How Does Extreme Weather Impact Your Roof?

One of the most expensive and essential parts of your home is the roof. Your roofing system provides years of protection from the elements and helps ensure a comfortable living environment for your family. Like any other part of a home, it needs regular maintenance.

Many roofs easily last 20 years or longer, depending on the materials used and the quality of the installation. Weather conditions play a significant role in how long your roof lasts. It’s essential to understand weather impacts your roof and the steps you can take to protect it.
Severe Weather Is Common
All across the United States, almost every region is experiencing new weather patterns, more significant temperature fluctuations, and increasingly severe storms. Roofs are exposed to the elements 24/7, so any changes in climate and weather directly impact them.
Every roof experiences wear and tear from the weather throughout its lifetime. However, the amount of extreme weather in your area determines how quickly wear and tear will impact the lifespan of your roof. In the Midwest, the weather conditions that most often affect roofs are straight-line winds, hail storms, snowstorms, and tornados.

Some roofing materials can withstand more, but certain weather conditions can cause damage to any kind of roof.

Heat
Higher summer temperatures and prolonged heat waves can make maintaining comfortable temperatures inside poorly insulated and ventilated attics impossible. Constant exposure to sun and UV rays can cause roofing materials to become brittle and crack. Extreme temperature changes can cause roofing materials to expand and shrink, leading to gaps for water to enter.

Wind
It doesn’t take a tornado to damage a roof. Even strong winds can cause significant damage, loosening nails and shingles and exposing gaps. Once exposed, water can leak through and cause damage to both the roof and interior of your home. Heavy winds often carry storm debris and tree branches onto roofs. Wind and water damage frequently go hand in hand.

Hail
Hail can tear asphalt shingles, dent and break gutters and downspouts, crack siding, and loosen the flashing around vents and ducts, causing leaks to develop. If you suspect your roof has suffered hail damage, it is essential to have it inspected and repaired quickly to minimize further damage.

Rain
Severe storms with heavy rains increase the risk of water damage. Rain is good at finding the weakest spots of your roof and infiltrating them. When water gets underneath your shingles, it can cause mold, mildew, and rot. Homeowners should regularly clean gutters and downspouts to keep rain moving off the rooftop and away from the home’s foundation.

Snow and Ice
In the winter, snow and ice can worsen any existing issues with a roof. Winter storms often include a combination of snow, wind, and rain. The extra weight that snow and ice add can cause gutters to collapse, ice dams to form, and even structural damage.

Extreme Temperature Changes
Changing weather extremes contribute to the deterioration of roofing materials because of constant expansion and contraction, known as thermal cycling. Winter temperature changes can result in frequent freezing and thawing cycles. These cycles create a greater risk of ice dams forming on roofs, leading to expensive damage.

Regular Roof Maintenance
Regardless of the weather where you live,  regular roof maintenance prevents problems. Regularly maintaining your roof allows you to identify and repair minor issues before they develop into significant problems that require costly repairs. It also helps extend the lifespan of your roof. Proper maintenance and timely repairs help you avoid the risk of a premature roof replacement, allowing you to maximize your investment.

Schedule a Professional Roofing Inspection
A roof inspection can save homeowners money by identifying issues early before they become more extensive and more costly to repair. Most industry professionals recommend having a professional roof inspection at least twice a year. During the inspection, a trained roofing contractor will check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles, problems with caulking or flashing, signs of water damage, and issues with the roof’s overall structure.
Work With a Trusted Local Roofing Company
Since 1999, Brian Dawson Roofing has installed residential and commercial roofing systems throughout the greater St. Louis region. Because all of our work is done under warranty and fully insured, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your new roof is dependable and long-lasting.

Contact us online or at (636) 733-6435 to schedule a free inspection and consultation. Our experienced professionals will arrive on time, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to detect leaks and other problems your roof may be facing. Our mission is to provide quality roofing services and top-notch customer service, all at a competitive price.