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How Weather Impacts Your Roof

Discover the surprising ways Mother Nature can affect your home's first line of defense.

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Overview of How Weather Impacts Your Roof

The roof's performance and lifespan depend greatly on the weather. Your roofing materials are bound to suffer something if the conditions are just right. The sun can make you roof shingles "bake" and dry out. The sun's heat can make the shingle's binding oils evaporate, leading to their cracking. The sun can also make a weak shingle "bow" and begin to warp. Penetrating the shingle from the top down is one way; another is getting under the shingle with the wind and lifting it. No roofing material can withstand that kind of stress for long, and wind can and does do that. Slope and exposure of the roof can determine how much of a torment wind will be to the roofing materials.

Your roof is affected by extreme temperature changes, and it can take a toll on the roofing material. Heating and cooling of the roofing system in a short period cause the barrel to expand and contract (twice). The more they heat and cool, the more they move. This is the constant, threatening "death of a thousand cuts" awaiting a roof whose material is ill-suited to the climate where it is installed. Over time, the materials become weakened, leading to the appearance of cracks, gaps, or the loosening of shingles. High temperature (too long) can make some materials brittle (and thus, more prone to impact damage). On the flip side, too much exposure to low temperature can make some materials susceptible to just straight-up breaking.

Your roof's health can be affected by moisture-related weather conditions. Extended periods of rain or high humidity can lead to moss, algae, or fungal growth on your roof that can damage roofing materials. Warm, wet weather can also lead to roof rot, while the wind that often accompanies storms can be a double whammy: It can both soak your roof from above and drive water beneath loose and compromised shingles. Hail can also damage roofs in stormy regions. Helmets hail can dent or crack all types of roofing materials, an effect that may not show up right away but can lead to serious problems in the near future. How can you tell if your roof has sustained weather-related damage? Regular inspections, which look beneath and at the surface of your roof, are your best bet.

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Client Testimonials

Carrie W.

For over three decades, I have called Las Vegas home, and in that time, I have never met a more dependable <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://lasvegasroofing.net/roofing-las-vegas/" title="roofing" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="1938">roofing</a> contractor. When the roof of my aged mother's home needed urgent repairs, I was, to say the least, concerned about the process of finding trustworthy professionals to do the job. Yet, Las Vegas <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://lasvegasroofing.net/roofing-north-las-vegas/" title="Roofing" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="3095">Roofing</a> Company turned out to be just the right fit. From start to finish—without any express or implied warranty—they took care of my mother and her <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://lasvegasroofing.net/roofing-sunrise-manor/" title="roofing" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="3932">roofing</a> needs with extreme care and patience. These guys are the kind of trustworthy professionals that you pray to find when you have an urgent <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://lasvegasroofing.net/roofing-winchester/" title="roofing" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="4934">roofing</a> need.

Carrie W.

Brian R.

As a property manager responsible for a large apartment complex, I have had to interact with many roofing companies. Standing above them all is Las Vegas Roofing. They approached our commercial roofing job with awesome skill and coordination. They finished ahead of schedule and under budget. I have never seen such vigor and enthusiasm in a work crew. They must be well led; there is always evidence of good leadership when you see a construction crew working like this one did. If there is any kind of roof on our property in the future that needs fixing or if there is any new kind of roofing job, we will definitely use Las Vegas Roofing.

Brian R.

Romas Family

When it was finally necessary to change the roof on our family residence, we were presented with a plethora of alternatives. Las Vegas Roofing truly simplified this process for us. A representative of the company took us through the many choices—each one a viable option, but some better suited to our home than others. We settled on a choice of color and texture. The installation team was prompt and worked well together. They respected our property and left the job site cleaner than they found it. The most spectacular part of the job was that they took extra care to ensure that the rose bushes in front of our house were not damaged—a necessity since those roses are our pride and joy. The new roof looks great, and I have no doubt that it will perform well even under the harshest conditions that the Vegas sun can dish out.

Romas Family

Joan A.

