Essential Maryland Roof Maintenance: What Each Season Does to Your Roof

We’ve been helping homeowners and businesses in Baltimore and the surrounding area with their roofs since 2000. We know more about the impact of the weather on roofs each season than almost anyone.

One thing we know for sure at CRG Roofing and Siding is that Maryland can be tough on a roof.

Each of the four seasons affects your roof in different ways. From humid summers to freeze-thaw winters, they all take their toll.

It’s easy to only think about your roof when something goes wrong, but by the time you notice damage, it may have been building for months, or years. It’s important to catch small problems early. Let’s take a look at what you need to be careful of each season.

Spring

Spring is when we receive the most calls, usually because of damage caused over the winter that went unnoticed.

You’ve got snow and ice working on your roof all winter long, then spring rain comes along to find the weak spots.

• Cracked shingles from freezing and thawing during the winter.
• Flashing gets lifted around skylights and vents as the seals pull away.
• Gutters get clogged with old leaves and debris.

Spring storms can arrive suddenly with strong winds and heavy rain. If your roof is already compromised, it may struggle to cope.

This is a great time of year to get a professional check of your roof, and our roof inspection service is ideal for this.

Summer

During hot and sticky summers in Baltimore, the roof feels it the most. On a 90-degree day, the surface temperature of your roof can go up significantly.

Heat damages shingles. While they’re made to handle the sun, they have a limit. Constant heat dries out the oils and stops them from being flexible. Shingles curl at the edges and crack, and they shed their protective granules that shield them from UV rays.

If you spot granules collecting in the gutters or bottom of downspouts, this means your shingles are aging fast.

Humidity is another problem. Moist air can go up into the attic and get trapped. This can cause warped roof decking, as well as mold and mildew. Check that your attic ventilation is working properly to reduce the risk of problems occurring.

Fall

Fall is a great time to do preventive work on your roof, before the cold sets in properly. Gutters are especially important now. Fallen leaves and debris can clog gutters and downspouts. The water stops draining and backs up under the shingle edges, and it can spill over the fascia.

If the water is present in winter, it freezes, so we recommend cleaning your gutters now, once the leaves have mainly fallen. Sagging gutters, or gutters that are pulling away or leaking, should also be checked.

This is also a good time to trim surrounding branches on trees, and to check for damaged or missing shingles. Inspect the sealant and flashing, too, and check that water is draining away from the foundation.

Winter

Winter is the worst season for roof damage. In Maryland, it doesn’t stay frozen like up north. It’s more back and forth, with constant freezing and thawing. And that’s a big problem.

Snow melts, water seeps into gaps, freezes overnight and expands, making the gaps wider. Then it thaws, and the cycle repeats. Over the season, those small cracks can become leaks.

Ice dams are another problem. These are caused when heat escapes the attic and warms the roof, melting the snow. Water runs down to the cold edge of the roof, refreezes, and forms a ridge of ice. This traps water behind it, which can be forced under the shingles and into your home. Having good insulation and ventilation in your home is often the best way to prevent this.

Flat roofs on row homes and commercial properties come with their own problems. Water drains more slowly, and ponding becomes a problem. After rain or when snow melts, standing water impacts the membrane and accelerates wear. As such, regular checks are a good idea.

Keep Your Roof Maintained

Every season brings its own problems, and regular roof checks can help you spot these problems early, reducing the risk that they become more serious.

If you notice water stains on your walls or ceilings; missing, curling, or cracked shingles; sagging areas on your roof; granules in your gutters; or anything else you’re unsure about, give us a call.

Good maintenance is essential, and it pays off. Minor repairs are far more affordable than emergency fixes or having to replace your roof prematurely. We’ll be happy to take a look at your roof, so just get in touch for a free estimate.