How Extreme Weather Affects Your Roof
Your roof is your house's first line of defence when it comes to the wide range of weather conditions we face in Canada, and indeed, just in Toronto. How can this weather take its toll? From the snow of the winter to heavy winds of summer thunderstorms, here are the ways that extreme weather can affect your roof during the seasonal extremes.
Winter
Hail
Any size of Hail can be a big problem for roofs and depending on the size of the hail, it can be hard to spot. Large hail will leave large dents in you shingles but small hail will also damage critical roof infrastructure such as vents, gutters and flashing. How can you safely identify hail damage from the ground? Check for dents on downspouts (above 5 feet), on garage doors, on your electric meter or AC unit, in your car, on your garage door or any other metal around your house. You can also check your window screens or shutters for damage.
Ice
Even though icicles on your home may look pretty on a sunny winter day. They are a sign that something in your roofing system isn’t working properly. Icicles form when melting snow from an improperly insulated attic melts snow on the roof and it drips to the edge where the surface is colder and then freezes causing ice dams and icicles. This ice can cause water to build up on your roof and then leak into your attic or house.
Snow
Although it may seem light and fluffy, snow is heavier than most people realize. When it accumulates on your roof it can wreak havoc including the above mentioned ice dams as well as potential collapse if your roof was not constructed properly. This is why it is important to hire a local roofer like Top Roofers who understands local building codes and weather patterns to ensure your roof structure is built to code and insulated properly
Summer
Humidity
Summer humidity can be uncomfortable to everyone including your roof. During periods of high humidity moisture can get between the shingles and the roof bed and settle. This moisture could cause leaks and mold.
Sun
Your roof takes a lot of UV rays in the summer. This can cause damage to your roof no matter the material. Shingles will start to curl and become brittle as well as experience some colour bleaching. With temperatures varying between night and day in the summer, your roof may also experience thermal shock when temperatures cause the roof to expand and contract causing cracks and leaks in your roof.
A quick note that these issues related to sun and heat take time to take effect. Homeowners with roofs older than 20 years should be making sure their roofs are still in good condition and are not damaged by the sun and UV rays. We can provide a roof inspection and complementary replacement or repair quote.
Storms
We see our fair share of summer storms in the city of Toronto. These storms can cause damage to your roof not only directly with wind or hail but also indirectly with tree branches rubbing or falling on your roof, not to mention the potential for an entire tree to fall on your roof.
Wind
Wind can be one of the biggest challenges a roof faces and not just because of flying debris. Wind can also damage your roof two other ways, causing shingles to curl and lift. Wind tends to not hit roofs evenly and the corners, edges and ridge-lines of your roof and be impacted by wind if it gets under a section of shingling. This can cause the shingle to curl away from or completely tear away from your roof exposing your roof to water causing leaks and mold. When winds are strong enough they can also create a suction effect loosening the nails securing the shingles causing lifting allowing water into your home. This type of damage is not always visible from the ground which is why it is beneficial to have your roof inspected after a severe storm by a local, reputable roofer.
Top Roofers has years of experience, positive reviews from customers, warranties on full roof replacements and WSIB. We always provide a detailed written estimate before work begins. We won’t be the cheapest option but the quality in materials and workmanship provides peace of mind that the roof over your head will last for years.
