Asphalt Shingle Roofing in Sheridan, Wyoming: Summer Issues & Maintenance

Sheridan, Wyoming summers can be tough on asphalt shingle roofs. With high elevation sun, heat, and sudden thunderstorms, your shingles take a beating‍. As trusted Sheridan Wyoming roofers, Summit Construction understands these seasonal challenges and helps homeowners protect their roofs. In this post, we’ll cover common summer roofing issues like sun damage and storms, how to spot signs your shingles need repair, the benefits of timely maintenance, and tips to prepare your roof for the summer season in Sheridan.

Sun and Heat Damage to Asphalt Shingles

Prolonged summer sun and heat can deteriorate asphalt shingles. Ultraviolet (UV) rays and high temperatures dry out the asphalt, causing cracking and blistering over time. You might notice faded, brittle shingles or even spots where the surface looks bubbled. Heat can also lead to curling shingles, where the edges turn upward – a clear sign of aging and excessive heat exposure. These forms of sun damage not only make your roof look worn but also weaken its ability to keep water out.

How to mitigate sun damage: Ensure your attic is well-ventilated to release built-up heat (preventing shingles from baking) and consider using reflective roof coatings or lighter-colored shingles that reduce heat absorption. Summit Construction can install high-quality asphalt shingles designed with UV-resistant granules to better withstand Sheridan’s sun-drenched summers.

Summer Storm Risks and Preparation

Summer in Wyoming also brings intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, and occasionally hail. Sheridan’s location near the Bighorn Mountains means we often experience sudden strong winds and hailstorms during late spring and summers. High winds can lift or tear shingles off your roof, especially if they’re older or already loose. Heavy rain can exploit any weak spots – a small crack or missing shingle can quickly become a leak when torrential downpours hit. And hail can be especially damaging: even modest hailstones can strip asphalt shingle granules and crack or puncture the shingles, compromising your roof’s waterproof.

Storm preparation tips: It’s crucial to prepare your asphalt shingle roof before the peak of summer storm season:

• Inspect and repair – Schedule a roof inspection to check for loose, missing, or damaged shingles before storms arrive. Replacing a few bad shingles or fixing lifted edges now can prevent major water damage during a storm.
• Clear gutters and downspouts – Make sure your gutters are clear of debris so heavy rain can flow off your roof. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up under shingles during downpours, leading to rot or leaks.
• Trim overhanging branches – Prune any tree limbs near your roof. In high winds, branches can snap and crash onto the roof or scrape against shingles, causing damage.
• Consider impact-resistant materials – If your roof has a history of hail damage, ask about impact-resistant asphalt shingles. Summit Construction offers roofing materials made for Wyoming weather, including asphalt shingles rated to withstand hail impact.

By taking these steps, Sheridan homeowners can minimize storm damage. Remember, Wyoming’s peak hail season runs from late spring through early fall– so summer is the time to be vigilant and ensure your roof is ready to handle Mother Nature’s worst.

Signs Your Shingle Roof Needs Repair or Replacement

How do you know if summer has taken a toll on your asphalt shingles? Here are some telltale signs of shingle damage to watch for:

• Curling or Buckling Shingles: Shingles that curl at the edges or appear warped are a red flag. Heat and age often cause this curling, and curled shingles can’t effectively keep out water
• Missing Shingles: If you notice gaps on your roof where shingles have blown off (often after a windstorm), your roof is vulnerable. Even one missing shingle can let water penetrate the underlayment. Replace missing shingles promptly to prevent leaks.
• Granule Loss: Check your gutters or the ground around your downspouts for excessive shingle granules (they look like dark sand). Loss of granules is common as shingles age or after hailstorms. Bald spots on shingles mean less UV protection and a shorter remaining life.
• Leaks or Water Stains: Any sign of water inside your home – brown ceiling stains, damp spots in the attic, or drip marks down walls – could indicate your roof is compromised. Summer thunderstorms can exploit even small shingle failures, so don’t ignore water intrusion signs.
• Mold or Algae Patches: Although Sheridan’s dry climate limits algae growth, if you see dark streaks it might indicate moisture is being retained on the roof surface. Moss or lichen growth is more likely in shaded, damp areas and can lift shingles over time.

