Pennsylvania’s harsh winters can take their tolls on roofs.

But the summer months can do damage too.

“The sun can ruin a roof,” said Roger Wick of Elmer Wick & Sons, a family-owned roofing company in West Sunbury. “Just like you and I get sunburned, a roof can become cracked from sunlight.”

He said the sides of roofs with more sun exposure typically wear out faster.

“Normally the south and western sides wear out before the others,” he said.

Wick said the cracks in the shingles can be hard to see if not standing on the roof. But other summertime hazards, including strong thunderstorms, can leave more noticeable signs of damage.

Wick advises replacing blown off shingles as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Moss is another threat as it keeps moisture on the shingles.

“If you soak a shingle in water it will fall apart,” he said.

Luckily, there is an easy way to fight moss.

“Spray the roof with bleach,” Wick said.

Roofs also get a form of algae that appears as black streaks.

“It won’t hurt a roof,” Wick said. “But it is ugly.”

Wick said modern roofs are resistant to the algae, but older roofs often get algae if the roof doesn’t receive enough sunlight.

Keeping a roof dry is vital to its health. Wick said homeowners should sweep built up leaves off at least once a year.

The part of the roof most susceptible to damage is around chimneys.

Wick said rain collects more around chimneys, and the sturdy nature of chimney doesn’t move with the rest of the home.

“Masonry doesn’t shift,” he said. “But the house around the chimney will shift.”

Wick said many newer homes no longer have chimneys, as the furnace is piped out the basement.

“That’s certainly easier on roofers,” he joked.

There are different types of roofs, including metal, asphalt and rubber.

Wick said the jury is still out on which is the best.

“I still prefer shingles,” he said. “It’s hard to say which is best. Time will tell.”

Wick said shingles usually last about 30 years.

“They say metal finish will last 50 years,” Wick said. “I don’t believe it.”

Wick said metal roofs also are susceptible to hail stones and blowing off, just like shingles.

While having a solid roof is important, the gutters at the edge of the roof also are key to a home.

Clogged gutters can cause damage to the lower portions of a roof, but Wick said the real importance of gutters is for the home’s foundation.

The gutter system leads water way from the foundation and into the yard.

The yard, Wick said, is the most important aspect in keeping a foundation sound.

“If you have a wet basement, look at the landscaping,” Wick said. “Often there will be a dip in the ground near the house.”

Wick said yards must slope away from a home to prevent water from running toward the foundation.