As any native Hoosier can tell you, the saying “If you don’t like Indiana’s weather, just wait 24 hours; it’ll change.” holds truth. If you actually like unpredictable weather, that saying might be comforting, but for your roof, it can mean big problems. Indiana weather can destroy your shingles and roof, both from storm damage or from extreme weather conditions.
Heat
After surviving winter, summer temperatures ranging from 80s in the day and 60s at night are delightful. However, in 2017 the heat index reached above 100 degrees from the humidity. Excessive heat can cause roof material to swell or warp and decay or crack.
The swelling of materials damages the roof immediately, and the damages only increase when the roof contracts. As the roof is contracting and expanding, the shingles are displaced and become brittle. The shingles can bend upwards toward the roof because the heat cause the shingles to contract.
If your roof begins to decay, rot, or becomes otherwise damaged you should consider replacing the roof or having the damages professionally repaired. If left unrepaired, a damaged roof leaves your roof vulnerable to further damage which can expose your home to the elements. It can also lead to leaking and other structural issues.
To protect your roof from the heat, you need to make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Although roofs are meant to withstand many conditions, constant heat and sunshine can shorten the lifespan of your roof.
Storm Damage
Rain
The average rainfall in Indiana for the past several years has been 40.62 inches. That is a considerable amount of water hitting the roof! Even a small hole in the roof can allow water to leak into the wood and cause structural damage and mold.
Hail
It is not a surprise that hail can be destructive. During a hail storm, you might be worried about your car, but your roof actually takes more of a beating. The hail can affect the shingles themselves, causing cracks or exposed materials, and the loosening of the self-seal strip on the shingles. Hail is destructive, and unfortunately there is no way to protect against it. The key to protecting your roof is simply inspecting your roof after a storm to prevent further damage.
Wind
Nearly all roofs are equipped to be wind resistant, however, continuous wind can lead to missing shingles or water damage. Not only can the wind affect the roof itself, but branches, sticks, and other debris are carried in the wind and can land on the roof. Left alone, this debris can rot on the roof and cause shingles and wood roof material to rot as well.
Snow & Ice
Winter is bitter, beautiful, and brutal. The bitter temperatures from the beautiful snow can be brutal on your roof. The extra weight from the snow and ice can weigh down the roof, and it can cause the roof to cave in. The ice can also clog the gutters and cause damage to the roof. The clogged gutters can create ice dams that pull the gutter from the house.
In any season, it is important to watch for cracked roofs and missing shingles because what starts as a small problem can lead to serious issues. To keep your roof in tip top condition, contact E3 Roofing and Restoration to schedule a free inspection.