Various types of weather can cause roof damage, from lifted shingles to water infiltration. Regular inspections identify overlooked issues, and prompt repairs help avoid structural failure. At Big Dawg Roofing & Construction, our expert teams are prepared to work with your insurance company to make sure severe-weather repairs are approved. Here is more information about how the weather impacts your need for roof repair:
Heavy Rain
Over time, rain deteriorates roofing materials, which leads to leaks and structural damage. Regular moisture often decreases the lifespan of flashing and sealant. This allows water to infiltrate your home, and mold or rot may begin to develop in your roof structures or attic. If the gutters are clogged, water typically pools on the roof during heavy rain. This adds weight, and sagging or roof collapse might occur during sustained precipitation. Roofing experts are familiar with these sources of damage, and they target vulnerable areas during inspections and repairs. Some areas include:
- Flashing: Roof flashing is a thin, waterproof material installed at roof joints, protrusions, or intersections. It helps make sure water runs over these areas rather than seeping into the roof structure. When flashing becomes damaged or worn out, water is likely to leak through these once-protected areas. During repairs, flashing is either replaced or resealed to remove gaps.
- Seams: Seams are where two pieces of roofing material meet or overlap, and they must be sealed to prevent water leakage. Repair teams reapply the appropriate sealant for your roof material.
- Valleys: A roof valley is the V-shaped intersection where two roof slopes meet. It acts as a drainage channel, directing rainwater off the roof. If this area isn’t properly installed or sealed, leaks can occur due to the high volume of water passing through it. To repair a leaking valley, roofers usually remove the damaged shingles to install a new waterproof underlayment. The flashing and shingles are also replaced.
Severe Weather
Severe weather varies by season, but high winds and hail are common elements. High winds cause uplift, which pulls shingles, tiles, or metal panels upward. This can remove sections of the roof as well as break seals or damage flashing. Hailstones often dent or crack roofing materials. For shingles, this removes the protective granule coating and potentially exposes the underlayment. Hail-caused dents in metal roofs damage protective coatings, leading to rust.
Wind and hail damage may not cause immediate leaks, but scheduling timely repairs prevents further damage. Because severe weather causes hidden damage, our roof repair team conducts detailed inspections. Experts look for granule loss, cracks, bruising, and structural weaknesses. Assessment results are used to file insurance claim paperwork, and we communicate with adjusters to confirm repairs are approved and completed.
Intense Sun
UV radiation from intense sun exposure causes thermal stress and breaks down roofing materials. Shingles can become brittle or cracked, and protective granules fall off, leaving the roof vulnerable to leaks. Metal roofs often experience thermal cycling, which causes them to expand when hot and contract when cold. This creates stress that could lead to loose fasteners or warped panels. Heat-damaged roofs are commonly replaced, but some experts also apply thermal coatings. These help reduce surface temperatures and reflect UV rays, extending a roof’s lifespan. Severe heat damage may damage the roof’s structural decking, so this must also be replaced.
Snow and Ice
Winter storms typically result in significant snow accumulation on roofs. Snow is heavy, weighing 20 or more pounds per square foot. Two feet of wet snow can weigh as much as four feet of dry snow, so measured accumulation isn’t always indicative of the stress placed on roofing structures. Roofs usually have a maximum weight capacity, and when snow exceeds this, the roof is at risk of sagging or collapsing. Roofing experts are trained to navigate unstable roofs when completing weather-related repairs. This helps protect your home from further damage while maintaining the safety of the workers and the home’s occupants.
Heat escapes from your home through the roof, and this melts the bottom layers of snow, which drains toward the gutters. If the water refreezes, it creates an ice dam that prevents water from draining. This can cause water to pool and seep under shingles, leading to interior water damage. Ice also builds up in gutters. This might cause them to break or pull away from the roof line. Some roofing companies provide gutter services, supporting comprehensive repairs for snow and ice damage.
Schedule Roof Repair Services
Roof maintenance and repair services help protect your home from weather-related damage and structural deterioration. Experts at Big Dawg Roofing & Construction complete thorough inspections and prompt repairs to make sure your roof remains in optimal condition. We can also replace siding and gutters, preventing water intrusion at your home’s most vulnerable points. Contact us today to learn more about our services.