We live in a large country and the weather changes in each state from day to day and from coast to coast. Rhode Island could be saturated with humidity while Alaska is in subarctic conditions and Florida is like a tropical rain forest. Regardless of climate, your house or business need roofing that can endure all seasons. It is important to keep the climate in mind when choosing a roofing system and even more important to understand how the weather can impact your roof.
How Your Roofing Choice is Affected by Climate?
Rain, snow, winds and the sun all impact your roofing. Sunshine and extreme heat can cause materials to dry out and crack and humidity can allow unwanted moisture to seep under roofing materials. Winter months are troublesome because snow and ice can build up and ice dams allow water to pool, once any snow begins to melt. Once you have pooled water, leaks can occur into the interior of the building causing rot and mold. Before picking your roof, there are a few things about the weather you should remember.
- High Winds: Even if you don’t live in a city that is notorious for winds like Chicago, you can still expect high winds from time to time, especially as seasons change. Strong gusts can blow under the roofing materials causing bubbles and wrinkles. This allows moisture to creep in and collect. Once warm weather arrives, you end up with mildew and rot. Winds typically cause damage first around the edges, so be diligent about checking these areas after strong gusts. If you catch the damage early enough it can be repaired easy enough. You can also choose to use fully adhered membranes, which are securely tacked down across every square inch.
- Wet Weather: The wet or cold seasons bring rain, hail, sleet and snow and even the sunniest states like California are not exempt from some downpours. Sloped roofing allows water to trickle away but flat roofing allows pooling, so need to be more effective at drawing water away. Traditional roofing used tar and gravel, but this came with serious risks, fatal injuries and noxious fumes. As a replacement, roofing companies now choose single-ply membranes for flat roofing and these are not only more flexible but durable too.
When it comes to selecting roofing, knowing the weather in your area matters. Even though the sun can cause damage by drying out materials, the biggest concerns are precipitation and winds. For a seasonal roof that goes the distance, you may want to consider PVC which is durable and lasts up to 30 years. Call us today to discuss your roofing options and we will help you find the best solution for the weather your building has to endure daily.
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