Weather can have a major impact on shingle roofs, whether it’s snow, rain, intense winds, or even hot sun. Although asphalt shingles are designed to protect a home from all these elements, they need to be replaced eventually as the weather’s toll adds up over time. If not addressed soon enough, this damage can lead to expensive and time-consuming roof replacement work. It’s important to understand the weather’s effect on shingles so you can spot the damage before it becomes too severe.
Effects of Wind on Shingle Roofs
The effects of wind on roofs can be more significant than most homeowners realize. When winds are strong enough, they can bend and fold shingles or even blow them off entirely. This damage can occur within 24 hours in high winds with some shingle types. In addition to damaging the roof, high winds can cause other problems such as blowing off gutters, causing water leaks and even cracking interior walls of buildings if they are made from clay tile.
Effects of Rain on Shingle Roofs
When it rains, the roof’s shingles are the first line of defense in protecting a home. If the rainfall is significant enough, however, shingles can start to delaminate from their backing material and peel free of the substrate. Once this occurs, it is often hard to fix the problem once it starts because the underlying plywood subfloor will have started to rot away.
Effects of Snow on Shingle Roofs
The most common damage caused by snow is to roofing material, and shingles are especially prone to this. Snow is heavy, and all this extra weight places a great deal of strain on the underlying roof construction. This can cause the roof to sag, allowing for pockets of water to sit on the roof’s surface without running off. This buildup of rainwater can seep into the shingles and cause them to corrode. Over time, these corrosion products will cause the roof to leak, leading to a loss in value of your property.
Effects of Storms on Shingle Roofs
Storms can also cause roof leaks, leading to large losses in home value. Storm winds can blow shingles off the roof and allow debris and water to penetrate the building. Heavy storms may also cause siding problems like broken windows or cracks in walls.
Effects of Hail on Shingle Roofs
When hailstones hit shingles, they cause wear and tear. As the nails holding the shingle onto the roof hold up when it’s not raining, the nails may break during a storm or hailstone. The weight of the other shingles holds everything together. The nails can pull through the shingle if too much pressure is put on them. That means more repair work down the line.
Effects of Heat on Shingles
Heat damage to shingles is caused when the roof’s surface is heated above the temperature at which the shingles can take hold. If the roof’s surface gets hotter than usual, the shingles will shrink and crack. This can be an especially widespread problem in Texas where the summer heat can drag on for months.
Key Takeaway
Keep your shingle roof in good shape. Weather can cause your roof to decay, fall apart, or even need to be replaced. With the right precautions in place, you can keep your roof in good condition and protect it from weather damage. Your roof is an essential part of your home and should be treated with the same care as your other belongings. Properly caring for your shingle roof can save you money in the long run and keep your home in good condition.
