic
Start inside. Inspect your attic for any sign of water, moisture, mold, mildew or rot. Water stains on the underside of the roof deck often point to missing shingles or damaged flashing around vents, skylights and chimneys. If you can see daylight streaming through gaps in the roof, seal them — those same openings let water infiltrate during a summer downpour.
2. Inspect Your Gutters
Gutters do their hardest work in storm season, so make sure they're clear. Check for debris like leaves and twigs, especially after heavy rain. Remove any clogs and confirm that your downspouts are carrying water well away from the foundation. Clogged or sagging gutters let water back up under the shingles and pool around the base of your home, where it can cause far more expensive damage.
3. Check for Missing or Dislodged Shingles
Missing and loose shingles allow moisture to seep into the interior of your home. High winds, age, flying debris and poor installation are the usual culprits. Walk the perimeter of your house and look up for shingles that are cracked, curling, lifted or simply gone. Replace or repair any compromised shingles promptly — small gaps spread quickly once water gets underneath. If you're seeing widespread wear, it may be time to talk about roof replacement.
4. Check Your Flashing
Flashing is the metal that seals the seams where your roof meets a chimney, vent or other protrusion — and it's one of the most common places for leaks to start. Inspect these areas and seal any spots around chimneys and roof penetrations where water could sneak in. If flashing is rusted, bent or pulling away, have it re-sealed or replaced.
5. Check Skylights
Skylights may be a nice feature for your home, but they are a vulnerability when it comes to your roof. Over time the seals around a skylight degrade, which permits water infiltration and can lead to mold. Schedule an annual professional inspection of your skylights so worn seals get caught before they cause interior damage.
6. Seal Potential Nesting Spots
Summer is nesting season. Repair any open eaves before pests move in. Rodents can damage insulation and chew through electrical wiring, and bird droppings are acidic enough to corrode shingles over time. Sealing these entry points protects both your roof and the rest of your home.
A few hours of summer maintenance can spare you from a leak — and a much bigger repair bill — when the next storm rolls through.
When to Call a Professional
Some of this checklist you can handle from the ground. But climbing onto an asphalt roof is dangerous, and damage isn't always visible to an untrained eye. If you spot warning signs — or simply want peace of mind before storm season peaks — a professional roofer can give your roof a thorough top-to-bottom inspection. We can also help with roof repair, routine roof maintenance and storm-damage insurance claims.
Ready to get ahead of summer storms? Request a free, no-obligation inspection and estimate from Redeem Roofing & Construction. We're a family-owned asphalt shingle roofing company serving Burlington, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and the Piedmont Triad — call us at (336) 350-1450 and we'll make sure your roof is ready for the season.