Unfortunately for home and business owners, weather is unpredictable, and harsh conditions can wear down commercial and residential roofs over time. Depending on where your property is located, hot sun and extreme frost can cause damage. However understanding the weather’s impact on your roof can help you prepare, properly maintain, and extend its durability.
Keep reading to learn how various weather conditions affect your roof’s viability and why seeking professional help is always the best option.
Types of Weather Damage
When considering the effects of weather damage on your roof, it’s wise to consider the potential short-term and long-term threats. The most common weather-related roof threats include hail, snow, rain, ice, sun, and wind — the various levels of UV light and variable temperature cycles can negatively affect the roof’s structure and durability.
Property owners should request only top-quality roofing materials that add to the roof’s durability and support.
Rain
Commercial roofs are designed to shed water when it rains. However, the calculations for the capacity and type of drainage system are estimated for average rainy days in a particular location. However, during heavy rains, fast waters can happen during short intervals and further cause the drainage system to malfunction. Heavy rainstorms are often accompanied by lightning which can also cause significant damage to the roof.
You can also install a lightning protection system to protect your commercial roof and avoid severe, visible lightning damage.
Wind
Heavy rains are usually accompanied by high-velocity winds, which can severely damage commercial roofs. This is why a wind-resistant roof is essential.
One potential hazard from winds is wind-borne debris that can cause physical damage to the roof. Another potential threat is the wind finding weak points inside the property and blowing through ventilation units or dock doors.
Snow
Rooftops capped by snow might be idyllic but far from practical or beneficial to the roof. Snow may seem light, but it can build up and become overpowering to the roof structure after a heavy snowstorm. Roofs can suffer from ice dam formations, drainage system blockage, and still water.
Hail & Sun
Roofing materials can also wear and tear quickly if they are often exposed to hail. The large ice pallets hitting the roof are worse than heavy raindrops, weakening the roof and leaving it vulnerable to other weather conditions.
Finally, sun rays may not be visibly dangerous, but they can do as much damage to the roof as rain or snow. UV exposure is a big problem that will cause shrinking and cracking of the roofing materials in play. Today’s materials are very sophisticated and offer sun-resistant alternatives, but even these can be damaged by the sun in the long run.
WaterTight Roofing: The Best Commercial Roofing Specialists for You
Preventing commercial roof damage is possible by hiring a professional team to mend all issues and ensure an intact roof surface.
Luckily, WaterTight Roofing specializes in all things commercial roofs and offers solutions that keep your roof safe and sound despite extreme temperatures and harsh weather. Evaluate the condition and viability of your commercial roof and schedule a free commercial roof assessment with our specialists today.
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