As an architect, I have very particular standards for construction work on my own home. Las Vegas Roofing met and surpassed my expectations. Their understanding of state-of-the-art roofing technology impressed me. They executed my design for a modern, energy-efficient roof flawlessly. Every detail reflected the crew's skill, from the precision of the installation to the immaculate cleanup. They were able to smooth over several last-minute design changes without any hitch. The roof is both functional and beautiful. I've recommended Las Vegas Roofing to clients already, and I will continue to do so.

Joan A.

Dean R.

I am very impressed with the work done by Las Vegas Roofing. When a sudden leak developed during a rare desert downpour, they were at my house within a few hours. They quickly found the problem and had it fixed in short order. Their efficiency was remarkable. They explained everything to me in "normal people" terms and kept me up to date every step of the way. I already have recommended them to my neighbors and will call them again if I have any roofing needs.

Dean R.

Key Factors Influencing How Weather Impacts Your Roof

Your roof's lifespan and ability to function depend on the weather. When it comes to structural strength, your roof is largely a shell, with only moderate support from trusses and rafters. A good shell keeps out wind, rain, snow, and sun as efficiently as possible. Every roof is unique, but in any case, common sense says that your roof's durability is affected by the kind of weather it's exposed to, not only now but also in terms of historical precedent. Flatter roofs, such as so-called "low-slope" roofs, are almost invariably used in commercial buildings. An appearance of a flat roof at a home, on the other hand, is almost surely a mistake made by the architect or builder. That's because a roof is supposed to, first and foremost, shed water.

Your roof condition can be affected by another prevalent weather factor: precipitation. And it is not just the amount of water that falls but also the form it takes—rain, snow, or ice. A heavy rainstorm can put a roof to the test, especially if its drainage system is compromised. Accumulating water can find its way into the interior of a house, causing damage that in some cases may not show itself until long after the rain has passed. Snow and ice pose a different set of challenges, some of which are really just variations on what heavy rain can do. For one thing, fresh snow can weigh a roof down, and it is said that the combined weight of fresh snow and ice can be equivalent to that of several sheets of plywood. Indeed, some roofs are built to withstand the weight of snow alone.

Numerous factors influence how the weather affects a roof. Critical among these factors are the roof's age, the materials used, and the quality of its construction. Natural deterioration over time generally makes older roofs more vulnerable to damage from wind and rain. Moreover, the lifespan of your roof can be appreciably shortened if it is not properly maintained. Inspections should be part of a regular maintenance schedule. The quality of the materials directly impacts the roof's performance. Good materials in a well-constructed roof will inevitably make it more weather-tight compared to less durable materials used in an unconstructed roof.

Call Now - (725) 745-3311
>

Client Testimonials

Carrie W.

For over three decades, I have called Las Vegas home, and in that time, I have never met a more dependable <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://lasvegasroofing.net/roofing-las-vegas/" title="roofing" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="1938">roofing</a> contractor. When the roof of my aged mother's home needed urgent repairs, I was, to say the least, concerned about the process of finding trustworthy professionals to do the job. Yet, Las Vegas <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://lasvegasroofing.net/roofing-north-las-vegas/" title="Roofing" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="3095">Roofing</a> Company turned out to be just the right fit. From start to finish—without any express or implied warranty—they took care of my mother and her <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://lasvegasroofing.net/roofing-sunrise-manor/" title="roofing" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="3932">roofing</a> needs with extreme care and patience. These guys are the kind of trustworthy professionals that you pray to find when you have an urgent <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://lasvegasroofing.net/roofing-winchester/" title="roofing" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="4934">roofing</a> need.

Carrie W.

Brian R.

As a property manager responsible for a large apartment complex, I have had to interact with many roofing companies. Standing above them all is Las Vegas Roofing. They approached our commercial roofing job with awesome skill and coordination. They finished ahead of schedule and under budget. I have never seen such vigor and enthusiasm in a work crew. They must be well led; there is always evidence of good leadership when you see a construction crew working like this one did. If there is any kind of roof on our property in the future that needs fixing or if there is any new kind of roofing job, we will definitely use Las Vegas Roofing.

Brian R.

