Key Takeaways:

In this post, we highlight how different weather conditions can affect your roof. Here are the details:

• Harsh temperatures can cause weak spots on your roof making it brittle
• High winds can blow away shingles and trees which can fall on your roof to damage it.
• Heavy rains can cause leaks in a weakened or damaged roof, leading to further water damage.
• Different hail sizes can cause different levels of damage to your roof, depending on the size and strength of the hail.

Data from insurance claims reveal that bad weather in the US causes close to $15 Billion in damage each year. This is significant damage, and your roof can be one of the casualties. Knowing what weather affects your roof and preparing for it can make a difference in the damages that you experience. Here we'll take a look at what kind of weather affects your roof and how you can prepare for it.

Harsh Temperatures

Harsh temperatures in both winter and summer months can take their toll on your roof. For those who live in the north, snow, ice, and cold temperatures can cause your roof to become brittle. This can create weak spots and make them susceptible to damage from storms. In the summer months for places like here in Florida, extreme heat can cause materials such as tar and asphalt to weaken or even crack. The heat combined with the humidity of the summer can cause your roof to become aged and more prone to damage.

High Winds

High winds can create vulnerable areas on your roof. Things like loose shingles, tiles, or poor flashing all make your roof susceptible to damage from high wind speeds. Here are some specific effects of high winds on your roof:

• Loss of granules: Granules are the protective coating on the top of shingles and tiles. High winds can easily blow away these granules, leaving your roof exposed to UV rays and any water that may fall on it. These granules may accumulate in your gutters or in your yard, so keep an eye out for them.
• Damage to flashing: Flashing is the material that covers the edges of the roof where it meets a wall or chimney. High winds can cause this material to pull away from the structure, allowing water and other debris to seep in and damage your roof.
• Bruising: This is the softening of the roofing material, caused by the abrasive effect of wind-driven debris. If left untreated, this can lead to water damage and leaks.
• Loose shingles or tiles: High winds may blow the shingles or tiles off of your roof, leaving it open to water and debris infiltration.
• Falling branches: In the event of a severe storm, tree branches may break off and land on your roof, causing damage to the roofing system. Someone may also get hurt if the branch falls in an occupied area.

Heavy Rain

With heavy rains, the water may not be able to drain off quickly enough, leading to pooling and standing water. Shingles curve under intense downpours because of the high pressure that is created by the water. The curved shingles can allow water to seep into your home, resulting in leaks and possible water damage. You should also be aware of heavy snow, as too much weight on the roof can cause structural damage.

Hail

Hailstones can cause significant damage to your roof when they start to accumulate. Once large hailstones are pounding on the roof, it may start to dent and crack. Hailstorms also bring strong winds which can cause shingles to become loose or fall off completely. Of course, the size of the hailstone will determine the level of damage to your roof. Smaller stones (3/4 inch) can still cause chips and dislodge granules from your roofing material If high wind is involved. On the other hand bigger hailstones, say 2 inches in size, can cause serious dents and punctures on your roof. Sometimes the results may not be visible to untrained eyes and you may have to get a roof inspection to identify the extent of damage.

How to Protect Your Roof From Weather Damages

Nature can be unforgiving and it's important to take the necessary steps to protect your roof from damage caused by various weather conditions. Here are some tips that can help minimize the risk of such damage:

Install the Roof Properly:

The best way of protecting your roof from weather damage is to ensure it's properly installed. So whether you're constructing a new home, replacing or repairing your home, work with a reliable and licensed contractor who will install the roof correctly by using high-quality materials.

Regular Roof Maintenance:

It is important to regularly inspect your roof for any damage caused due to weather conditions, check for missing or broken shingles, repair damaged flashing, clean gutters, and more. Also, make sure you get professional maintenance done at least once a year.

Trim Trees Around Your House:

Overhanging branches can act as a bridge for strong winds, causing them to tear off shingles and other roofing materials. So, make sure to cut back or remove any trees or branches that come in contact with your roof.

Don't Wait to Repair:

If you notice any damage on the roof, have it repaired immediately instead of waiting for the storm season. Small cracks and holes can become bigger if exposed to harsh weather. Any time there's a storm contact a local roofer to inspect and correct any issues.

Contact City Roofing For All Your Roofing Needs in Miami:

City Roofing is a full-service roofing contractor in Miami that provides both residential and commercial roofing services to keep your property safe and protected. We offer quality craftsmanship at competitive prices and have years of experience repairing, replacing, and installing all types of roofs. Let us help you protect your home or business from hurricane season this year. We offer free estimates and are available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get a free estimate.