Your home can be damaged by severe weather in South Carolina, particularly if it happens over time. No matter how sudden or gradual, inclement weather can cause damage to your roof.
We can repair any roofing damage and help you file an insurance claim to pay for repairs. It is important to understand how bad weather affects your roof, and what weather conditions can have detrimental effects.
Before the next storm strikes, here are some things to keep in mind:
8 Things that can damage your roof
These are eight things that can damage your roof and weaken its structural integrity. Damages to your roof can cause costly repairs or even a complete roof replacement.
1. Cold Weather
The cold winter season can cause snow to accumulate on your roof and compromise your home’s structural integrity.
Snow is very heavy, even though you might not be aware of it. Imagine how tiring it can be to shovel your driveway after a snowstorm. Consider how much snow is still on your roof and not being removed.
Your roof is also more susceptible to leaking or collapsing if there’s snow on it. It is important to remove snow and ice from your roof as often as possible.
Roof snow removal is difficult because it is risky to attempt to climb onto the roof. Roofs are naturally sloped and can be slippery when they are covered with snow and ice. You should contact your local roofers in Greenville, SC for help.
2. Hot Weather
Your roof’s health can also be affected by the hot South Carolina summers. Your roof can be heated to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit during summer.
Temperatures drop dramatically at night, and the rapid temperature change can lead to cracks in the roofing material.
Your roof’s protective layer can also be damaged by the UV rays of the sun. Your roof can be more susceptible to damage if the protective layer is worn.
3. Storms
Thunderstorms can cause serious damage to roofs in South Carolina. These storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds and lightning. Roofs are designed to protect your home from the rain but they don’t guarantee that it will be completely waterproof. If your roof is not maintained properly, it will most likely suffer water damage.
Missing tiles and shingles, for example, can allow water to seep into your attic. Water damage is more likely if your shingles are cracked, damaged, or improperly installed.
South Carolina is also susceptible to hailstorms. You can’t protect your roof from hailstorms, which is unfortunate. To check for damage, schedule roof inspections if a hailstorm is occurring. Hail can cause damage to your roof, such as cracks or holes.
Lightning is also something you should consider. Even though it is rare, lightning strikes to your roof can cause severe damage that will require immediate repairs.
4. Wind
While tornadoes and hurricanes can cause significant roof damage, it is possible for the wind to blow at a higher speed than normal. Wind can cause damage to your roof’s structure, including ripping off shingles or causing tiles and gutters to fall. Your roof’s structural frame can be damaged by higher winds.
Roof inspections are important to ensure your roof is healthy, even if there’s no visible damage after a strong storm.
5. Trees
Trees can be a wonderful addition to your home, but they can also pose a threat to your roof. Trees too close to your home are a potential danger.
Windy weather can cause tree branches to drop onto your roof. This could scratch or damage your roofing tiles. The cost of repairs will increase if there is a buildup or damage.
Your home is also at risk of leaks if there are a lot of leaves in your gutter. Regular inspection of your gutters is necessary and you should remove any branches or leaves from your roof.
The general rule of thumb is that the bigger the tree, the greater the risk to your roof. It is important to keep your tree branches away from your roof.
6. Moss
Residents don’t usually have to deal with moss but it is possible for moss growth to occur. Moss thrives when it is wet and should be removed immediately to avoid any potential water damage.
Moss acts like a sponge and absorbs water from rainfall. Moss that accumulates moisture is more likely to cause roof leaks, softening, and dampness. Fortunately, moss is slow to grow and can often be detected before major damage occurs.
7. Algae
Algae is a different species from moss because it thrives in hot and humid environments. Roof algae can lead to undesirable growth and stains on your roof. Algae can appear in many ways.
- Black streaks
- Spots in green or white
- Round lichens
Algae infestations will only get worse unless your roof is professionally cleaned. If left unattended, algae can cause irreparable damage to your tiles.
8. Old age
While old age is not a direct weather factor, it can have an impact on how durable your roof will be in bad weather.
Roof materials become less durable over time, especially if they are constantly exposed to the elements. Even the best-maintained roofs can become less durable over time.
Roofs typically last around 25 years. If your roof is at the end of its useful life, contact your local roofing company to assess its condition and offer a solution.
A robust roof is essential
Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, whether you are protecting residential or commercial properties. Your property is protected from the elements by a sound roof.
Roofs make your home more efficient and reduce your electricity and gas costs throughout the year. Your home is vulnerable to falling debris and other natural elements without a strong roof.
Mold, leaks and weakening structural integrity can all result from a damaged roof. These damages can become more expensive over time and even require you to replace your entire roof. A strong roof is just as important as a solid foundation for your home.
How to handle bad weather in South Carolina
Your roof is susceptible to the elements. However, there are steps that you can take to ensure your roof remains in good shape. It is important to maintain your roof and schedule annual roof inspections.
South Carolina is prone to severe weather events throughout the year, including tornadoes and thunderstorms. Since 1950, South Carolina has experienced an average of 11 tornadoes each year.
Many roofing systems are damaged by severe weather. These are steps to make sure your roof operates at peak efficiency.
Regular roof maintenance
Roofs need to be inspected for damage by homeowners. You can do some things yourself, like cleaning out the gutters and removing snow from your roof. Also, check for cracked shingles.
You can call your local roofing experts for more complicated tasks, such as replacing shingles.
This handy checklist can be used to maintain your roof.
- Remove fallen tree branches
- Look out for standing water puddles
- Verify for mildew or mold
- Trim overhanging tree branches
- Spring and fall gutter cleaning
- Check expansion joints for tears
- Make sure the flashing is flush with the roof
- Check your attic for water stains or leaks
- Check shingles for cracking or curling.
- Regular roof inspections will increase your roof’s longevity exponentially.
Annual Roof Inspections
It’s safe to call your local roofing company for an annual inspection, even with the recommended maintenance. A team of roofing contractors inspects your roof every year.
They will be able to identify any damages that you have missed and determine the urgency of any repairs. You can be sure that your roof will remain safe no matter what the weather brings.
We can help you, whether you need immediate roof storm damage repair or a complete annual inspection. Call KM Roof and Home Repair now.
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KM Roof and Home Repair
310 Iveydale Dr.
Greenville, SC 29609
864-535-9184
www.kmroofers.com
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