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During a hot New England summer, Stephanie looked up at her roof and noticed her shingles have seen better days. She was wondering how to inspect a roof in the summer, thinking about all the potential problems that might be wrong with it. Like many homeowners, she needed guidance from this comprehensive summer roofing repair guide to understand when professional intervention is necessary.
While the summer season is in swing, you might wonder how to inspect your roof to prevent costly problems such as leaks, missing shingles, and more. The truth is that you need to know how to inspect a roof through all seasons–but summer presents a better opportunity with long daylight hours and the absence of snow. Following this summer roofing repair guide will help you identify when it’s time to contact professional roofing contractors rather than attempting dangerous DIY repairs.
Below are 6 signs that could mean you need a professional roofing inspection:
Curling, Missing, Cracked, or Decaying Shingles
As your shingles age, you might notice issues such as curling or even decay. This is often from exposure to the elements over many, many years. It’s easy to pinpoint curled or decaying shingles as they make your roof look rough and uneven.
✅ Consider the age of your roof. A great quality asphalt shingle roof should last 20-25 years, but the best roofing can last much longer. Think about the age of your home and if you’ve ever replaced the roof before. If not, age might be a contributing factor to this problem.
✅ Grab a pair of binoculars and take a close look at your roof while you’re outside. You’ll want to look for problems such as sags or other irregularities. If the roof is sagging, you’ll want to quickly consider new roof installation. This is a sign that the sheathing underneath is rotting.Â
When you notice these signs, contact a roof replacement contractor near me immediately, as structural damage requires professional assessment and cannot be safely addressed through DIY methods.
Your Gutters are Failing
Wait, isn’t this a blog about how to inspect a roof? Yes, and gutters play a big role in the health of your roof.
Be sure to take a look at the condition of your gutters by doing the following:
✅ Think about the last time you cleaned your gutters (which should happen between seasons, or at least twice per year.) Do you notice small chunks of the roof that fall into the gutter system? These are called granules and it’s a sign that the asphalt shingles are beginning to crumble.
✅ Do you notice if your gutters are sagging? If so, this is putting extra weight on the roof system. This is especially true during the winter when ice dams present a major problem. Sagging gutters often indicate the need for roof and ceiling repair, as the supporting structures may be compromised.
Very High Attic Temperatures
Attic temperature also plays a key role in the health of your roof. The truth is that the attic space should be around the same temperature as the outdoors, no matter the time of year.
✅ Is your attic nice and cool, like you’d experience while running air conditioning? This points to a potential problem with your roof.
✅ If your roof is toasty and warm in the summer season, this indicates that the roof system is working properly. Proper attic temperature regulation is crucial for energy efficient roofing performance and preventing roofing water damage from condensation issues. If you’re worried about attic temperature, ask a roofing contractor near me if the roof is properly ventilated.
Look Out for Leaks
Roof leaks are one of the top reasons why homeowners look for a local roofing company. When your roof is leaking, serious issues may arise ranging from stained ceilings or walls to rotten rafter beams in the attic. Professional roof leak repairs prevent water damage that spreads quickly and compromises your home’s structural integrity.
✅ Go into your attic and look around for mold growth. If your roof is leaking, you may find mold growing on the rafter beams or even on the insulation.
✅ Check for condensation in the attic which may form on the rafter beams, walls and flooring. Your ceiling and wall may also be stained brown or yellow.
Did you spot any of these warning signs of a leaky roof? You’ll need to have a qualified roofing contractor give you a professional assessment. Don’t attempt DIY repairs on leaky roofs, as improper fixes can lead to extensive roofing water damage and costly structural problems.
What to do if you have a roof leak?
If you discover a roof leak, immediately contact emergency roof repair services. While waiting for professional help, place buckets to catch dripping water and move valuables away from the affected area. Never attempt to climb on a wet roof or make temporary repairs yourself, as this creates serious safety hazards. Professional roofing contractors have the proper equipment and expertise to safely assess and repair roof leak repairs.
Your Roof has Moss and Algae Growth
While some homeowners think that moss on the roof gives their home a quaint appearance, this can’t be further from the truth. Moss, as well as algae, will take a toll on your roof. This is especially true for algae, which can quite literally eat away at your roof shingles.
✅ If your roof has green patches or black streaks, this is yet another sign that it’s time for roof replacement. This is a sign of mold or fungus growth.
✅ Moss and algae are an issue when too much moisture is being held inside of the shingles. This is a fungus that grows and can compromise the structure of your roof. If you are facing the issue of moss or algae, keep roof replacement at the top of your mind.Â
Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a residential roofing company that can determine whether moss removal or complete replacement is necessary. Attempting DIY moss removal can damage shingles and void warranties!