If you spot any of these issues during your summer roof check, it’s time to take action. Timely repairs can save you from a bigger project like a full roof replacement by addressing damage early.

Benefits of Timely Summer Roof Maintenance

Taking care of small roofing issues before they escalate has huge benefits for homeowners:

• Extend Roof Lifespan: Regular summer maintenance (like replacing a few cracked shingles or fixing flashing) helps your asphalt shingle roof last as long as possible. A well-maintained shingle roof in Sheridan can last 20+ years, whereas neglected damage can cut that short significantly.
• Prevent Water Damage: Wyoming’s summer storms can dump a lot of water in a short time. Fixing vulnerabilities (holes, loose shingles, open seams) ahead of those storms keeps your home dry and prevents costly problems like rot, mold, or drywall damage.
• Save Money: It’s much cheaper to repair a section of shingles or patch a small leak now than to deal with interior water damage or structural repairs later. Proactive upkeep saves money by avoiding emergency fixes and extending the interval before you need a full roof replacement.
• Improve Energy Efficiency: Intense sun can raise attic temperatures. Replacing heat-damaged shingles and ensuring proper attic ventilation will help keep your home cooler. Your AC won’t have to work as hard, lowering summer energy bills.
• Peace of Mind: Perhaps most importantly, you’ll rest easy knowing your roof is solid. When those sudden Sheridan thunderstorms roll through on a hot afternoon, you won’t be lying awake worrying if that dripping sound you hear is a new leak. A sound roof means confidence that your home is protected.

In short, a little maintenance goes a long way. Something as simple as cleaning gutters or securing a loose shingle now can spare you a major headache in the middle of a summer downpour.

Summit Construction – Your Partner for Summer Roof Care in Sheridan

When it comes to asphalt shingle roofing in Sheridan, Summit Construction has you covered. We’re a locally owned company familiar with Sheridan’s weather extremes – from the blazing summer sun to the hailstorms and high winds‍. Our experienced team offers comprehensive roof inspections and honest recommendations to keep your home safe.

How Summit Construction can help:

• Free Roof Inspections: Not sure about your roof’s condition after the last storm or heat wave? Our Sheridan Wyoming roofers will perform a thorough inspection at no cost and let you know if anything needs attention. We check for loose or damaged shingles, weak spots, and potential problem areas so you can address them before summer weather hits full force.
• Expert Repairs & Maintenance: From replacing storm-damaged shingles to re-sealing flashing and vents, we handle all types of shingle roof repairs. We use high-quality asphalt shingles that perform well in our Wyoming climate. Our crew works efficiently and safely to restore your roof’s integrity with minimal disruption.
• Preparation & Upgrades: Summit Construction can help “summer-proof” your roof. We’ll ensure your ventilation is adequate to vent heat. We can apply reflective coatings or install cool roof shingles that reflect UV rays. And if you’re interested in upgrading to impact-resistant shingles for better hail protection, we can discuss options that fit your budget and style.
• Local Knowledge: As a Sheridan-based roofer, we know the local building codes and common issues on homes in our area. We won’t recommend unnecessary work – our goal is to give you a roof that lasts through every Wyoming season. When you work with Summit Construction, you’re getting a neighbor who genuinely cares about your home.

Schedule Your Free Summer Roof Inspection

Don’t let the summer sun or surprise storms catch you off guard. With July and August on the horizon, now is the perfect time to ensure your asphalt shingle roof is ready for the demands of the season. Contact Summit Construction today to schedule your free roof inspection or to get a quote on any needed repairs. As Sheridan’s premier roofing company, we take pride in helping local homeowners stay safe and dry all year long.

Call to action: Ready to protect your home this summer? Call Summit Construction at (307) 429-0233 or fill out our online form to schedule a free roof inspection. Let our team provide you with peace of mind and a strong, sturdy roof that can handle the Wyoming summer – from the hottest sun to the fiercest storm. We’re here to keep your Sheridan home covered!

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