Summer’s right around the corner, and while you might be planning your vacations and barbecues, your home’s exterior may need some serious prep work.
Those scorching days, intense UV rays, and sudden storms can really take a toll on your roof and siding if you’re not careful.
Let’s walk through some simple checks to make sure your home’s outer shell is summer-proof.
Your Roof Deserves Attention
Winter and spring can be rough on shingles.
Take a walk around your property and look up to see if there are any missing or damaged shingles. Caught early, these are simple fixes. Ignored, they can lead to leaks when those summer thunderstorms roll through.
Check your gutters too, as they’re probably packed with spring pollen and leftover fall leaves. Clogged gutters during a summer downpour? That’s a recipe for water damage along your roofline and foundation. A couple hours of cleaning now saves headaches later.
Don’t forget about attic ventilation. Poor airflow under your roof can trap heat, making your AC work overtime and potentially warping your shingles from underneath. If your attic feels like a sauna, consider adding ridge vents or improving your existing ventilation.
Siding Needs Summer Protection
Your siding takes the brunt of summer’s fury.
Give it a good inspection by looking for any warped panels, cracks, or areas where caulking has failed. These vulnerable spots can let moisture in or even become homes for insects.
Consider a gentle power wash to remove winter’s grime. Just don’t go overboard with pressure, because you want to clean your siding, not damage it.
For wood siding, check if it’s time for a fresh coat of stain or paint. The sun’s UV rays can break down protective finishes, leaving the wood vulnerable to moisture damage and rot.
Windows and Doors – The Weak Points
The areas where different materials meet—like where windows and doors connect to your siding —are prime spots for summer leaks. Check that all your caulking is intact and refresh any areas that look cracked or shrunken.
Inspect window screens for holes. You’ll want those windows open on nice days without inviting every bug in the neighborhood into your home.
Don’t Forget the Little Things
Clean your dryer vent to avoid that exterior opening from becoming a nest for birds or getting clogged with lint, which can create a fire hazard during hot summer months.
Trim back trees and bushes that touch your home’s exterior. They can scrape against siding and roofing during storms, and they create highways for insects to access your home.
The Final Check
Walk around your home on a sunny day and look for shadows and sun patterns.
Are there areas getting blasted by the sun all day? Consider strategic landscaping or even awnings to protect vulnerable siding and help keep your home cooler.
Summer should be about relaxation, not dealing with preventable exterior home damage. A weekend of preparation now means months of worry-free enjoyment ahead. Your future self will thank you when you’re sipping lemonade on the patio instead of calling for emergency roof repairs during the season’s first big storm.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top-quality roofing and remodeling company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
