What to Check After Your Home Has Spent an Entire Summer in the Shade

When moving your home to a shady spot for the whole summer, here are a few things you should check afterwards.

A house surrounded by mature trees can be cooler and more comfortable throughout summer. Large branches offer relief from the heat of the day, shade, and can make outside activities more pleasant. However, the very same shade can cause problems that warrant attention at the end of summer.

Spaces that are not exposed to direct sunlight may not drain as fast after rain, and leaves, twigs, and other organic materials can accumulate on roofs, gutters, siding, and around the foundation. These conditions can make it easier to identify small problems by late summer.

Homeowners can prevent costly repairs by conducting a quick exterior inspection. The following are the key areas to inspect.

1. Find Areas Where Water is Sitting. Find Areas That Stay Damp.

Do a “walkabout” of the exterior of the home and check for areas that seem moist even when it has not rained.

Focus on the following:

• Areas under dense tree cover
• North-facing walls
• Spaces behind shrubs
• Corners of the house where airflow is restricted
• Outdoor faucets and hose connections

Moisture that does not dry up can manifest as dark patches, green growth, peeling finishes, and/or areas that take far longer to dry than the remainder of the property.

This does not imply that there is a leak. Shade will significantly reduce evaporation. Frequently moist areas, though, should be subjected to further investigation, as prolonged dampness can lead to algae growth, mildew, and other organic growth.

2. Check for Discoloration and Buildup on the Roof.

After a long, hot summer, the roof is one place that’s important to check. With mature trees, a good amount of sunlight can be blocked from portions of the roof, and leaves and twigs provide more organic matter.

Look from the ground for:

• Dark streaks
• Green patches
• Moss or lichen
• Areas where there is a distinct color variation
• Leaves and twigs in roof valleys
• Gathered material at roof edges

Roof areas that are shaded and on the north side are especially vulnerable, as they stay moist for longer.

If the accumulation is noticeable on the roof, it is best to get an evaluation done before starting to clean the roof. Cleaning technique will depend on the type of roofing material and the type of growth that is present.

If homeowners require professional assistance, an Eugene best roof cleaning company can evaluate the condition of a shaded roof and determine whether additional maintenance or cleaning is needed.

3. Check Gutters and Downspouts

Homes under mature trees may gather a lot more debris in their gutters than those with fewer trees. In the summer months, leaves, needles, seed pods, and small twigs can accumulate and cause a blockage to the water flow.

Inspect gutters and downspouts for:

• Clearly visible leaves and debris
• Overflowing marks
• Staining under the gutters
• Blocked downspouts
• Soil erosion by downspout outlets
• Water being discharged too close to the foundation

A clogged gutter is more than just a problem with appearance. Any water that doesn’t drain correctly will back up against siding, landscaping, and/or the foundation.

4. Examine Shaded Siding

The side of a house that is shaded can be quite different from the side that gets several hours of direct sunshine.

Inspect siding for:

• Oil film that is either green or gray in color
• Dark spots
• Streaks
• Mildew-like growth
• Unusually contaminated areas
• Peeling or damaged finishes

The following are typical signs occurring under rooflines, near downspouts, and behind plants and vegetation, where airflow may be limited.

Determine the type of siding that you have, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning. Some siding materials are susceptible to damage when the pressure is too great, or high pressure can cause water to back up behind the siding.

5. Check Slowly Drying Surfaces

The third category of surfaces that need to be considered is those that dry slowly, such as decks, walkways, and other surfaces.

The impact of a shaded summer can be seen on horizontal surfaces in no time at all.

Inspect:

• Decks and wooden steps that are in need of repair
• Patios
• Driveways
• Walkways
• Fences
• Outdoor stairs

Check for discoloration, mould, oil, or leaf litter. Such surfaces stay moist for much longer when in the shade of trees or protected from direct sunlight.

In wood structures, also look for:

• Peeling stain
• Discoloration
• Soft areas
• Signs of moisture damage
• Warped boards

Be extra cautious when walking on walkways. Slippery surfaces when wet might require cleaning or better drainage.

6. Don’t Overlook the Foundation.

Inspect on the ground and look closely at the area around the house.

Look for:

• Leaves or organic debris against exterior walls
• Excessive mulch buildup
• Soil that comes in contact with the siding
• Vegetation close to the house
• Water pooling around the foundation
• Water pipes that are leaking or have poor connections

The ground surface may be wet for much of the season if there is heavy tree cover. If some parts of the area appear wet and other parts are dry, look into the problem; don’t just put more mulch or plants down.

Check for cracks or stains, or any places where water seems to pool after rain. The observations do not necessarily suggest that there are serious problems; rather, they may help in identifying areas to be closely examined.

7. Determine the Value of Trees and Landscapes

It’s also a good time in late summer to observe the trees and how they relate to the house.

Check whether:

• The branches of trees overhang the roof
• Branches are in contact with the roof or siding
• Leaves and twig piles occur on the roof on a regular basis
• Shrubs have become compacted against outside walls
• Vehicles are parked and obstructing the circulation of air between buildings
• Plants cause physical blockages to drainage areas

Selective pruning may be more effective than removing healthy mature trees to improve clearance and airflow rather than removing them.

Structural or otherwise large branches that are in close proximity to structures should usually be dealt with by a qualified tree professional.

8. Don’t Overlook Interior Clues

Some exterior issues show themselves within the house before they are easily discerned from the outside.

Following a long, wet summer, inspect rooms on the outside walls for:

• Musty odors
• Peeling paint
• Water marks
• Unusual discoloration
• Staining around windows
• Ceiling stains

Be extra careful in rooms under overhanging roof parts.

However, these indications are not necessarily an indicator of a roofing issue. Other problems such as plumbing and water systems for homeowners, condensation, window seals, etc., can cause the same symptoms. It is important to observe the changes that persist, not ignore them.

9. Create a Short Fall Maintenance List.

Not all problems will require fixing right away. Separate several things from troubles that might call for professional help, starting with routine maintenance.

Late summer tasks can include:

• Cleaning gutters and roof valleys of leaves and debris
• Drainage and downspout inspection
• Searching for moss, algae, or dark roof streaks
• Cleaning up shaded siding that has organic material accumulated on it

These are all examples of tasks that could be performed using a cleaning robot.

• Inspecting vegetation around the foundation
• Regularly pruning limbs that touch the house
• Checking for broken shingles or siding
• Conducting a moisture and water stain investigation

Maintain Your Shaded House In Good Condition

A shaded property doesn’t always equal a high-maintenance property. It is important to understand that the rate of drying of exterior surfaces and the amount of organic material that can build up are influenced by shade.

Making an effort to check the roof, siding, drainage, landscaping, and other outside areas at the end of the summer could help homeowners spot issues early, before they can cause serious damage.

Well-grown trees can serve as shade and ornament for many years. The aim is just to ensure that the house under them gets the maintenance it deserves before little problems become big repairs.