Weather Affects on Your Roof
Hurricanes aren’t the only storms that wreak havoc on Florida’s homes. The Sunshine State is also the “lightning capital of the U.S.,” which means you’re likely to deal with plenty of thunderstorms – complete with wind, rain, and hail – throughout the year. Each type of weather affects your roof in different ways.
In fact, roof damage is the most common source of post-storm claims received by Florida’s property insurers. Understanding how weather affects your roof underscores the importance of regular maintenance, periodic inspections, and having a trusted roofing professional on your side to repair damage when needed.
Wind
Aside from downing large limbs or toppling trees, wind can make smaller destruction more difficult to spot with the naked eye. It can lift shingles and loosen the roof’s water-resistant adhesive seal, creating areas vulnerable to leaking. Also, it has the power to leave areas of the underlayment or sheathing exposed, which can create moisture damage and structural issues over time. Additional potential problems associated with wind include missing shingles and areas where the protective granules are blown away, issues that can also lead to interior water damage.
Hail
Golf ball-sized hail isn’t unusual here in Florida but even smaller pieces of hail can create serious damage to your roof. Do we mean pieces smaller than golf ball sized hail can create damage or small pieces in addition to large pieces? It can crack tiles or dent shingles and metal roofing. Hail can also dislodge the protective granules beneath the seal. In both cases, your roof is more likely to leak.
Rain
If the roof is already damaged, the rain will likely seep through and create water damage inside your home. Heavy rains can also crack your roof tiles and add enough moisture to trigger mold growth. Mold can penetrate into the home, growing into the attic. In buildings with low-slope or flat roofs, heavy rain can pool in areas and further damage the roofing materials instead of shedding off the surface into gutters and downspouts.
The Importance of Post-Storm Inspections
Now that you better understand the potential damage storms bring, consider inspecting your roof before and after the storms pass. Catching roofing problems early is the key to preventing damage from becoming catastrophic. Go into the attic to look for any signs of water damage or leaks. Walk around the house from the outside and check for any missing shingles or pieces of the fascia that goes around vents and chimneys.
As a homeowner, you can only spot so much possible damage on your own. If you suspect there’s a problem call, Carroll Bradford Roofing, Florida’s trusted roofing professionals. Our experts can provide comprehensive roofing inspections and recommend repairs as needed. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
References:
https://www.insuranceclaimlawyerblog.com/hurricane-insurance-claim-roof-damage/
https://www.tripsavvy.com/florida-climate-and-weather-1513648
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2006-06-11-swnewcomer11-story.html
https://www.owenscorning.com/roofing/tools/signs-of-storm-damage
https://www.owenscorning.com/roofing/storm
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/tips-assess-and-repair-roof-storm-damage.htm
