How Bad Weather Impacts Your Roof

Severe weather in South Carolina can cause damage to your home, especially over time. Regardless of if it’s gradual or sudden, inclement weather will always wear away at the costly investment of your roof.

Covering Greenville, SC, and surrounding areas, Beemer Kangaroof® can repair your roofing damages and even help you file a claim with your insurance company to cover repairs. However, it’s vital that you understand how bad weather affects your roof and which weather conditions have adverse effects.

Here’s what to consider before the next storm hits:

8 Things That Can Damage Your Roof

There are eight common things that can hurt your roof and its structural integrity. If your roof isn’t properly maintained, damages can lead to costly roof repair or an entire roof replacement.

1. Cold Weather

During the cold winter season, snow piles onto your roof, compromising your home’s structural integrity.

You might not have realized it, but snow is extremely heavy. Think about how tiresome it is shoveling your driveway after a big snowstorm. Now think about all that snow sitting on your roof without being removed.

Furthermore, your roof is more at risk from leaking or collapsing the longer snow sits on top of it. So it’s essential to clear away ice and snow from your roof whenever needed.

The issue in roof snow removal is that attempting to climb the roof yourself is dangerous. Roofs are sloped in nature and highly slippery when covered in snow and ice. For this reason, you should call on your local roofing experts for assistance.

2. Hot Weather

The hot South Carolina summers can impact the health of your roof as well. Averaging over 90 degrees Fahrenheit in Greenville during the summertime, your roof is dramatically heated the entire day.

When temperatures drop significantly at nighttime, the rapid change from hot to cold can cause cracks because of the contraction and expansion of the roofing material.

Furthermore, the harsh UV rays from the sun can deteriorate your roof’s protective layer. When the protective layer is damaged, your roof is more vulnerable to problems.

3. Storms

Thunderstorms are common in South Carolina and can cause severe damage to rooftops. These storms bring heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning. While roofs are made to protect your home from rain, it doesn’t mean they’re completely waterproof. In fact, your roof will likely face water damage over time if it isn’t maintained correctly.

For example, missing tiles or shingles allow water to leak into your home and are often the cause of attic leaks. If your shingles are damaged, cracked, or installed improperly, you are more at risk for water damage.

Furthermore, South Carolina is susceptible to hailstorms. Hailstorms are unfortunate because there’s nothing you can do to protect your roof from them. If a hailstorm occurs, the best plan of action is to schedule roof inspections to check for damages. Hail will likely leave damages such as holes in cracks in your roof.

You shouldn’t forget about lightning either. Although extremely rare, a single lightning strike to your roof can present critical damage and need timely repairs.

4. Wind

Although hurricanes and tornadoes bring wind speeds causing significant roofing damages, infrequent strong gusts of winds can also cause issues. Wind can potentially rip off shingles and loosen your tiles or gutter system. Higher wind speeds can also cause damage to your roof’s structural frame.

Even if there isn’t any noticeable damage to your roof after a strong wind storm, roof inspections are necessary to maintain your roof’s health.

5. Trees

Although trees can add a beautiful touch to your property, they also pose threats to your roof. Trees that are grown too close to your home present a danger you need to be aware of.

Windy weather causes tree branches to fall off onto your roof, which can potentially scratch your roofing tiles or damage shingles. Over time, a buildup of scratches or damage will require costly repairs.

Moreover, bunches of leaves that fall into your gutter put your home at risk for leaks. You should regularly inspect your gutters and remove all branches and leaves from your roof.

In general, the larger the tree, the more at risk your roof is. For this reason, it’s essential to keep your tree branches trimmed and well away from your roof.

6. Moss

Although homeowners in Greenville, SC, usually don’t have to deal with moss, it’s still possible for moss to form. Moss thrives in wet climates and needs to be dealt with immediately as it can potentially cause a lot of water damage.