High Energy Bills & Poor Roof Ventilation
Poor attic ventilation can yield all kinds of problems, including high energy bills in the summer. Not all homeowners make the connection between roofing and energy loss. However, the truth is that an inefficient roof can cause a 25% energy loss in the home.
While seasonal highs and lows are common with energy bills, especially here in New England, what you need to look for is an upward trend. If your energy bills are consistently going up in comparison to other years, the problem might lie within your old roof.
✅ Does your roof have intake vents? These vents bring in the fresh air that flows through the soffit or the eave.
✅ Does your roof have outtake vents? Located under the ridge cap shingles, these vents are critical for achieving adequate airflow in the attic space.
Without both of these vents, you’ll notice high energy bills and even ice dams in the winter. Professional roof installation contractor near me can evaluate your ventilation system and recommend what are energy-efficient roofing materials that will improve your home’s performance.
Signs You Need Emergency Roof Repair Services
Certain roofing problems require immediate professional attention and cannot wait for regular business hours. Contact emergency roof repair services if you notice:
✅ Active water leaks during storms
✅ Large sections of missing or blown-off shingles
✅ Sagging roof sections that pose structural risks
✅ Storm damage from fallen trees or severe hail
✅ Ice dam formation causing water backup
These situations require immediate intervention from qualified roofing contractors who can provide safe, temporary protection while planning permanent repairs.
Don’t DIY: Why Professional Roofing Contractors Are Essential
While it might be tempting to attempt roof repairs yourself, professional roofing contractors bring essential expertise that ensures lasting solutions:
✅ Safety: Roofing work involves significant fall risks and requires proper safety equipment and training that only professional contractors possess.
✅ Expertise: A local roofing contractor understands regional weather patterns, building codes, and the best materials for New England’s climate.
✅ Warranty Protection: Professional installations come with manufacturer and workmanship warranties that DIY repairs cannot provide.
✅ Insured, Licensed & Bonded: Licensed roofing contractors carry insurance that protects both workers and homeowners during the repair process.
Even though you now know how to inspect a roof, it’s important to get the assistance of a professional roofing contractor. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is the trusted roofing company in Massachusetts, offering GAF Roofing systems that are engineered with 6 critical components. GAF roofing systems come with a 25-year workmanship warranty and a lifetime shingle warranty lasting 50 years.
As GAF certified roofing contractors, we provide the expertise and credentials that ensure your roof replacement meets the highest industry standards!
Frequently Asked Roofing Questions for the Summer Season
Does spraying water on the roof cool the house?
While spraying water on your roof might provide temporary cooling through evaporation, this practice is not recommended by professional roofing contractors. Excess water can lead to roofing water damage, promote algae growth, and potentially cause leaks. Instead, focus on proper ventilation and energy efficient roofing materials for long-term cooling solutions.
How can you tell a good roofer?
A reputable roof contractor near me should be licensed, insured, and provide local references. Look for GAF certified roofer credentials, including Master Elite Certified Roofing Contractor and President’s Club Award winners.Â
Good roofing contractors offer detailed written estimates, explain their process clearly, and never pressure you into immediate decisions. Always verify their Better Business Bureau rating and ask to see examples of recent work.
What damages the roof the most?
Weather extremes cause the most roof damage, including severe storms, hail, high winds, and ice dams. UV exposure gradually degrades roofing materials, while poor ventilation can cause premature aging. Neglected maintenance, such as clogged gutters and accumulated debris, also accelerates deterioration. Regular inspections by a local roofing contractor can identify and address these issues before they become major problems.
Summer Roofing Repair Guide: See Our Roof Transformations!
This summer roofing repair guide wouldn’t be complete without showcasing the dramatic improvements professional roof replacement can achieve. If you are planning on installing a new roof, summer is the busy season. We install roofs all year long, and our roof transformations are a terrific way to revamp your curb appeal while saving energy.
Just take a look at some of these inspirational roof photos:
Get a Free Estimate and Roof Inspection from Coastal Windows & Exteriors
Serving New England since 2011, Coastal Windows & Exteriors provides New England homeowners with quality exterior home improvement services, including replacement windows, roofing, siding, and entry door installation.
Our products are carefully crafted with weather-resistant materials, engineered to protect your home through every season. We are a woman-owned, family-run company dedicated to educating New England homeowners on the importance of exterior maintenance. New England homeowners can enjoy peace of mind with 0% financing available now!
As your trusted GAFcertified roofer and residential roofing company, Coastal Windows & Exteriors brings professional expertise to every summer roofing repair guide recommendation. Whether you need routine roof repair services or complete replacement, our team provides the skilled craftsmanship that protects your home investment.
Don’t let this summer roofing repair guide be just information—take action with a free estimate from our experienced team. Contact us today for a free inspection and estimate on your next home improvement project.
