The roof is the most exposed part of your home and it is the key piece that protects you and your family and possessions from the elements. It takes a beating day in and day out and is exposed to the elements every day. Geography can play a key role in how much weather affects your roofing system and how much maintenance and work needs to be done to combat these effects. Some parts of the country will be more vulnerable to certain factors than others. The north has snow and ice, the south has rain and storms, and the west has heat and wind. It is important to know how weather can damage your roof, and here at Stay Dry Roofing we help local homeowners deal with the following weather-related issues:
HEAT
Most people know that storms can damage roofing systems but even non-violent, normal weather can damage roofs. Even beautiful sunny days can lead to damaged roofing systems over time. Excessive heat can make certain materials swell and stretch. And prolonged exposure to the sun can in essence bake roofing materials and make them crack or become brittle. Expanding materials and cracking parts can all lead to other more serious problems with the roofing system. It is important to know how weather can damage your roof even when the weather seems good. You need to conduct routine checks of the roofing system to ensure there are no visible signs of damage. If you live in areas prone to high heat and sun exposure then these checks need to be done every few months by a professional roofing contractor to ensure everything stays in tip-top shape.
RAIN
When asked about the one weather system that causes the most damage to roofs, most homeowners will mention rain. Water damage is the single most common roofing issue we get calls about here at Stay Dry Roofing. Small cracks and holes and gaps can let water in and over time it will find its way into your home. Left untreated, a minor problem can escalate into a major issue and once the visible signs of damage have been detected it has often been going on for some time and the damage is often severe. Quick detection is vital to addressing rain-related roofing issues effectively and minimizing the damage done. In rain prone areas or places that see a lot of storms, working with a professional roofing contractor to do routine inspections is often the best way to protect your roof from rain damage. Our team is ready to help so give us a call today!
WIND
Wind is one of those weather patterns we often don’t think about in terms of causing damage to our homes unless it is a severe situation like a tornado or hurricane. However, even wind from a bad thunderstorm or a very windy day presents a prime example of how weather can damage your roof even when it seems innocent enough. Strong winds can potentially move panels and roof tiles, tear off gutters, send branches and limbs crashing into the roof, and wear down the materials on the roof. Even chimneys and other sturdy items may be damaged and put the roofing system at risk for further damage when they finally reach the point of falling. In areas that get a lot of storms or places that are exposed to prolonged and regular windy conditions, extra care needs to be given to the roof to ensure everything is in place and holding up against the force of the wind.
SNOW
Snow is an unusual substance- we love playing in it and seeing it in nature but we hate shoveling it and dealing with it on our roofs. It can cause major damage or your roofing system and there are only a few solutions that prove to be safe and effective for dealing with snow on the roof. Snow is water and if it gets too warm it will melt and present a water risk for your roofing system. The weight of snow and ice can quickly build to the point is exceed the weight-bearing limitations of your roof and the entire thing can collapse under the weight. Choosing roofing materials and designs that naturally reduce the risks is the ideal solution as is staying on top of snow removal and not hesitating to call in professionals when needed to help take care of your roof. In the north, it is vital to stay on top of winter maintenance in order to guard against snow damage.
CONTACT US
Now that you have a better understanding of how weather can damage your roof, you know it is important to have professional help and assistance. That is what we here at Stay Dry Roofing can provide. Call us today to set up a free consultation and see for yourself how we can help protect your roof from the effects of weather!