How Different Weather Affects Your Roofing

Your roof is your property’s key source of protection from the elements, keeping your building and its contents safe and dry no matter what Mother Nature throws its way. But being in such close contact with extreme weather can take a serious toll on an asphalt shingle roof. Here in Massachusetts, windstorms, snow and even the sun can cause roof damage, leaving you vulnerable.

If you want to protect your roof from unnecessary weather damage, read on to learn how different weather conditions can cause harm to your roofing and what the top weather-resistant roofing is for our climate. We’ll cover everything you need to know to best protect your roof from all weather types.

All weather roofing impacts

The extreme weather landscape we face in New England means that we have to protect our properties from all sorts of potential hazards. All of the weather roofing threats outlined below have the potential to seriously damage the integrity of your roof:

• Rain: It may seem innocuous enough, but rain is one of the top weather-related roofing threats. If there is a weak spot on your roof, water will find it and likely exacerbate it. It can seep under shingles, infiltrate the roof deck and cause rot.
• Snow: New England winters are notoriously harsh, with dramatic snow accumulation and ice working itself into every nook and cranny. These conditions gradually erode your roof and can cause serious damage.
• Wind: Powerful winds can exacerbate small problems on your roof. While a loose shingle may not seem like a big deal, strong winds can further loosen them or even pull them right off.
• Sun: On hot days when the sun is beating down directly onto your roof, its surface temperature can heat up well beyond the temperature of the air above it. High temperatures and ultraviolet rays can cause discoloration and deterioration of materials over time.

Top roofing for New England weather

So, what kinds of roofing hold up best to our harsh weather? Here are the three top roofing materials for our climate:

• Asphalt shingles: This material is most common for its accessibility and affordability. In general, it performs well—but perhaps its best attribute is that, should damage occur, it’s relatively inexpensive to replace. These shingles are susceptible to tearing in the wind and scarring in heat, but opting for a premium version can reduce the likelihood of this happening.
• Composite slate: This fashionable material is well loved for its similarities to slate tile roofing and resistance to color fading. It can be an expensive option, however, because its weight sometimes requires additional reinforcement to be implemented within the structure during installation, requiring extra time and money.
• Metal roofing: Metal roofing has come a long way in recent years—you can now get metal roofing that looks like almost any other traditional roofing material. It’s incredibly durable, lasting 50 years or more, and requires very minimal upkeep.

No matter which of these top weather-resistant roofing options you choose, there is a chance of damage. Evaluate your budget and the unique needs of your commercial property and make a decision that is best for you. To discuss options with a roofing professional and get a quote, contact R&H Roofing!

Categorised in: Commercial Roofing

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