Summer is finally here; a season of vacations, days by the pool, and barbeques. With as many fun, relaxing things as there are to do in summer, the season also poses some hazards—especially to your roof. It’s certainly not the only season where roof damage can happen, though. Each season in the Midwest has its own set of hazards that homeowners need to be aware of so they can keep an eye on potential damage and reach out to an Omaha roofing company when they suspect their roof has been compromised. Here are the most common hazards by season.

Summer

While the heat is ideal for all your outdoor summer plans, it’s not the best weather condition for your roof. The humidity that arrives with summer can cause fungus and algae to grow on your roof, which weakens it. The main reason these undesirable elements grow is due to poor ventilation. If you’re not sure if your roof is properly ventilated, contact an Omaha roofing company that can do an inspection.

In addition to algae and mold growth, the summer’s sun UV rays can cause your shingles to warp and crack, allowing water into the home and doing more damage. A reputable contractor can also make sure your roof is sound when he does an inspection.

Spring

When spring arrives, the flowers begin to bloom and the grass becomes green again. This, however, is the result of moisture—one of the main culprits when it comes to roof damage (along with spring hail storms.) Excess rain and melting snow can play havoc with your roof, leading to leaks, damaged shingles, and a compromised roof—especially if the harsh winter months led to roof damage. Now is the one of the best times of the year to have a roof inspection performed by an Omaha roofing contractor. He or she can look for pools of water collecting on the roof, leaks inside your home, and damaged shingles. Even if you don’t think your roof sustained any damage during the winter, it’s still a good idea to have it looked at to make sure.

Fall

‘Tis the season…for falling branches, leaves, and other debris that can clog up your gutter and damage your roof. A clog in your gutter can cause ice dams if the temps dip far enough in the fall months. Ice dams can ruin roofs and cause structural damage to other parts of your home, so it’s important to make sure your gutters are free of debris as the temperatures continue to drop. If any strong fall storms hit your area, you should also think about a roof inspection before winter hits.

Winter

Freezing temperatures, ice, snow, and wind are the reasons why winter is usually the roughest season for your roof. Ice dams are one of the most common reasons for winter roof damage. These form when snow that has accumulated on your roof melts, collects in your gutter, then refreezes. The result is blocks of ice that can damage gutters and shingles and cause water to leak into your home. To prevent ice dams, proper insulation is key, as is making sure your gutters are clear of debris.

In the Midwest, no season can be considered “safe” for your home. There are hazards to look out for year-round, and the more you know about them, the better you’ll be at spotting red flags and getting an Omaha roofing contractor to look at your home as soon as possible. Prevention and early intervention are the keys to preventing a roofing emergency. Want to have your roof inspected? Contact HomeWise Roofing & Exteriors to get one scheduled.