How Weather Affects Your Roof
Your roof is designed to protect you and your loved ones from the weather. Unfortunately, that same weather can wreak havoc on your roof. Know the types of problems that are possible with different types of weathering so that you can catch issues before your roof springs a leak.
Wind
Wind can be particularly hard on a roof. Some materials, like asphalt shingles, can lift up and allow water beneath them in high winds. Others, like slate and tile, may come loose and shatter to the ground. Further, wind can blow debris, such as broken branches, onto the roof and cause a puncture. Finally, wind-blown debris can also clog gutters and cause water to backflow underneath your shingles. You can minimize wind damage by trimming back trees so they don't overhang the roof, as well as maintaining the roof to avoid loose shingles.
Snow and Ice
Snow rarely damages a roof unless it falls in record amounts that exceed the weight load of the roof. If this occurs, the snow must be carefully removed with a roof rake, which is designed to pull snow off the roof without damaging the shingles. Ice can be far more damaging to a roof. Ice dams form when water flows underneath the shingles, often due to clogged gutters, and then refreezes. When the ice under the shingles finally melts, it will leak into the home. Icicles can also damage the drip edge of the roof. Properly maintained gutters, increased attic ventilation, and heat tape can all be used to manage these issues.
Rain
Rain is typically only a problem on older roofs or those that have already suffered damage. Sometimes severe downpours can dislodge some of the gravel coating from a roof, but this is typically only an issue on older asphalt. Clearing the excess gravel from the gutters afterward can prevent clogs. If your roof is leaking when it rains, then it is time for extensive repairs or a replacement.
Hail
Hail is probably the worst weather for a roof, particularly asphalt roofs. Large hail can actually puncture a roof, but even small hail stones can cause damage. The worst part is that the damage may be invisible at first. Hail knocks off the gravel coating on the shingles, making them less UV- and rain-resistant. Hail also compresses the shingles, which makes them more prone to cracking or developing a leak.
Contact a local roofing company like JC Roofing & Insulating if you suspect weather damage on your roof.
