Your roof is there to protect your home, but even the strongest roofs are at the mercy of the weather. Weather conditions can all take a toll on roofing materials over time, affect the lifespan of your residential roof, and even cause expensive damages and repairs in extreme cases. This is why you need to understand how the various weather patterns can affect your roof and what you can do to protect it.
How Florida Weather Conditions Affect Your Roof’s Lifespan
Moisture and Humidity
Florida is well known for its high humidity levels, with an average relative humidity range of between 70% and 80% throughout the year. Unfortunately, this consistently high amount of moisture in the air leads to moss and mildew growth on roofs, which can slowly cause degradation. High humidity also leads to the corrosion of metal roofing and the rotting and deterioration of roofing materials. If water gets trapped underneath your roofing components or in your attic, it can encourage the growth of mold and, mildew, or even fungi, which can all eat away at your roof’s structural integrity.
Intense Sun Exposure
Here in Florida, we experience intense sun exposure and high levels of UV radiation all year round. This can cause roofs to age prematurely or become brittle and cracked over time. UV rays also contribute to the breakdown of the chemical bonds in roofing materials.
As roofing materials age and wear under the intense Florida sun, they may start to show some signs of cracking, curling, or brittleness. For example, asphalt shingles may start developing small cracks, which may cause water to penetrate the underlying roof layers. You may notice that your shingle edges start to curl upward, exposing the underlayment. All these issues compromise your roof’s ability to shed water effectively.
Heavy Rainfall and Storms
During the summer months, we experience frequent heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. This can put significant stress on roofs and test their ability to shed water effectively. If your roof has any weaknesses, like missing shingles, you may experience a leak and water damage in your home. Over time, repeated water intrusion can lead to severe structural damage, mold growth, and health hazards for the occupants.
Hurricane Season
Florida is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, and strong winds can often lift shingles or tear off roofing materials. Even if your roof manages to survive a hurricane, it doesn’t mean that its structure is still strong and solid. It may have been strained, causing its structure to weaken.
If your roof is particularly old or poorly maintained, the adhesives or fasteners may have already been weakened by age or weather exposure. This makes your roof even more vulnerable to being completely lifted or dislodged during tropical storms. When the underlying layers of the roof are exposed to the elements, it can cause water infiltration and severe damage to your home’s structure and your belongings.
Regular Roof Inspections and Maintenance
One of the most effective things you can do to mitigate the impact of Florida’s harsh weather is to conduct regular roof inspections and maintain a consistent maintenance schedule. Homeowners should have their roofs professionally inspected at least once a year, ideally before and after hurricane season.
During these inspections, our qualified roofing contractors will be able to identify any potential issues, such as cracked or missing shingles or signs of water damage. By tackling these problems as soon as you notice them, you can prevent minor issues from escalating into major repairs or premature roof failure.
Don’t Let Florida’s Weather Damage Your Roof
Your roof is a shield against the elements, but it’s not invincible and does face challenges from the weather that can cause significant wear and tear over time. Understanding how the weather affects your roof and taking steps to protect it is crucial.
Overall, a well-maintained roof will protect your home while also preserving your property’s value. Maintaining your roof is a worthwhile investment, so call us today for a roof inspection!