Romas Family

When it was finally necessary to change the roof on our family residence, we were presented with a plethora of alternatives. Las Vegas Roofing truly simplified this process for us. A representative of the company took us through the many choices—each one a viable option, but some better suited to our home than others. We settled on a choice of color and texture. The installation team was prompt and worked well together. They respected our property and left the job site cleaner than they found it. The most spectacular part of the job was that they took extra care to ensure that the rose bushes in front of our house were not damaged—a necessity since those roses are our pride and joy. The new roof looks great, and I have no doubt that it will perform well even under the harshest conditions that the Vegas sun can dish out.

Romas Family

Joan A.

As an architect, I have very particular standards for construction work on my own home. Las Vegas Roofing met and surpassed my expectations. Their understanding of state-of-the-art roofing technology impressed me. They executed my design for a modern, energy-efficient roof flawlessly. Every detail reflected the crew's skill, from the precision of the installation to the immaculate cleanup. They were able to smooth over several last-minute design changes without any hitch. The roof is both functional and beautiful. I've recommended Las Vegas Roofing to clients already, and I will continue to do so.

Joan A.

Dean R.

I am very impressed with the work done by Las Vegas Roofing. When a sudden leak developed during a rare desert downpour, they were at my house within a few hours. They quickly found the problem and had it fixed in short order. Their efficiency was remarkable. They explained everything to me in "normal people" terms and kept me up to date every step of the way. I already have recommended them to my neighbors and will call them again if I have any roofing needs.

Dean R.

Importance of How Weather Impacts Your Roof

The roof of a building is exposed to all kinds of weather. How, then, is the roof expected to resist the onslaught of weather over the long term? Take a look at the forces of nature that work against a roof and drain its longevity and performance potential. The first is UV radiation. In some parts of the world, the sun's rays have to be the most intense that a roof can ever encounter. UV radiation breaks down materials. That's a simple fact of chemistry. The second is heat. In some parts of the world, the sun's heat has to be the most intense that a roof can ever experience. And when a roof heats up, it expands. When it cools down, it contracts.

Your roof can endure some pretty intense assaults from Mother Nature, without a doubt. But what can she throw at it, really? Well, the first is temperature, and the extremes of it. Roofing can undergo temperature swings of 100°F (38°C) or more from day to night. That's enough to make any roofing substrate want to crack. And those who live in hail-prone areas might want to listen especially closely to the next part. Intense sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays can degrade roofing materials and are the principal contributors to their aging. That said, all these assaults might not matter so much if not for the fact that a roof's waterproofing system has to be accounted for, too. As one roofing expert put it: "If you have a leak, you have a problem. If your roof doesn't leak, you're good to go."

To lessen the impact of weather on the roof, it is crucial to ensure high-quality roofing materials that meet local climatic conditions; thus, the roof can withstand the conditions it faces. Regular maintenance—cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, and removing debris—can prevent certain issues from becoming big problems. It's also essential to check the ventilation of the attic, a space that, for both roofing materials and the inhabitants of a house, is crucial; an unventilated attic space gets too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, and those temperature extremes can be very harmful to roofing materials and, consequently, to the roof itself. Hiring a professional to inspect the roof twice a year ensures that the average homeowner isn't missing signs of big problems.

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Practical Considerations for How Weather Impacts Your Roof

Temperature Fluctuations

Your roofing components are impacted by severe temperature fluctuations, which can cause them to expand and contract. This is mostly true for metal roofs and shingles; they are likely to warp and crack when subjected to many cycles of heating and cooling. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors notes that "Roofing materials perform best under moderate, consistent temperatures and are at their worst when faced with extreme, sustained, or cyclic temperatures."

Wind Damage

Severe winds can tear off and carry away shingles, exposing your roof to the danger of leaks and even more severe water damage. Wind-driven rain can also cause serious problems for your roof, working its way under shingles and other protective roofing materials that aren't firmly secured. After a hurricane, tornado, or even a tropical storm, look closely at your roof, checking it for any missing shingles or other obvious signs of wind damage, especially at the roof's edge.

Water and Moisture Accumulation

When roofs are subjected to long periods of rain, snow, or ice, the combination of water and gravity can create several different conditions that might weaken the roof. The most direct way this happens is when the water gets in. Water does not always run downhill when it gets on a roof. On a flat roof, the water is much more likely to be able to seep in and cause damage than on a sloped roof. And if the water gets in, the wood and other materials that form the structure of the roof can start to mold, rot, or rust, especially if they stay wet for any significant length of time.

