Choosing Roofing Materials: How Weather Affects Your Roof

With Northern Utah’s climate, it's important that you choose roofing materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions such as heavy snow, strong winds, and occasional hailstorms.

How Different Weather Conditions Can Affect Your Roof

Your roof may just be the unsung hero of your home! Think about it, day in and day out, it works like a trusty shield to protect your home from the elements.

• High temperatures cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Materials such as asphalt shingles can dry out, lose their protective coating, and become brittle. Materials that expand and contract with temperature fluctuations are prone to cracking.
• In cold weather, ice dams can form on your roof, causing damage to shingles, gutters, and even the roof deck. The weight of snow and ice can also cause structural damage to your roof if it's not strong enough to support the load.
• Heavy rain can cause water to pool on your roof and cause leaks. Over time, water seepage may weaken the roof structure. Moreover, small cracks allow water into your home. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, damage to your home's interior finishes such as drywall, wallpaper, and carpets, as well as faulty electrical components.
• Strong winds have the potential to lift and remove roof tiles, panels, and shingles, exposing the underlying roof structure to the elements. Gutters can be ripped off and chimneys damaged. Wind-driven debris like tree branches can also damage your roof.
• Hail can crack or break shingles, especially if the hailstones are large, leading to leaks and other damage.
• UV radiation from the sun can cause roofing materials to break down over time, leading to deterioration, splitting, and leaks.

How Does Weather Impact the Life of Your New Roof

When the rain pours down, it's your roof that catches the water and channels it away from your home's foundation. When the snow falls, it's your roof that bears the weight and ensures it doesn't seep through and damage your home's interior.

So, to ensure the longevity of your new roof, it's essential to choose the right materials for your climate and to perform routine maintenance:

• Regular inspections to check for signs of damage
• Cleaning the gutters to prevent water damage
• Addressing any issues before they become major problems.

Additionally, proper installation of your new roof is critical to ensure that it can withstand the elements. This includes ensuring that the roofing materials are installed correctly and adequate roof ventilation to prevent moisture build-up.

Which Roofing Material Is the Most Durable?

It's important to note that the durability of a roofing material can depend on several factors, including the quality of the material and its installation.

Asphalt roofing is affordable, yet durable. High-quality asphalt shingles can last up to 30 years or more and are resistant to fire, wind, and hail damage.

Metal roofing is known for its resilience and longevity. Steel and aluminum roofs last up to 50 years or more and are resistant to fire, wind, and hail damage. They also reflect heat which boosts their energy efficiency.

Hire a Professional

It is best to hire professional roofers to repair or replace your roof because they:

• Are trained in safety procedures and have the proper equipment to prevent accidents.
• Have years of experience repairing and replacing roofs, and they know how to identify and address common issues.
• Own the tools and equipment to do the job correctly and efficiently.
• Complete the job more quickly and with fewer mistakes than someone without experience – making it more cost-effective in the long run.
• Offer a warranty on their work, giving you peace of mind that if something goes wrong, you'll be covered.

With over 30 years in the business, Bob Harvey Roofing is a member of the Utah Roofing Contractors Association, a Business Network International member, and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Contact our team today to discuss the best roofing materials for your needs.