6 Essential Summer Roof Maintenance Tips for Dover Homeowners
Most homeowners don’t realize their roof is in trouble until water starts dripping through the ceiling - and by then, it’s already too late. With Dover’s unpredictable summer weather, a weak spot in your roof can turn into a full-blown emergency fast.
And while roof maintenance might seem like something you can “deal with later,” the truth is simple: a little seasonal upkeep now can prevent thousands in emergency repairs later.
In this guide, we’re walking you through practical, easy-to-follow tips that will help you protect your home, boost energy efficiency, and keep your roof strong through summer and beyond.
Start With a Summer Roof Inspection
Every season leaves its mark — cracked shingles from freeze/thaw cycles, debris in the gutters, or flashing that’s started to peel. A roof inspection in early summer gives you the best chance to find and fix small problems before the storms roll in.
Look for:
Loose, curled, or missing shingles
Rusting or cracked flashing around vents and skylights
Debris or mold in valleys or low points of the roof
Pro Tip: Even if everything looks okay, a pro inspection can catch early signs of moisture or ventilation issues you can’t see from the ground.
Realtor Tip: Pre-listing inspections that include the roof can eliminate surprises during a buyer’s inspection — helping you close faster and avoid renegotiation.
Clean and Inspect Your Gutters
Summer storms drop tons of water in short bursts. If your gutters are clogged, that water can pool under your shingles, seep into fascia boards, or spill over into your foundation.
Keep your system flowing by:
Cleaning gutters every few months
Checking for sagging or disconnected downspouts
Installing gutter guards if trees surround your home
Pro Tip: Downspouts should extend at least 3 feet away from your foundation to avoid long-term structural damage.
Realtor Tip: Clean, well-maintained gutters instantly boost curb appeal and signal buyers that the home is well cared for.
Trim Back Overhanging Branches
In theory, shade from trees can help cool your home. But in practice? Overhanging branches are notorious for scratching shingles, clogging gutters, and dropping debris right onto your roof.
Trim branches that are:
Touching or nearly touching the roof
Close enough to sway in storms
Dropping sap, leaves, or seed pods
Pro Tip: This also minimizes rodent access to your roof and attic spaces.
Realtor Tip: Overhanging branches can be a red flag during buyer walk-throughs. Trimming them back makes a property feel move-in ready and well-maintained.
Check for Algae, Moss, and Mold
Dover summers mean humidity - and that means mold, mildew, and algae growth, especially on shaded parts of the roof. These organisms can slowly break down shingles, trap moisture, and lead to rot.
Clean green or black streaks gently with:
Rinse gently - never power wash!
Or call a professional for deep cleaning and protection
Realtor Tip: Streaky, moldy roofs can make an otherwise great listing feel neglected. A quick professional cleaning can boost buyer confidence and photo appeal.
Improve Attic Ventilation
Most homeowners don’t realize how much attic airflow affects roof health. Without good ventilation, heat builds up fast - damaging shingles from below and spiking your AC bill.
Signs of bad ventilation include:
A hot, humid attic
Warped roof decking or mold growth inside
Ice dams forming in winter
Realtor Tip: Homes with poor attic ventilation may raise concerns during inspections. Fixing airflow issues in advance helps avoid repair demands or buyer hesitation.
Be Storm-Ready, Not Storm-Surprised
New England thunderstorms can strike hard and fast. Get ahead of the chaos by:
Securing any loose shingles now
Saving before/after roof photos for insurance
Having a local roofer (like us) on speed dial for post-storm checks
Peace of mind isn’t just about staying dry — it’s about knowing you’ve done everything you can to avoid emergency costs.
Realtor Tip: Homes with poor attic ventilation may raise concerns during inspections. Fixing airflow issues in advance helps avoid repair demands or buyer hesitation.
Summer is the busiest season for roof damage — and repair wait times. Don’t get caught trying to find help after the storm hits.
Visit bemyroofer.com to request your FREE summer roof site inspection and quote. You can call us directly at 603-749-8998, email us at info@bemyroofer.com, or even shoot us a text - whatever’s easiest for you.
No pressure. No gimmicks. Just honest insights and reliable service from a team that understands Dover homes and the challenges our roofs face all year round.