As a responsible homeowner, it’s important to understand the crucial role that your roof plays in protecting your home and everything inside it. Your roof is your house’s first line of defense against harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, hail, and extreme heat. A well-maintained roof can also help to improve the energy efficiency of your residence, reduce your energy bills, and enhance its overall curb appeal. Neglecting to care for your roof can lead to a variety of problems, including leaks, structural damage, and decreased property value. Therefore, making sure your roof is in good condition should be a top priority for every homeowner.
One aspect of care is the effect that inclement weather conditions have on a roof. From wind to rain to extreme heat, your roof takes a daily beating while it protects your home and fortifies its structure. Enrolling in a regular care and maintenance plan is a good way to receive regular information about how your roof is weathering all kinds of outdoor conditions. This knowledge provides you with peace of mind about the integrity and longevity you need from it.
Effects of Weather Conditions on Your Roof
The weather in your area has a significant impact on the condition and lifespan of your roof. Keeping your roof in tip-top shape in between weather events will be a major part of withstanding all that Mother Nature throws at you season after season. This means understanding what kind of weather in your region will be most likely to cause issues, whether you’re near us in Mesa, AZ, or somewhere else in the country.
Extreme Temperatures
Extreme heat and cold can have negative impacts on a roof. In hot weather, heat causes roofing materials to expand and contract, leading to cracking and warping over time. This is especially problematic for asphalt shingles, which are a popular roofing material. Prolonged exposure to high temps can cause them to dry out and become extremely brittle. In cold weather, materials in a roof can also contract, causing cracking and damage.
As snow on a roof starts to melt, it can easily seep into cracks or gaps in roofing materials and refreeze at night, causing interior damage. This leads to leaks and water damage to your roof and the interior of your house. Ice dams that form over the course of the winter months also lead to water damage, as melted snow and ice pool behind it and seep into compromised areas of your roof and home.
Metal roofs are particularly susceptible to rust and corrosion due to extreme cold. Melting snow and ice sheets can also slide and rip gutters off of your house. Ice dams may form on a shingled roof during winter months, which leads to water damage as melted snow and ice pool behind the dam and seep into the roof’s interior. If you live in a snowy area, consider snow guards on metal roofs and heating strips on shingled roofs to prevent these issues.
Rainstorms
Rainstorms can significantly impact your roof, particularly if your roof is in need of repair or has existing damage. If your roof has missing or damaged shingles, rain can easily seep into the underlayment and cause water damage to your home’s interior. Heavy rains can also pool on your roof, which eventually leads to leaks and further structural damage. Over time, rain can cause moss to grow on your roof, which can deteriorate the shingles and weaken the roof’s overall integrity. If your roof has been damaged by a storm, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a roofing storm damage service.
Sunny Weather
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can have a significant impact on the materials that your roof is made of. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause roofing materials to dry out, become brittle, and crack, which can lead to leaks and other forms of damage. This is particularly true for asphalt shingles, which are a popular roofing material that can deteriorate quickly in intense sunlight. Additionally, the sun’s heat can cause the materials used in your roof to expand and contract, which can put stress on your roof and lead to warping and other forms of damage over time. Proper maintenance, such as regular inspections and repairs, can help mitigate the damage caused by the sun. Lighter-colored roofing materials and heat-releasing choices like tile can help.
Hail
Hail can have a lasting impact on a roof, particularly if hailstones are large or there’s a large volume of hail falling in a short period of time. The impact of hailstones can cause cracks, dents, and other forms of damage to many roofing materials. Even small hailstones may begin to chip away at the outer surface of a roof. Repeated impact will continue to weaken the integrity of its structure and eventually lead to significant damage.
The severity of hail damage depends on a number of factors, including:
- Hailstone size
- Wind strength
- Age and condition of the roof
Older roofs and roofs that have already suffered damage from previous storms are more vulnerable to hail damage. Having your roof inspected by a qualified roofing contractor will give you valuable information regarding its condition as well as the next steps that need to be taken to repair or replace it.
High Winds
High winds accompanying heavy rain, hail, or other forms of precipitation cause shingles and tiles to lift or tear off, exposing the underlayment and allowing water to seep into the roof structure. High winds can also cause tree limbs and other debris to fall onto the roof, causing damage to the structure and potentially puncturing through several protective layers. Every subsequent storm has the potential to cause even more damage as compromised materials are removed and the inner layers of your roof structure are exposed.
High Humidity
High humidity can have several effects on your roof, particularly in areas with a lot of moisture in the air or frequent rainfall. High humidity levels can lead to the growth of moss on your roof’s surface. These organisms can weaken roof materials and create moisture-retaining pockets that eventually cause rotting, leaking, and other forms of damage.
High humidity levels can also create condensation on the underside of your roof, particularly in poorly ventilated attics or crawl spaces. Moisture buildup can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause health problems and structural damage if left unchecked. Making sure your roof is properly vented and insulated will prevent excess moisture from becoming stagnant and causing issues with all layers of your roof.
Preventative Maintenance: Best Defense Against Roof Wear and Tear
Proudly serving valued clients in Mesa and the surrounding areas, Axis Roofing provides exceptional maintenance, care, repair, and installation for roofs that last for decades. With services such as residential roof repair, installation, replacement, maintenance, commercial roofing services, inspections, and free service quotes, we take the guesswork out of caring for your roof properly. Let us help you deal with anything that Mother Nature throws at you for the life of your roof! Contact us today to set up your next roof inspection.