UV Radiation Exposure

Prolonged contact with sunlight and ultraviolet radiation can lead to the deterioration of roofing materials. This is especially true for asphalt shingles, which, in the sunniest places, are liable to become brittle and to shed granules. UV-resistant roofing materials and protective coatings can mitigate these effects and will probably pay for themselves in extended roof life.

Call Now - (725) 745-3311

How does extreme heat affect my roof

Your roof can suffer several bad effects from extreme heat. When it comes to the kind of heat that gets up into the attic, for example—well, that's just another way of saying "hot roof"—the prolonged exposure in concentrated areas can destroy the roofing materials, making them dry out, crack, or even burn, in which case your shingles are in serious trouble. The hotter the roof gets, the less chance of avoiding serious wear and tear, which is why ventilation is so critical to keeping the life of the roof intact—not to mention keeping the upslope side of the roof from overheating and damaging downslope areas.

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What impact does heavy rain have on my roof

Your roof has a tough job—protection from sun, wind, snow, ice, and the myriad other elements that can wear it down. Still, there is no singly roof-derailing weather event. Your roof can take a lot when the waterproofing, the drainage, and the materials all do what they're supposed to do. But when they don't, all that water can find its way into your house, and it's the waterproofing that keeps your home dry. Water, in sufficient quantity, is a very powerful thing. Your roof has to overcome gravity, which is why it is sloped or sectioned off by ridges and why it uses waterproofing, drainage, and materials that shed water. When water doesn't drain or is shed incorrectly, the waterproofing has to work really hard to keep everything underneath dry.

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How does snow accumulation affect my roof

The roof of your home bears the brunt of snowfalls. An average storm can drop 6 to 8 inches of snow on the roof. That is, the snow is allowed to accumulate and build up. The snow ceiling, wet and compacted, can weigh as much as 20 to 30 pounds per square foot and push down hard on the roof. Supplements to the snow load can come in the form of ice dams that may form along the edge of the roof. The formation of an ice dam can temporarily increase the amount of water on the roof just as a heavy rainstorm can. Whether it is the weight of a hard-fallen snow or the waterlogged weight of a thawed snow, we are talking about upwards of 200 pounds per square foot in certain areas on the roof if allowed to accumulate to a "dangerously deep" level.

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What damage can hail cause to my roof

