How Weather Conditions Impact Your Roof: What Homeowners Should Know

Throughout the year, no matter what country you’re in, your home will be tested by harsh weather conditions. From snow, rain, wind and the heat of the sun, your roof in particular has to take the brunt of these conditions. In this article, we’re exploring the different weather conditions, how they impact your roof, and some tips to help them last longer.

1. Rain 

Rain is a common threat to roofs, especially if they haven’t been maintained. Constant long-term exposure to rainfall can cause issues with: 

• Wood rot: If your home has a wooden structure, continuous exposure to dampness and rain from leaks can cause the wood to rot over time. When the wood rots, its structural integrity is affected causing it to weaken. Long term, if it’s not fixed, the roof can cave in. 
• Gutter blockages: When gutters are clogged it can prevent proper flow of rainwater. This can leave water to pool on the roof. Over time this water can cause issues with rust, shingle deterioration, and mould buildup. 
• Internal leaks: If a roof isn’t properly maintained it can cause issues with water seepage. Water can seep down through the attic, interior walls, and can show up as large patches of stains on the ceiling. Long term it can cause structural damage to the inner walls and ceiling of your house. 

Regular inspections of your roof can determine if you have issues. If you find extensive problems it may be time to replace your roof by using professional bellevue roofing services or other roofing services in your local area. Addressing problems early can save you a lot of money in the future. 

2. Snow

In colder climates snow and ice can pose issues for homes and their roofs. Some problems that impact roofs when snow is involved include: 

• Extra weight: A lot of snowfall can cause issues with extra weight on the roof. Depending on your roof and its structural integrity and age, it may not be able to handle this extra weight. This can lead to structural damage or the roof collapsing. 
• Ice dams: Attic heat can melt the snow and cause water to flow to the edges. This water then refreezes and forms ice dams. These dams can block drains and cause new water to back up leading to leaks and damage to the roof. 
• Freeze-thaw cycles: Water that seeps into small cracks in the roof can freeze and expand, making the cracks worse and causing shingles to loosen over time.

To help prevent snow from damaging your roof, make sure your home is insulated properly to help reduce heat loss through attics and other high areas of the house. Invest in a decent roof rake to help remove snow from your roof, but take safety precautions so you don’t cause an avalanche of snow to fall on you. 

3. Wind 

Strong winds can be damaging to roofs especially if they’re associated with powerful storms like tornadoes or hurricanes. Some ways wind can impact your roof are: 

• Impact from debris: Leaves, branches, fallen trees or other debris can land on your roof during powerful wind storms. This debris can cause issues with tiles breaking or punctures in your Colorbond. 
• Structural damage: In some cases strong wind can cause structural damage, particularly if hurricanes or tornadoes are involved. Depending on the angle of the wind, it can remove the roof and its underlying structure including the rafters and trusses. 
• Shingle lifting: High winds can lift or tear shingles off the roof, leaving parts of your roof exposed. This is the same for other types of roofing when it isn’t correctly installed or nailed down. 

To protect your roof in high wind conditions it’s a good idea to make sure your roof is properly installed and no edges are lifting up. It’s also good to prune surrounding trees to reduce branches from dropping.

4. Hail 

Heavy hailstorms, especially when the hail is large, can affect a roof. For example, hailstorms can cause:

• Shingle bruising: Hailstones can leave behind dents and bruises on shingles, causing the protective granules to fall off. This exposes the underlying material to water damage.
• Cracked tiles: Hail can crack or shatter clay or concrete tiles, creating a direct path for water to infiltrate the roof.
• Gutter damage: Hail can also damage gutters, leading to improper drainage and increased risk of water pooling on the roof.

To protect your home from hail damage, install stronger roofing material which is able to handle harder hits. After a storm, inspect your roof for damages as well and have it repaired as soon as possible. 

5. Sun Exposure and Heat

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2023 was one of the warmest years on record worldwide. Long days exposed to the sun can also have an impact on a roof. The sun can have the following effects:

• Shingle deterioration: The UV rays from the sun can cause asphalt shingles to dry out, curl, and crack. Over time, this can lead to roof leaks and a weakened roof structure.
• Fading and discoloration: Constant exposure to sunlight can cause roofing materials to fade, which not only affects the appearance of your home but can also indicate material breakdown.
• Thermal shock: The expansion and contraction caused by fluctuating temperatures between day and night can weaken roofing materials, leading to cracks and warping.
• Warping and buckling: Excessive heat can cause materials like asphalt shingles to expand and buckle, weakening the roof’s waterproof barrier.
• Moss and algae growth: Humid environments create the perfect conditions for moss, algae, and mildew to thrive on rooftops, particularly on shaded or poorly ventilated roofs. Moss can trap moisture, leading to rot and decay.
• Increased wear and tear: Heat accelerates the degeneration of roofing materials, especially asphalt and wood, making them brittle over time.

Cleaning your roof regularly and having it repainted and repaired can help maintain it for longer. 

Endnote

Roofs are up against many elements throughout the year. Due to this, it’s important to inspect them and keep them maintained especially if th you have an older roof. This will not only save money in the long run but it will also save your home from other problematic issues developing. If your roof is severely damaged from a weather-related event, make sure you seek advice from a professional. 

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