Our roofs undergo unpredictable and inclement weather, from heavy rain and snow to hailstorms and intense heat, so keeping them strong and resilient is essential. But have you wondered exactly how our roof weathers such conditions?
As a seasoned roofing contractor, JD Coatings has seen it all!
Read on to learn more about how different types of weather affect your roof and what we recommend you can do to protect your property's first line of defense.
How Weather Affects Your Roof
High Winds
One of the most important factors in designing a roof to withstand high winds is the shape of the roof. A well-constructed roof shape will create stronger resistance to wind forces and distribute the load more evenly.
In addition to the roof's shape, the materials used to construct it are also important. A roof that is made from strong, durable materials such as metal or tile is better able to withstand high winds than a roof made from weaker materials such as asphalt shingles.
High winds can be very damaging to a roof, and if your roof is not properly designed or maintained, it may be at risk of damage or even destruction. There are several ways that high winds can cause damage to a roof, and it is important to be aware of these so that you can take appropriate action when necessary.
One of the most common ways that high winds can damage a roof is by lifting or tearing off shingles or other roofing materials. This can expose the roof's underlying structure to the elements, leading to leaks and other forms of water damage. High winds can also cause trees or other objects to fall onto the roof, causing significant damage.
If you suspect that high winds have damaged your roof, there are several signs to look out for, including: missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or visible damage to the roof's structure. Be sure to reach out to a roofing professional if you notice any of these signs!
Heavy Rains
A roof is designed to withstand a variety of weather conditions, including heavy rain. However, the weight and water a roof can sustain will depend on several factors, including the design and composition.
Heavy rains can lead to pooling water, increasing the risk of leaks or structural damage if a roof is not sloped properly or has inadequate drainage.
Rains can negatively impact your roof in the way of:
- Mold or mildew
- Algal growth on shingles
- Displaced shingles or gutter sections
- Holes or gaps in roofing materials
- Rotting wood
- Lingering moisture
- Pools of precipitation
- Weed or vine growth in gutters
Snow and Hail Storms
Snow can also pose a significant challenge to roofs, especially in areas with heavy snowfall. Roofs that are not designed to handle the additional can become overloaded, leading to damage or even collapse. To prevent damage from snow, it is important to ensure that your roof is designed with additional support beams.
Hail can also be a concern for roofs, especially those made from softer materials like asphalt shingles. Hailstorms can differ in size and intensity. They can be little pellets raining down on you or great, golf-ball-sized frozen spheres that wreak havoc on everything in their way. So it stands to reason that your roof is not foolproof against hail either. Hailstones can cause dents or holes in the shingles, which can lead to leaks and other forms of water damage. To protect your roof from hail damage, consider using materials like metal or tile, which are more resistant to impact damage.
Intense Heat and UV Rays
Most roofs, especially the ones that are part of older construction, are left with no protective barriers against the sun. While the summer sun brings great warmth to us, it can also be a source of worry for your roofing.
Continuous exposure to heat and UV rays can dry out your roof over time, causing shrinkage, cracking, and weakening its structural integrity. A rapid change in extreme temperatures can also cause membranes in your roof to expand and contract very quickly. This phenomenon usually leads to warping.
It is a good idea to get a roofing inspection done on your roof every year or so to learn about its current state and whether it requires more protection against the scorching sun. Ask your roofer how much the sun and UV rays affect its lifespan and how you can reduce its impact by adding a roof coating.
Our Top Solution: Roof Coatings
Roof coatings are an effective way to protect a roof from extreme temperatures and weather. They are applied over existing roofing materials, and they can provide a range of benefits, including reducing the temperature of the roof surface, protecting against UV rays, and improving the overall energy efficiency of the building.
Here are some of the key ways that roof coatings can protect a roof:
Wind Resistance: Some roof coatings are designed to provide additional wind resistance, helping to prevent shingles or other roofing materials from being lifted or torn off during high winds. A wind-resistant roof coating can help to keep the roof surface intact, reducing the risk of water damage and other problems.
Waterproofing: Many roof coatings are designed to be waterproof, which helps to prevent water from seeping into the roof surface and causing damage. A waterproof roof coating can help to protect the roof from leaks and other water damage, keeping the building dry and reducing the risk of mold growth.
Reflectivity: Many roof coatings are designed to be highly reflective, which helps reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the roof surface. Reflective coatings can help to keep the roof surface cooler, reducing the temperature of the building and lowering energy costs.
UV Protection: Roof coatings can also protect against UV rays, which can cause damage to the roof surface over time. UV rays can cause the roofing material to break down and degrade, leading to leaks and other damage. A roof coating can help to protect the roof surface from UV rays, reducing the risk of damage and extending the lifespan of the roof.
Final Thoughts
You experience a wide range of climatic conditions throughout the year and your roof becomes the first line of defense against the elements. It is only reasonable that it requires a similar level of protection from you that extends to you and your business.
JD Coatings has a highly skilled team of contractors providing all American-made, tried and tested roofing materials and services to ensure your roof retains its integrity throughout the year-call (330) 763-1366 to get started.