Your roof serves several important functions, such as protecting the interior from exposure to the elements, reducing the likelihood of a pest infestation and promoting energy efficiency. Because your roof is located on the top of your home, it takes substantial abuse from Mother Nature. The spring months can be particularly brutal. After all, opposing cold fronts and warm fronts that pass through your area frequently could result in severe storms that may be less frequent during other times of the year. These are among the most common and damaging ways that spring weather conditions wear on your roof.
1- Heavy Rains
You may think that a typical roof that is well-maintained would hold up well to a regular rain shower or two from time to time, but heavy rains can take advantage of even the smallest maintenance issue with your roof. For example, if your roof has a small crack, a missing shingle, buckled or warped shingles or some other issue, the water impermeability of your roof is not intact. The result is that water can potentially penetrate into your roof to cause significant damage. This could include wood rot, mold and more. When the storm has passed, these holes in the roof’s structure can also allow pests to make their way into your home. A pest infestation can result in thousands of dollars of damage or more along with the potential risk for fire damage if rodents eat through your electrical wires. During or immediately after a heavy rainstorm, inspect all areas of your attic. Look for signs of moisture that may be indicative of a roof leak.
2- Strong Winds
Many spring storms have very strong winds. In some locations, tornadoes are common. When your roof is exposed to strong winds, shingles can blow off. This alone may not immediately result in interior or structural damage to your home, but keep in mind that strong winds are usually accompanied by heavy rains. When the wind blows a shingle off, rain can penetrate into the home. Strong winds can also cause tree limbs to move more than they usually do. When tree limbs brush against your roof, they can dislodge the shingles. Keeping trees trimmed back well away from your roof is a great way to prevent this type of damage from occurring. After strong winds have impacted your home, walk around your yard to look for signs of shingles on the ground. This is likely an indicator that your roof has been damaged and needs attention from a professional.
3- Hail Stones
Hail is one of the primary sources of spring roof damage. While hail can fall at any time throughout the year, spring hail storms are common because of the unique weather conditions during this season. Depending on the size of the hail and the intensity of the storm, hail can wear away the granules on asphalt shingles that are instrumental to the roof’s integrity. Hail may also leave dents in the shingles, Misshapen shingles typically do not lie flat, and this can result in water damage when the next rainstorm passes through the area. Hail can also affect the weatherized seal or strip, the fiberglass mat in the shingles and more. Many types of roof damage from hail cannot be seen from the ground level by the average homeowner. Scheduling a roof inspection after each major storm is a smart idea.
Some roof damage is immediately noticeable to a homeowner from the ground level, but other types of roof damage are much more difficult to spot from the ground level and with an untrained eye. You should not try to venture onto your roof on your own to look for signs of damage. The height and slope of a roof make it dangerous to walk on. A smart idea is to schedule a roof inspection before the harsh spring weather conditions arrive. This will help you to ensure that the roof is in great condition from the start. You should also get a professional inspection after severe storms pass through the area. Remember that addressing even a small area of damage immediately can help you to avoid unnecessary water and pest damage in the months to come.
