The Main Ways in Which Harsh Weather Can Damage Your Roof

Keeping your roof in good condition is imperative for maintaining a healthy household, but doing so requires diligence. Since you probably aren't looking closely at your roof on a day-to-day basis, it's easy to unintentionally neglect it. However, if your roof is damaged, letting it linger for a prolonged period can potentially result in all sorts of problems for your home. There are multiple ways that a roof can become damaged, and extreme weather conditions are near the top of the list. In particular, there are four types of harsh weather that can be dangerous for your roofing. If your area experiences any of these conditions, it'd be a good idea to check your roof or have it professionally inspected.

Snow If the area where you live experiences a significant snow storm, there's a very real chance that it could cause some problems for your roof. The most common issue associated with snowfall is excessive snow build-up on the roof. If enough snow accumulates, it may eventually reach a point where the weight is too much for your roof or gutters. When that happens, something's got to give, and it often ends up being the shingles caving in or the gutters collapsing. These occurrences are most likely to happen after a prolonged period of snowfall. If you suspect that there's a lot of snow built-up on your roof, you'd be wise to get it removed, whether that's something you carefully do on your own or enlist professional assistance with.

Heavy Rain Another kind of weather that can be dangerous for your roof is heavy rainfall. First and foremost, if your roofing already harbors any leaks or damage, any significant rainfall will have the potential to cause water damage in the upper areas of your home. However, even if your roof is relatively healthy, large quantities of rain can cause some problems. One issue is that frequent rainfall can turn your roof into an ideal habitat for mold to grow and expand. Another possibility is that the rainwater will start to pool up on the roof, which can cause water damage or even potentially cave in your shingles due to the weight. In worst case scenarios, the moisture could penetrate your roof's underlayment. When that happens, it can be a legitimate threat to the structural integrity of your roof, which can lead to disaster. If you live somewhere that sees heavy rainfall on a regular basis, it's especially important that you're proactive about having your roof inspected periodically. It could save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

Wind When it's strong or persistent enough, the wind can be a serious issue for your roofing. In truth, wind doesn't even have to be particularly powerful to be a threat to your roof. If your shingles are exposed to relatively strong winds over an extended period, there's a high likelihood that some damage will be done. With very strong gusts, it's possible that your roof's shingles may actually be detached completely due to the force of the wind. However, even if it isn't powerful enough to knock shingles loose, weaker wind may cause them to crack and bubble. If that happens, they'll become more susceptible to more serious damage, and your home will be more at risk for air and water leaks. When you have reason to believe that your roofing has suffered wind damage, it's imperative that you act quickly to have it professionally inspected and repaired.

Extreme Temperatures If you live in a mild climate, your roof will have pretty good odds of staying healthy throughout the year. However, if you live somewhere that regularly experiences extreme cold, extreme heat, or both, then you need to monitor your home's roofing more closely. With extreme cold, the biggest issue is ice dams. If the temperature drops low enough while there's moisture on your roof and in your gutters, these hazardous dams of ice may form. Their presence can result in your gutters collapsing, your shingles becoming loose, or significant amounts of water leaking into your home. Extreme heat can be dangerous for your roof as well. If your shingles are met with too much direct sunlight, the heat can lead to them becoming brittle or cracked. Plus, that amount of heat can also cause the roofing materials to expand and contract, which is damaging to their integrity. So, during the scorching summer and the freezing winter, make that extra effort to keep a close eye on the health of your roof. Ultimately, you'll be glad that you did. It's easy to take your home's roof for granted right up until the moment that something goes wrong. If you take care of your roofing, it will take care of you, but you need to make the effort to maintain it. Adverse weather is one of the most common and significant threats to the health of your roof, but as long as you recognize that threat, you should be able to counteract it. If you're in the Nashville, TN area, remember that you always have access to reliable local roofing professionals at Undersun Roofing. Whether you need a major repair job or you just need an expert inspection after experiencing some severe weather, our roofers will handle the task with exceptional attention to detail. We work diligently to complete every job on budget and on time, and when you're ready to work with us, all you need to do is give us a call.