No one can deny now that the effects of global warming are real. The rising sea levels are not the only problem. As the years go by, more extreme weather phenomena will test the limit of constructed structures.
A particular area of concern is the roof. It is one of the primary defenses of a building against the harsh elements of nature like the sun’s heat, storms, hail, snow, heavy rain, etc. So how exactly do these forces impact the roof?
Windstorm
The wind is highly harmful to your roof during tornadoes and hurricanes, as well as the usual winter blizzard.
Typical tiles and shingles, especially the old or loose ones, are lightweight enough to be torn away by strong winds.
You may anticipate a significant effort on patching and repair following a severe storm to safeguard your roof from future storms.
Strong winds can also throw debris at your top, resulting in punctures, rips, and other issues.
Ice and Snow
Snow appears to be a minor issue for your roof in certain aspects because it takes a great deal of snow to cause a roof collapse.
The real troubles start when the thawing of ice and snow begins. It can cause ice formation at the roof’s edge, forcing moisture up beneath your flashing and shingles.
It can also deteriorate more delicate roof materials fast. Since this damage hides under the snow, you may not realize you have an issue until you see leakage.
Heavy Rain
You might be surprised when you learn that rain is among the most damaging weather situations for your roof. Rainfall may occur almost everywhere, at any time of year.
Heavy rain is also able to locate and penetrate the weakest areas on your roof. Leaks occur quickly after heavy rain and might be difficult to identify before causing significant damage.
There are a few more roof hazards that occur with heavy rain. For starters, continuous rain prevents your roof from drying out, making components more prone to decaying even if there are no leaks.
Furthermore, it can cause water to pool on commercial or flat rooftops, resulting in moisture damage.
If you’re doing repairs on the area, ensure that there are no water puddles on the ground and that the gutters are free of plants and debris.
It’s also critical to ensure that the downpipes are clear and properly directed to the drains, without leakage or spills.
Hailstorm
Hail is usually more dangerous than rain. It is, on the other hand, uncommon; therefore, the average roof gets spared.
However, a single excellent storm might inflict significant damage if you reside in an area where huge hailstones are common. Heavy and fast-moving hail might cause shingles to be damaged.
It may rip the underlayment beneath the shingles as well. When it rains, you suddenly have a dozen new leaks. It’s in addition to the potential for hail to cause damage to your building’s siding and windows.
Exposure to UV Rays
Most roofs do not have protection from the sun’s UV rays; thus, they have direct exposure to it. This constant exposure to UV rays and heat can cause your roof to dry out over time.
It can lead to shrinkage and weakening of your roof’s wooden components. In the worst-case situation, it might also result in cracking. Applying roof coatings is one approach that may help extend your roof’s lifespan.
The extended heat exposure can cause both exterior and interior damage depending on where you reside.
Heat not only accelerates the aging of your roof, but it may also impact the way your attic and roof ventilate. As a result, interior temperatures rise, resulting in significantly greater energy consumption.
Give your roofing contractor a call if you observe higher-than-average expenses, shingle degradation, or even discoloration.
Sudden Temperature Changes
The term “thermal shock” refers to a circumstance in which the temperature rises beyond normal during the day and then drops dramatically at night.
The membranes may expand and contract rapidly as a result of the sudden temperature shift.
It can eventually cause structural integrity to degrade over time, resulting in warping. This case is even more significant if the material is metal.
Combating Weather Conditions
The truth is that harsh weather conditions have an impact on your roof and might result in costly damages over time.
Regular roof inspection and maintenance is the best method to ensure proper care for your roof rather than waiting for an irreversible situation.
Even if extreme weather does not immediately result in a disaster, constant exposure and slight inconveniences stack up.
You can examine and repair your roof independently, but the inexperienced eye will frequently overlook minor details signaling issues.
It would be best to rely on a licensed professional to see what you cannot when these inspections happen. To aid the procedure, consider installing roof hatches with roof hatch safety railing.
To combat such extreme conditions, you need to arm yourself with the correct information before deciding what to do.
If you cannot do it on your own, the best way to proceed is to hire and ask for excellent advice from an experienced licensed professional. Save yourself the hassle and contact the right people now.