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.
How Rain, Snow, and Heat Impact Your Roof
Heavy 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 Ice Accumulation: Accumulated snow can put a heavy load on your roof, potentially causing it to sag or collapse. Ice dams form when melting snow refreezes at the roof's edge, blocking proper drainage.
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.
Getting Your Roof Ready for Extreme Weather
Taking steps to protect your roof from extreme weather is essential. Here are some tips to keep your roof safe during harsh conditions:
- Clear gutters: Keep your gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris to prevent water from backing up during rain or snowmelt.
- Check your shingles: Inspect your shingles and replace any that are damaged or missing before extreme weather hits.
- Check for cracks: Seal any cracks or gaps you find to stop water from entering your roof during rainy or snowy weather.
- Check insulation: Good insulation not only boosts energy efficiency but also prevents ice dams from forming during the winter months.
Weathercraft’s Recommended Roof Inspections and Maintenance
We recommend getting a professional roof inspection at least twice annually—once in spring and once in fall. Our experts will assess any weather-related damage and provide recommendations for repairs to help your roof withstand extreme weather.