Do Changing Seasons Affect My Roof?

As the Winter season gives way to Spring weather across much of the country, now’s a good time to think about #1 defense your home has – your roof. The changing seasons can have a significant impact on your roof, affecting its condition and performance over time. Your roof serves as the primary protection your home has, while it should also provide energy efficiency to reduce those upcoming summertime air conditioning utility bills.

As you start to think about Spring cleaning around your home, consider some attention to your roof as well to avoid any long-term, costly issues you can address now.  Over the next several months, your roof will experience all that Mother Nature has to offer. Being prepared – or thinking about how the changing seasons affects your roof – is critical.

Coming out of the winter season, your roof may have been subjected to some issues caused by the less-than-ideal conditions. Each season has its own unique pressure it puts on your roof. Know what to look for beforehand.

Winter:

• Snow and Ice: Heavy snow or ice buildup can put a lot of weight on your roof, which may lead to structural stress or even collapse in more extreme cases. Ice dams, formed when melting snow refreezes at the roof’s edge, can also prevent water from draining properly, causing leaks.
• Freezing Temperatures: The freeze-thaw cycle can cause roofing materials to expand and contract, which may lead to cracks and wear over time.
• Look for: As the weather begins to warm up, and more seasonal rain hits the region, any imperfection in your roof will be exposed by the weather.

Spring

• Heavy Rain: Spring showers can lead to roof leaks if there are existing vulnerabilities, like cracked shingles or missing flashing. Water pooling in areas where the roof’s drainage system isn’t working properly could lead to damage and mold growth.
• Wind: Spring is known for its gusty winds, which can tear off shingles, loosen flashing, or damage your roof. Make sure the roof is properly secured before these strong winds hit.
• Hail: When the Spring storms batter your roof with even small hail, this can cause your roof to lose asphalt granules or actually create holes in your shingles.

Summer

• Heat: Extreme heat can cause shingles and roofing materials to dry out, crack, or warp. Asphalt shingles, for instance, can deteriorate when exposed to excessive heat and UV rays, reducing their lifespan.
• Humidity and Storms: In some regions, summer is storm season, and hail, heavy rain, or strong winds can cause immediate damage to your roof. High humidity can also encourage mold or algae growth, particularly on shaded roof areas.
• Fluctuations in temperature: When the Summer gets its hottest, your roof can rise to temperatures near 150 degrees. As nighttime falls on the area, the low temperatures can drop nearly 100 degrees, putting incredible stress on your roof.

Fall

• Fallen Leaves and Debris: Leaves, twigs, and branches can accumulate on the roof and in gutters. Blocked gutters can prevent proper water flow, which might cause water to back up onto the roof, leading to leaks or rot.
• Cooler Temperatures: Fall’s cooler temperatures can be ideal for roof maintenance and repairs, as the materials are less likely to expand or contract due to extreme heat or cold.
• Moisture on the Roof: With the Fall rains and cooler temperatures, moisture has a tougher time evaporating off your roof. This becomes prime breeding ground for organic growth like algae, moss and lichen – all of which eat away at your roof.

General Tips for Seasonal Roof Care:

• Regular Inspections: Check your roof at least once per year, ideally before the start of winter or spring, to help catch any potential issues before they worsen.
• Cleaning Gutters: Keep gutters clean to avoid water damage on your roof and around your foundation.
• Trim Trees: Overhanging branches can scrape your roof and potentially fall, causing damage.

If you want the experts at Roof Scientist to give your roof a check-up, call us today and we’ll be happy to your mind at ease.