How the Texas Weather Affects Your Roof
February is the start of the Texas roofing season, but the truth is that Texas homeowners may deal with the wear and tear of severe weather all year long. Texas weather is every bit as big and wild as Texas itself, and every hailstorm, thunderstorm, or the sheer relentless heat of the summer months can add up to the damage that compromises the integrity of your rooftop. To weather that storm, whether or not your building is commercial or residential, you need the help of a Texas roofing company to stay on top of the damage.
Leaving your roof untreated after the weather takes its toll will likely lead to more significant damages—and collateral expenses!—in the future. Rather than waiting until it's too late and risking further disastrous consequences to your home, your belongings, or even your family's safety, it's best to know how the fierce weather affects your roof and make a plan. In a place with weather as temperamental as Texas, roofing is as much about being proactive as it is about responding after the damage. Staying informed and safe is your best defense against the unpredictable Lone Star State weather.
We love to serve our neighbors in Houston. Roofing is our passion, and with 17 years of experience, we've seen it all. It's not just the golf ball-sized hail that can cause severe weather damage. Taking care of your roof can feel overwhelming sometimes, which is why knowing what to look for is the best way to feel prepared instead.
Harsh Heat
If you live in Texas, you're no stranger to heat. The warmth and weather are just some of the things we love about living in Houston. Roofing, on the other hand, ends up with a worse impression—and heat is one of the primary culprits. Excessive heat can damage shingles. Those 100° days might mean a little more shade and a lot more water for homeowners, but for your roof, it's like being stuck in an oven. The shingles trap the heat, which causes your home to suffer from increased temperatures. Over time, exposure to heat and ultraviolet radiation will cause your shingles to dry out, become brittle, or cause the edges to curl and warp.
Heat-worn shingles pose additional risks to the integrity of your roof. If they're warped, they're more likely to trap water, which can then seep into your roof and cause lasting water damage. Mold and leaks in the ceiling or walls can also follow, especially in times of high humidity. Brittle shingles are more susceptible to breaking under the impact of hailstorms or flaking away in high winds. When your roof is warped by the heat, it also suffers diminished capacity to keep out the heat, costing you more as you have to run your air conditioner more frequently.
Some shingles, like metal or wood, are more resistant to heat and less likely to expand or become brittle. Using these in your roofing materials helps alleviate some of the structural issues caused by the excessive Texas heat.
Storm Season
Texas has more than its fair share of storms. Many of us love a good thunderstorm and the rainfall that accompanies it, but our roofs often don't—the rain can be harmful to the shingles that are already struggling to keep up with the heat. Water that gets trapped can sit and potentially worsen the damage already caused or weaken the bindings that hold your shingles in place. In hail or ice storms, massive chunks of hailstones can crack or even splinter the shingles, allowing water to pool inside the roof. Even small hailstones can cause severe damage, denting or cracking your shingles.
Much like with heat, certain types of shingles made out of wood and metal are better at resisting the impact of hailstones. It's always prudent to check that your roof has no structural weaknesses or breaks after a severe hailstorm.
Winter Weight
Snow is a big problem for roofs in severe winters. Snowstorms combine the water damage of rainstorms with the added pressure of weight on your rooftop. Heavy snowfall can inflict many of the same conditions on your roof as hail, heavy rain, and even high heat, literally warping shingles under the weight and allowing water to leak into your roof. It's imperative to quickly clear excess snow from your roof, although this may be challenging for some people. A good Texas roofing company like Murray Roofing can help repair the damage caused by periods of heavy snowfall, but if possible, it's best not to let snow accumulate too much to avoid catastrophic damages.
High Winds
High winds, including hurricanes, are one of the most harmful weather phenomena your roof can experience in Texas. Roofing materials like shingles, clay tiles, or other fixtures are vulnerable to strong winds that hit them straight-on. Particularly, sustained gusts can tear pieces of your roof away and expose the underlying structure to other conditions like heat, water, and snow. A secondary danger with high windstorms is that they can sometimes blow other objects, such as lawn furniture, pieces of another roof, or tree branches into your home, inflicting severe damage.
Houston, We Have a Solution
The weather can be hazardous to your home in Texas. Roofing shingles should ideally be resistant to heat, water, and impact, which is why upgrading your roof is the best way to prevent significant damage from occurring before you realize it. While being proactive is often the best, no roof is immune to the wear and tear of Texas weather. Companies like Murray Roofing exist to help you by checking your roof for potential damage or weak points, helping you upgrade the materials, and giving you peace of mind. You'll sleep better at night knowing your roof isn't one bad storm away from leaving you exposed and vulnerable.