Moss works like a sponge and soaks up water every time there is rainfall. As moss accumulates more moisture, it’s more likely to cause roof softening, leaks, and dampness. Luckily, moss grows very slowly and can usually be spotted before any significant damages occur.

7. Algae

Algae functions opposite to moss in that it thrives in hot, humid climates. Roof algae can cause undesirable stains and growths on your roof. Appearance-wise, algae presents itself in a few ways:

Black streaks
Green or white spots
Round lichens

Algae outbreaks will continue worsening until you have your roof professionally cleaned. Furthermore, algae can make your tiles irreparable if left unattended for too long.

8. Old Age

Although old age isn’t a direct weather element, it impacts how durable your roof is when bad weather does present itself.

Roofing materials grow weaker over time, especially when they’re constantly exposed to outdoor elements. As the years and decades go by, even the most well-maintained roofs will need to be replaced.

On average, roofs last for around 25 years. So if your roof is nearing the end of its lifecycle, you should contact your local roofer to inspect its health and recommend a solution.

The Importance of a Robust Roof

From residential properties to commercial buildings, your roof acts as the first layer of defense against the natural elements. A sound roof protects your property from snow, rain, and heat.

Furthermore, roofs keep your home more energy-efficient while reducing electricity and gas bills throughout the year. Without a sturdy roof, your home is at risk of being harmed by falling debris and natural elements.

A damaged roof can lead to mold, leaks, and weakened structural integrity. If ignored, these damages will become more costly over time or even force you to replace the entire roof. For this reason, a robust roof is equally as important as having a solid home foundation.

How to Handle Bad Weather in South Carolina

Although your roof is vulnerable to many outdoor elements, there are steps you can take to keep your roof in good condition. Maintaining your roof regularly and scheduling annual roof inspections are vital to prolonging the life and stability of your roof.

Beemer Kangaroof® provides expert roof inspections, roof replacement, and roof repair in South Carolina. We service:

Greenville
Taylors
Piedmont
Easley
Simpsonville
Fountain Inn
Greer
Mauldin
Travelers Rest
Spartanburg

Wind storms, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other extreme weather conditions are known to strike South Carolina throughout the year. In fact, South Carolina has averaged 11 tornadoes per year since 1950.

When harsh weather presents itself, it compromises the integrity of many roofing systems. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your roof is operating at its peak efficiency:

Regular Roof Maintenance

Homeowners should regularly maintain and inspect their roofs for damages. There are some tasks homeowners can perform, such as cleaning the gutters, removing snow from your roof, and checking for cracked shingles.

For more complex tasks like replacing shingles, you’ll need to call on your local roofing professionals at Beemer Kangaroof®.

Here’s a handy checklist you can refer to when maintaining your roof:

Remove fallen tree branches
Check for puddles of standing water
Check for mildew and mold
Trim overhanging tree branches
Clean gutters in spring and fall
Inspect expansion joints for tears
Ensure flashing is flush with the roof
Check the attic for leaks or water stains
Examine shingles for cracking, curling, or crumbling

If you’re able to conduct regular roof inspections, you’ll be able to increase the longevity of your roof exponentially.

Annual Roof Inspections

Even with the regular maintenance listed above, it’s a safe idea to call your local roofers for an annual inspection. There’s no replacement for having a team of professional roofers inspect your roof each year.

They’ll be able to identify damages you missed and assess the urgency of any repairs. With disciplined roof maintenance and help from professional roofers, you can rest assured that your roof is safe regardless of any weather that comes into Greenville, SC.

Combat Bad Weather Damage Today

Whether you’re seeking urgent roof storm damage repair or are ready for your annual inspection, Beemer Kangaroof® is here to help. We’re proud to serve Taylors, Piedmont, Easley, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn, Greer, Mauldin, Travelers Rest, and Spartanburg with the highest quality roof damage repair and services.

Our certified roofing experts are committed to top-of-the-line customer service, attention to detail, and the expert workmanship that gives you peace of mind. We understand how important it is to keep your family safe and protect your home.