Summer isn’t easy on a roof. Sunshine and heat take their toll. Plus, the number of severe storms that roll through the area only adds to the potential hazards thrown at your commercial roof during the season. Understanding possible threats, assessing for damage, and hiring a professional roofer for an inspection and/or repairs will ensure your roof remains in tip-top shape all summer.

Algae and Mold Growth

Warmth and humidity make for hospitable conditions for mold and algae to thrive. Algae are not only aesthetically unappealing, causing dark patches or streaks, but this problem is also damaging to the roof, contributing to issues such as:

• Leaks from structural damage
• Damage to the UV and rain protection on the shingles
• Weakened shingles
• Cracking, curling, or warping of shingles

While algae cause their fair share of damage, mold is often even more structurally damaging to shingles as it traps moisture on the roof that can hurt the wood underneath. Mold is also notorious for breaking down asphalt shingles, possibly leading to cracking or curling. Because mold retains moisture, it promotes the development of lichen, algae, and moss, all organic growth that’s potentially destructive to your roof. Moss and lichen can eat away at shingles relatively quickly, often even faster than mold.

Sun Damage

Those aren’t the only possible issues — think about how much sun your business’s roof receives, especially when the sun is at its peak each day. Even if your roof has a protective UV coating, the sun will slowly degrade the shingles. And as your roof ages, the damage will become more apparent. In addition, the sun may fade your roofing or cause shingles to dry and crack.

Heat Damage

Besides the trouble caused by UV rays, the sun may also contribute to heat damage. Flat or low-slope roofs, for example, may experience membrane fatigue or seam separation from the high temperatures. The heat from the sun also causes shingles to expand. And as they expand and contract repeatedly, they can blister, warp, or loosen over time.

Storm Damage

Summer is prime time for storms, and sometimes they include tornadoes. Between hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain, your roof can take quite a beating. Shingles may fly off, hail may cause dents, and rain may pool and lead to structural damage.

Keep in mind that an improperly maintained roof is more likely to sustain damage during severe weather. As a reminder, prune all trees near your building regularly to prevent branches from falling on your roof when winds pick up.

Summer has its perks, but for your company’s roof, it’s a season that can leave its mark. Fortunately, routine inspections and regular maintenance help prevent some issues, and assessing your roof occasionally, especially after storms, may lead to early detection of problems — when issues are easier and less expensive to repair.

Reach out to Don Kennedy Roofing today to schedule a roofing inspection and routine maintenance visit in Nashville, TN.