Curling up in a blanket waiting for a storm to pass is one of the best things about owning your own home. Knowing you and your belongings are safe while wind and rain rages on outside gives great peace of mind. That’s why environmental roof protection should be at the top of your to-do list. Depending on the climate you live in, your roof has to combat sun and heat, rain, snow, hail, and wind all within a year. It’s the first line of defense and it’s out there direct to the elements, so it’s no wonder homeowners want to know how to best make sure it’s up to the job.

Tips to Prepare for Weather Changes

Let’s now break down some common environmental roof issues and how you can help avoid them. Storms are a common weather that causes damage, and it tends to be because branches and other large debris crash into the roof, loosening shingles or tiles or causing cracks that could lead to leaks. You can’t entirely prevent this one, but if there are trees and bushes on your property, make sure to keep them well-maintained and remove any loose branches as you come into storm season.

Next up, let’s think about rain. Certain geographical areas get a lot more than others, but even one heavy rainfall has the potential to affect your roof. Water will find any gap or crack in your roof and drip through into your house. Over time, this can cause water damage. If left undetected for long, this water could cause structural and foundation damage, destroy your insulation leading to a drafty home, and grow mold which can make you sick. There are a couple of ways to help prevent this water damage which is especially important if you live in an area with many days of rain a year. We’d recommend contacting local roofers  to check your roof regularly to check for any gaps that could let in rain. Working with nearby experts offers numerous benefits. It’s also important to keep your gutters clear to allow all the rain to drain off. You can do this by regularly cleaning them out yourself (or paying someone to do it for you) or investing in some gutter guards that help stop debris building up in them. It’s also best to keep your roof in direct sunlight if you can to allow it to dry properly in between rain showers. If there are tall trees near your roof, trim them down a bit if you have permission. Making sure your roof doesn’t stay wet for longer than necessary can help prevent algae and moss from growing on it, which can cause staining and damage to your shingles.

Snow can also bring issues for your roof along with the cold. If too much snow builds up, your roof could buckle. This is unlikely with good quality roofs, but if yours is in need of repair or replacing, it might not hold up to a big blizzard. Another danger with snow is ice dams. These are large chunks of ice on the edge of your roof that block melting snow from draining off the roof. This can lead to the same issue as rain, as this water could find its way through small cracks and cause damage inside the house. To help prevent these two snow-related issues, keep your gutters clear and use a roof rake if you’re able to knock down snow and stop it from building up. If you notice an ice dam forming, it’s a good idea to contact professionals like Four Leaf Roofing & Windows to address the issue before it leads to more significant problems. They can also provide valuable tips to help you prevent ice dams from forming in the future.

When it comes to warm weather, it brings fewer dangers for your roof, but sadly the sun can’t shine all the time. Older roofing materials can’t cope with the intense rays of the sun consistently. It essentially ‘bakes’ them, and they can dry out and break. Newer tiles and shingles with UV protection have been used for many years now, though, so this is unlikely to be a problem you encounter.

Why Weatherproof Roofing Solutions are the Future

As our climate changes, extreme and unpredictable weather is becoming more common. That’s why many homeowners are turning to specialists using the hardiest roofing for harsh conditions. There are materials now that are more resistant to temperature changes and can cope better with UV rays, ice, and rain. When your roof needs replaced, it makes sense to choose materials that will be with you for years to come, whatever the environment throws at you.

Aside from environmental damages, if you’re considering roofing installation in Oak Creek or need roof repair in Muskego , or looking for experienced local roofing contractors in Whitefish Bay , our own teams can provide reliable guidance and high-quality services specific to your needs.

At Four Leaf Roofing & Windows we use the best materials and offer free quotes. Find out more here.