The “Big Five” Ways Mother Nature Impacts Your Roof and What to Do About It

Heatwaves

If you live in an area where the weather gets extremely hot, this could cause your roof to sweat more than normal, which can lead to leaks or even total structural damage. In addition, the sun’s rays will reflect off of your roof and into your home, causing higher energy bills for you and your family. So if you’re going through a heatwave, it’s time to check out your roof!

While you’re up there, you should also be checking on your chimney, as a buildup of creosote can start this process of leaking around your chimney cap or into the side of your home.

Hail storms

Hail storms can happen when a storm has strong updrafts that cause the rain to fall in hail. If you don’t have a roof that is designed for hail, your house will sustain major damage if it happens to be in the storm’s path.

To prevent this from happening, it’s important to keep your roof in good condition and repair any damage immediately after it happens. You should also check your insurance policy to see if there are any coverage limits written in case of a hail storm. If you’re unable to fix the damage yourself, talk with a professional roofing company about what options you have and how much they’ll cost. This will help you decide whether or not to invest in repairs or if it’s better just to replace your roof.

Extreme Cold

When the weather is extremely cold, you should consider taking precautionary measures. You should cover your chimney and vents with plastic to keep them from freezing up. If you live in an area with extreme winters, you may also need to invest in a new roof if it’s not properly resistant to extreme cold.

Patching leaks or minor cracks can also help protect your roof from damage due to harsh winters. It’s important to patch any leaks as soon as possible because they tend to get worse over time and lead to more expensive repairs. That’s particularly the case with the freeze-and-thaw cycles that accompany areas that experience extreme cold.

Wind Storms

If your roof is exposed to the wind, it will be at risk for damage. This is because as the wind blows, it can push dirt and debris against the roof, which can cause a leak or even cause the roof to collapse (think a flying tree branch). It’s important to take action if you notice that your roof is being affected by wind. If possible, repair any damage that has already been done to avoid further deterioration. If this isn’t an option, then you should take steps to protect your home and prevent further damage. Even a temporary repair solution is better than nothing. The longer you wait, the more involved (i.e. expensive) repairs tend to get.

Ice Storms

Ice storms are a common weather event in the winter. Unfortunately, they can cause a lot of damage to your roof. Ice melts and damages the roofing material leaving it exposed to water damage. If you’ve sustained damage, you should call your insurance company. If you haven’t had damage yet, we recommend getting a home owner’s insurance policy that covers ice damage. In the event of damage, you’ll want to get your roof repaired right away so that it doesn’t leak into your house and cause further damage.

Inspect Your Roof Often and Contact the Pros When Needed

One of the most important things you can do for your roof is to keep it well-maintained. A roof should be inspected every year, and possibly more often if it’s exposed to extreme, inclement weather. Keep an eye out for any cracks or leaks that could cause damage. If you want your roof to last, then don’t neglect it!

If you live in the greater Athens, GA area and you think your home has sustained damage from the “Big Five” elements, contact us today and we’ll investigate and provide a report free of charge.