The weather can have a huge impact on your roof. Understanding the challenges each season brings can help protect and extend your roof's life. Let’s dive into how weather affects your roof and tips for year-round protection.
The Weather Effects: Rain, Snow, and Heat on Your Roof
Persistent Rain: Continuous rain can cause leaks, mold, and erosion, especially if your roof’s seals are compromised. Standing water may also damage shingles and encourage wood rot.
Snow and Freezing Weather: Snow buildup can cause your roof to sag or even collapse if left unchecked. Ice dams form when melting snow refreezes at the roof’s edge, blocking drainage and causing leaks.
Summer Heat: Excessive heat can cause shingles to warp, crack, or even buckle. The expansion and contraction of roofing materials in hot weather can weaken their structure over time.
How to Prepare Your Roof for Harsh Weather
To protect your roof from extreme weather conditions, it’s important to:
- Clear gutters: Keep your gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris to prevent water from backing up during rain or snowmelt.
- Inspect shingles: Replace damaged or missing shingles before the weather worsens to avoid leaks and further damage.
- Seal cracks: Check for and seal any cracks or gaps in your roof to prevent water intrusion during rain or snow.
- Inspect your insulation: Proper insulation helps maintain energy efficiency and prevents ice dams from forming.
Weathercraft’s Recommended Roof Inspections and Maintenance
To keep your roof in peak condition, Weathercraft suggests having it inspected twice a year—once in spring and once in fall. We’ll identify weather-related damage and make recommendations for repairs and upgrades to protect your roof from harsh weather.