The potential for destruction to a roof exists from hail, primarily depending on the size and intensity of the stones. A hailstone can strike like a bullet. The weight and compactness of a hailstone on a metal roof or a shingle roof can cause a divot or a crack. If a hailstone doesn't make a direct hole, sometimes a strong hit can loosen or displace the key parts of a roof system. Any of these possibilities can create a poorly functioning roof, or one that is not water-tight. On the other hand, the human eye can't always see damage that has occurred with hail, but a structural engineer or an insurance adjuster would know and be able to call that out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your roof can suffer several bad effects from extreme heat. When it comes to the kind of heat that gets up into the attic, for example—well, that's just another way of saying "hot roof"—the prolonged exposure in concentrated areas can destroy the roofing materials, making them dry out, crack, or even burn, in which case your shingles are in serious trouble. The hotter the roof gets, the less chance of avoiding serious wear and tear, which is why ventilation is so critical to keeping the life of the roof intact—not to mention keeping the upslope side of the roof from overheating and damaging downslope areas.
Your roof has a tough job—protection from sun, wind, snow, ice, and the myriad other elements that can wear it down. Still, there is no singly roof-derailing weather event. Your roof can take a lot when the waterproofing, the drainage, and the materials all do what they're supposed to do. But when they don't, all that water can find its way into your house, and it's the waterproofing that keeps your home dry. Water, in sufficient quantity, is a very powerful thing. Your roof has to overcome gravity, which is why it is sloped or sectioned off by ridges and why it uses waterproofing, drainage, and materials that shed water. When water doesn't drain or is shed incorrectly, the waterproofing has to work really hard to keep everything underneath dry.
The roof of your home bears the brunt of snowfalls. An average storm can drop 6 to 8 inches of snow on the roof. That is, the snow is allowed to accumulate and build up. The snow ceiling, wet and compacted, can weigh as much as 20 to 30 pounds per square foot and push down hard on the roof. Supplements to the snow load can come in the form of ice dams that may form along the edge of the roof. The formation of an ice dam can temporarily increase the amount of water on the roof just as a heavy rainstorm can. Whether it is the weight of a hard-fallen snow or the waterlogged weight of a thawed snow, we are talking about upwards of 200 pounds per square foot in certain areas on the roof if allowed to accumulate to a "dangerously deep" level.
The potential for destruction to a roof exists from hail, primarily depending on the size and intensity of the stones. A hailstone can strike like a bullet. The weight and compactness of a hailstone on a metal roof or a shingle roof can cause a divot or a crack. If a hailstone doesn't make a direct hole, sometimes a strong hit can loosen or displace the key parts of a roof system. Any of these possibilities can create a poorly functioning roof, or one that is not water-tight. On the other hand, the human eye can't always see damage that has occurred with hail, but a structural engineer or an insurance adjuster would know and be able to call that out.
Your roof's condition and longevity can be compromised by strong winds. If the shingles are loose or damaged, high winds can remove them. Even if your shingles stay put, the wind might force some rain underneath them, which can then run down into your house. Windy days can also be dangerous for your roof because winds are often accompanied by other adverse weather conditions like thunderstorms. Winds of over 40 mph on a ridge in a valley or a canyon can create very dangerous uplift conditions for your roof.
Certainly, here's a revised version: The sun’s UV rays can and do harm a roof, given enough time. Roofing materials of all sorts—whether wood, metal, or synthetic—will suffer degradation from direct sun exposure. But UV rays are kindest to no roofing material, and they are particularly unkind to asphalt shingles, which are the most common type of roof covering in the U.S. “An asphalt shingle roof in full sun will not last as long as a shaded asphalt shingle roof,” says Jim McNatt, a senior technical director at the National Roofing Contractors Association. And the harm that UV does to a roof also tends to be cumulative—the longer the exposure, the greater the damage.
There are many ways that a roof can be negatively affected by high humidity. First, air that is saturated with moisture is more likely to cause a roof to be dirty. This is because algae and mold thrive in a humid environment. The reason that these two organisms are so dangerous is that they eat the roofing materials and cause them to be weakened. Humid air is also much more difficult to ventilate properly. This means that in humid conditions, a roof is much more likely to suffer from condensation problems. Roofing components that are made of wood (which is a common material for rafters and roofing underlayment) are more likely to rot when they are saturated. Eventually, the roof could collapse if a section were to lose enough structural integrity.
The repeated freezing and thawing of water can damage a roof, and this is especially true in regions of the country that experience many freeze-thaw cycles in the winter and early spring. Water that gets into the small cracks or gaps in the roof and then freezes can cause considerable erosion. Fluctuations in temperature can lead to the formation of ice dams, which can back water up onto the roof and lead to all sorts of roofing headaches. And the cycle of freeze and thaw can cause the roof to "come apart at the seams," leading to many roof-replacement necessary headaches.
Although direct lightning impacts on home rooftops are not commonplace, when they do happen, the results can be devastating. Damage from a lightning strike can be visually obvious. A strike may leave a gaping hole or an "L"-shaped fracture in a rooftop that otherwise is in good condition. Lightning can and does start fires, even though the probability of any particular house catching fire during a thunderstorm is very low. The materials contained in roofing systems—whether they are shingles, tiles, or metal—tend to be quite flammable. Anything that would ignite in your attic is most liable to do so either because of beneath-roof structural wiring acting as a fuse or because of something contained in the attic itself.
Over time, acid rain can adversely affect your roof. It can precipitate the disintegration of various roofing components and materials, particularly those made from limestone, metal, or concrete, the makeup of many roofs in the Washington, D.C. area. As the acid eats away at these materials, it can also co-opt the basic metal components of your roof, like the flashing and gutters, which are supposed to work together to keep the "inside" of your roof dry and clean. If this weathering carries on for too long, it can seriously undercut the effectiveness of all these systems. Acid rain can also shorten your roof's lifespan if it wears away at the protective coating of your shingles, like gunge on a washing machine belt.

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