Your asphalt shingle roof is your home’s first line of defense from the elements. In Massachusetts, and Middlesex county, the weather can be extreme and unpredictable, and does a number on our roofs. Asphalt shingle roof repair can be costly, but if not done right even worse roof damage can occur. As a top-rated Massachusetts and Middlesex county roofing contractor, Golden Group Roofing understands the strain extreme weather can put on our roofs. It is one of the reasons we obtained the highest GAF® and Certainteed® manufacturing certifications, which make us the only Massachusetts roofer to offer both of their longest and most protective workmanship warranties.
Here are how certain weather conditions affect your roof.
Asphalt Shingle Roof repair can save money in the long run
In New England, extreme weather can slowly erode your roofs protective layer. All the weather damage described below, can lead to major damage to structural parts of your roof. Once the water and weather are inside the roof layer, it can be much most costly to fix. Proper asphalt shingle roof repair can protect against more damage later on.
Wind
A little bit of wind isn’t really going to hurt your roof. However, powerful windstorms can cause some serious damage. This is especially true if your shingles are already loose. The shingles along the perimeter are more prone to higher wind pressures too, depending on the direction of the wind. Negative pressure from the wind will raise loose shingles. It’s easy for the wind to pull them right up after it gets underneath them. If this happens, you’re going to need asphalt shingle roof repairs.
Hail
Hail is relatively rare, so it’s usually not something you have to worry about. However, it does happen. Roofers will tell you that when hail impacts asphalt shingles, it can remove granules and wear down and fracture the shingles. The severity of the damage will depend on the wind speed, size, and density of the hail storm. Natural barriers like trees near the roof will also affect the damage.
Rain
Surprisingly enough, as common as it is, rain is one of the most dangerous weather conditions for your roof. Just an inch of rainfall can drop nearly 1,500 gallons of water onto your roof. Heavy rain is really good at finding the weakest spots of your roof and infiltrating them. When the rainwater gets underneath your shingles, it can seep below the roof deck and cause rot. Extra moisture can then cause mold and mildew growth on your walls, ceilings, insulation, and even your electrical system.
Snow & Ice
Massachusetts is now for its extreme winter weather. Snow on your roof isn’t really a problem unless of course, the snow is really heavy. The real problem arises when the snow starts to melt. This can create ice dams at the edge of your roof and force moisture up under your shingles and flashings. These dams can quickly wear down your shingles, leading to the need for asphalt shingle roof repair.
Sun
Wait, so you’re telling me that the sun is bad for my roof too? The sun can bring the temperature of your roof up 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the air. The heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. The excessive UV rays can lead to discoloration too.
Your roof is meant to withstand certain amounts of pressure from the weather, but these conditions do a number on your roof over time. If you experience serious roof damage from the weather or would like an estimate, give us a call for asphalt shingle roof repairs and installation!
