A properly installed roof constructed of high-quality materials can last between 15 and 30 years. Unfortunately, unforeseen weather conditions can sometimes wreak havoc on even the most durable roofing materials. Consistent maintenance checks can help remedy these issues and prevent costly and irreparable damages. If your home has experienced any of the following weather conditions, you may want to consider a maintenance assessment or roof inspection:
- Excessive heat exposure
- Humidity
- Windy conditions
- Hail storms
- Heavy rainfall
- Snow and ice accumulation
Here is a detailed description of how each of these conditions can impact the integrity of your roof.
1. EXCESSIVE HEAT EXPOSURE
The state of Arizona is well-known for its extremely hot temperatures. Mesa, Arizona averages daily highs of over 95 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. Because of these consistently extreme temperatures, roofs throughout the area are vulnerable to considerable heat damage.
A roof exposed to 90-degree weather can easily reach a surface temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This excessive amount of heat can cause roofing materials to break down prematurely. Direct sunlight can also cause severe discoloration. The color of your roof isn’t simply an aesthetic feature. Roofing colors are made to reflect the sun’s intense rays. When the shingles are discolored, they can no longer protect your roof and home from the heat. One way we can help to remedy this issue is by installing polyurethane coating on the surface of your roof. This serves as a protective buffer between your roof and the sun.
2. HUMIDITY
The sun’s direct rays aren’t the only thing you must look out for during the summer. Humidity can be another notable culprit in roof damage. When humidity levels are above 65%, it can easily create excess moisture. This unwanted condensation makes its way beneath your shingles, weakening your roofing components. Once this occurs, a roof leak is likely not too far behind. Not only does this cause trouble for the exterior of your roof, but the damage can also travel down to your attic and crawl spaces. A humid attic is a breeding ground for mold growth and other harmful bacteria. In addition to damaging plywood and other building materials, mold can negatively affect your health and the health of your loved ones. Dry rot is another consequence of high outdoor humidity levels. Similar to mold, rot tends to spread rather rapidly. If the issue is not dealt with promptly, it could cause significant structural damage, including the total destabilization of your roof.
The good news is there are options available to help correct these issues. Installing roof vents, for instance, helps to increase airflow. Proper airflow releases trapped heat and moisture, which prevents water leaks and mold growth.
3. WINDY CONDITIONS
Because Arizona is not susceptible to hurricanes or tornados, the threat of wind damage may be a foreign concept. Even though it may not seem likely, Arizona is not exempt from the possibility of damaging winds. Shingles are usually the most affected by high winds. Luckily, one bout of high winds is not usually enough to create significant roof damage. However, slow and consistent winds can cause considerable damage over time. These windy conditions can move your shingles out of place, making your roof more prone to water damage. Along with missing shingles, there are several other ways that wind can damage your roof, including:
- Torn shingles
- Curled shingles
- Worn and removed granules
Although it may be tempting to wait it out, you should contact a roofing professional as soon as you suspect wind damage to your roof. The longer you wait, the more costly your future repairs may be. If you want to lower your risk of extensive wind damage, you may want to opt for a roof made of durable, stormproof materials such as metal, clay, or slate.
4. HAIL STORMS
When hail storms arise, vehicles are usually seen as the most susceptible to damage. Contrary to what some may believe, your roof is just as, if not more, vulnerable to hail damage. The amount of roof damage you incur depends on several factors, including the hail shape, wind direction, hail size, and roofing materials. Moderate and large hail pellets can create visible dents, granule loss, and asphalt exposure. You may not notice any issues at first, but as time passes, the damaged shingles and roofing materials will no longer effectively stop roof leaks. These persistent leaks will eventually make their way inside your attic and other parts of your home, potentially creating structural damage and electrical problems.
Even if you do not notice any damage after a hailstorm, you should still opt for an inspection. Some roof damage may not be visible to the average homeowner, but our technicians are trained to spot cosmetic, minor, and severe issues.
5. HEAVY RAINFALLS
Heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms can wear down your shingles and roofing underlayment. Over time, this wear and tear can significantly weaken your roof as well as the overall structure of your home. Like high humidity levels, heavy rainfalls create excess moisture, which is notorious for facilitating mold overgrowth. Mold is often more easily recognized inside the home. For example, you can clearly spot mold on your walls, ceilings, sinks, and floors. Roof mold, on the other hand, is often located in crevices, cracks, and other concealed locations.
The best way to combat extensive rainfall damage is to stick to a consistent roof maintenance schedule. After a certain amount of thunderstorms or heavy rainfall occurrences, connect with a roofing specialist to check your roof for any signs of disrepair.
6. SNOW AND ICE ACCUMULATION
Although the Mesa, Arizona area doesn’t regularly encounter snow and freezing temperatures, these rare weather conditions can and have occurred. If frigid weather does arise, it can have a negative impact on your roofing system.
Snowmen, snowballs, snow-covered grass, and snow-capped mountains are often seen as welcoming and attractive images. However, when this same snow accumulates on top of your roof, it should no longer be seen as such a friendly feature. Large amounts of snow can cause your roof to sag, leading to extensive water leaks. If the snow accumulation is allowed to sit for a long time, your roof could eventually cave in.
Along with heavy snowfalls, winter can also bring along freezing ice. Not only can this ice create slippery and dangerous roads, but it can also cause the formation of ice dams on your roof. These small dams make it difficult for water and snow to flow away from your roof. This unfortunate phenomenon can cause both roof leaks and gutter damage.
CONTACT US TODAY!
No matter how long you have had your current roofing system, it is never too late for an inspection. We provide a host of roof-related services to residents of Mesa, Arizona and the surrounding areas. Along with roof inspections, we offer roof repairs, roof replacements, foam roofing, and roof coating services. Call Axis Roofing today to schedule a roof assessment or to inquire about our services.