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.
