Ohio’s humid climate has its summers soaring to high temperatures and deep dives to nipping cold in winters. As such, the worst enemies of your roof are natural factors such as rain, hail, snow, and wind.
So, such kind of weather plays a predominant role in the wear and tear of roofing systems.
While you can’t control these weather-based events, but you can prepare your roof to withstand them. And ensure that your roof remains protected for your home and family.
Unexpected Damages of Water
If you haven’t checked your roofing system in a few months, you should. Roofs can deteriorate gradually due to various external factors.
In fact, water damage paints one of the riskiest pictures that require immediate attention.
For example, water can get clogged in different areas and damage the roof. A careless installation that is susceptible to leaks can also cause water damage.
Either way, it could lead to roof leaks, moisture penetration, mildew issues, respiratory health problems, and structural weakening of your home.
Consequences of Water Damage
While it might seem that a leaky roof is the worst that can happen due to water damage, that’s not all! There are harsher implications.
Power Consumption
In most cases, water seeps through the roof insulation. The insulation acts as a protective layer from harsh weather conditions such as heat and cold. When the insulation is compromised, it can affect the home’s indoor temperature and increase power consumption.
Electrical Fires
Moisture penetration into the inner walls can cause a short circuit in the wiring and result in an electrical fire. Any leaks in the roof can easily reach the wiring; so, you must take the necessary action immediately.
Endangered Framework
Water can weaken any wooden roofing in time. It also leaks through cracks in the ceiling and encourages the growth of mold. If not restored, the health of your family and the whole home may be compromised.
What Can You Do About It?
Depending on the extent of the damage, you can call for professional help to repair the leaks. A simple leak may only require mild plastering.
If the damage is serious, you’ll have to replace the entire roofing. If your locality faces heavy precipitation, make sure your roofing is prepared for it.
Unexpected Damages of Wind
The wind is a powerful destroyer when it exceeds a certain speed. During storms, Ohio wind speeds can cross 60 mph. This can cause damage to the roof system and shingles. Roofing with displaced or loosened shingles will no longer be able to protect your home from rain and snow.
Powerful gusts or tornados can tear the shingles off the roof unless they are installed properly. Apart from high-speed winds, roofing can also fall apart because it has reached the end of its lifetime. In this case, only a complete replacement is the solution.
Consequences of Wind Damage
Wind can cause considerable damages to roofs and compromise the home’s structural layout.
Destroyed Shingles
Strong winds are powerful enough to rip shingles off a roof. This structure is the first point of contact between the home and the wind. When vulnerable, it can lead to internal damaging to the roof. The top layer should be the strongest so that it withstands the force of the wind.
Water Leakage
If you do not monitor your roof after a heavy wind, there is a possibility that damage to shingles will go unnoticed. When the topmost layer has gaps, water seeps through when it rains and snows. Water can damage the structure, cause electrical fires and moss growth.
Clogged Drains
The wind carries debris along with it. Sometimes, this debris blocks the drains and the gutters, leading to ineffective drainage. Ultimately, the entire building structure may be prone to deterioration.
What Can You Do About it?
The first preventive step to take is to replace parts of your roofing or replace the roof completely if it has passed its expiration period. Choose new roofing materials that provide stronger defense against heavy winds.
For instance, metal roofing and composite systems built specifically for the purpose of handling higher wind rates are ideal. Your roofing specialist reenforces the structure with stronger adhesives, roof straps, and more nails to ensure that your roofing stays out during a windstorm.
Unexpected Damages of Frozen Water
Roofs in Ohio are generally built to withstand weather conditions, but as time passes by, this capability reduces.
Frozen water usually hits the roof in two ways – through snow and hail. While snow is less harmful due to its softer nature, it can still cause irreversible damage to the roof.
Consequences of Frozen Water Damage
Water can collect in various vulnerable spots on the roof and cause severe damage to the upper foundation of the house.
Ice Dams
When snow touches the internally warm house, it melts and travels to areas of lesser warmth. The water collects in these regions, freezes, and forms ice dams, which destroy the roofing over time.
Blocked Gutters
Ice and debris collected in drains and gutters can prevent the flow of water. Water gets stagnated, causing various moisture-related problems in the roof. When moisture infiltrates the roof sheathing, it can seep into the attic and cause mold build-up.
What Can You Do About it?
For new and undamaged roofs, cleaning the gutters is a good way to avoid your roof deterioration.
If your roofing hasn’t been replaced in many years, no amount of unclogging can save it from damage. The problem could be internal and require more than a simple clean-up to fix.
Regular maintenance is essential to protect you from harsh weather conditions. Neglecting your home can lead to future dire consequences. An economic fix at regular intervals can extend the lifetime of your roofing.
Roofing Restoration Company Roszman Roofing & Remodeling, At Your Service
Roszman Roofing & Remodeling is your full-service roofing and remodeling company who will come repair or replace shingles or panels due to storm, water or hail damage. Our insured contractors will diligently inspect and resolve, providing you with superior customer service.
Call us now at 800.NEW.ROOF to set up an appointment.