The Top 5 Ways Summer Storms Can Affect Your Roof

Summer might be your favorite time of year, but it can be a tough season for your home’s roof. The notoriously unpredictable storms that roll in during the summer months can cause problems that range from minor to severe – and unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to prevent it.

But even though you might not have control over the weather, taking a proactive approach to roof maintenance and repair can make a world of difference. When it comes to taking care of your home and roof, awareness and education is key. So, it’s important to know about the different ways your home could be impacted by the next summer storm.

Keep reading to learn the top 5 ways that summer storms can damage your roof – and what you should do about it.

Summer may be our warmest, sunniest time of year, but it can be the season of intense storms showing up on the weather forecast. And although you might look forward to stormy summer days and nights as a time to cozy up with a good book or movie, this type of weather also has a major downside.

Storms can cause significant damage to the exterior of your home, particularly your roof. When you consider just how important your roof is to the integrity of your home – and your family’s safety and comfort – the potential issues become even more concerning. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of summer storm damage is the fact that it’s not always easy to see. In fact, you might not realize there’s a problem until it’s evolved into a full-scale disaster that requires expensive repairs.

Here's the good news: you can’t stop summer storms, but you can be ready to deal with their aftereffects. Prepare yourself for whatever Mother Nature throws your way by learning about the top five ways that summertime storms can damage your roof.

1.     Wind can literally blow away your roof.

When a storm blows through your community, it often comes with high winds that whip up a fair amount of mess. And even if there isn’t any rain, the windy weather alone can be a problem for your roof.

It’s not uncommon for wind to rip shingles off a roof, but it can also pull up critical elements like the underlayment and adhesive materials. Depending on the extent of the damage, these missing pieces can result in leaks, water damage, and other issues.

2.      Hail can damage your roof’s shingles.

We’ve all seen the harm that large hailstones can inflict, from dented vehicles to injuries. But have you ever considered how hail affects your roof?

Many people don’t realize that hailstorms can create indentations in the shingles on their roof, and that it’s far more than an aesthetic issue. These dents can evolve into cracks, compromising the integrity of your roof. And when shingles aren’t in the proper condition, leaks are far more likely to occur.

3.     Gutter and downspout damage can slow down water drainage.

Odds are, you don’t think about your gutters or downspouts very often – other than when it’s time to tackle the tiresome chore of cleaning them out. But during the summer, storms can damage these essential components of your roof’s water drainage system. Then, water can easily accumulate or start draining exactly where you don’t want it to.

4.     Storm debris can hit your roof.

Severe storms can often bring down branches, entire trees, or even powerlines. In a split second, you could be dealing with massive property damage caused by falling debris. However, debris doesn’t have to make a dramatic entrance to hurt your home. In fact, even a moderately-sized branch tossed around by the wind can be destructive to your roof and exterior as a whole.

5.     Moisture buildup and condensation can be problematic.

As you would expect, when moisture is constantly present on your roof, it can be a catalyst for issues. Its buildup can lead to rusting, which accelerates the deterioration of your roof. Also, during the hot, humid weather of summer, condensation can accumulate on your roof. After some time, the weight of the condensation can place a strain on your roof, potentially leading to dangerous weak points.

Mitigate Summer Storm Roof Damage with Help from Professionals

Regular roof inspections are always a good idea, so you can be confident that your roof is ready to stand up to any type of weather. But they’re especially important after a summer storm – and the best way to take quick action if repairs or replacement are needed.

Get more information about summer storm damage and roof maintenance when you contact Final Touch Construction and Remodeling today.