Your residential roof endures a lot and is impacted by numerous weather conditions. While there are certain types of roofing materials that can withstand more wind, hail, and snow than others, some weather conditions can cause damage to any roof, regardless of the roof type. Here is what you should know about the five major weather conditions and what they can do to your residential roof:
Rain
Rain is probably the most common weather element, and it will affect your roof regularly throughout the year. After a heavy rainstorm, it is important that you look for any signs of roof leaks. This is particularly true if your roof is older, as this makes it more vulnerable to leaks and water damage. The smallest crack can let water seep through, and it doesn’t take much to cause significant damage. Also, make sure to watch your gutters to ensure they aren’t overflowing due to a clog, and check for roof hail damage if a particularly nasty storm passes through.
Heat
Heat probably doesn’t come to your mind when you think of significant weather elements that lead to roof repairs; however, extreme heat has the ability to cause your roofing materials to expand and contract, leading to immediate roof damage. In addition, roof shingles can crack under extreme pressure — by the heat — and become brittle as a result of the sun and constant UV exposure. Ventilation is key in this scenario.
Humidity
It isn’t uncommon for you to think about humidity when you think about heat, especially here in Blountsville. As previously mentioned, heat can cause roof shingles to crack, while humidity tends to result in moisture damage to the roofing materials, resulting in damage to the structural integrity of the roof. Condensation can lead to roof leaks and subsequent water damage, which is why it is vital that you opt for a waterproof roofing material if at all possible.
Wind
Strong winds, which often come with thunderstorms, hurricanes, etc., have the ability to lift up roof shingles and move panels. Regardless of whether you can locate shingles nearby your home on the ground after a storm, you should have a professional provide a free roof inspection after a windstorm. It doesn’t take much to leave your home exposed to the elements. During strong winds, a nearby tree that touches your roof could result in abrasion, not to mention the potential risk of fallen branches that could puncture the roof.
Snow
When it comes to residential roof damage, snow tends to be a combination of both rain and wind. Snow adds a significant amount of weight to the roof, which could potentially lead to the roof collapsing. Therefore, snow should be removed from the roof as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to consider having higher quality roofing materials installed on your roof if you live in an area that is prone to significant snowfall.
To ensure that your roof is ready to tackle the elements, and to avoid costly roof leak repairs, emergency roof repairs, and total roof replacements, contact our local roofing contractors at Bullard Roofing.
