Roofing systems are essential for keeping buildings safe from the weather and other environmental factors. Extreme weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy rain, and hailstorms are happening more often and with more force as climate change continues to change weather trends. These events put a lot of stress on the strength and lifespan of roofing systems. This piece will talk about how extreme weather affects roofing systems, including the weak spots they make and how important it is to take preventative steps to limit damage.
What Climate Change Does to Roofs
High temperatures, rising sea levels, stronger storms, and changing weather trends are all effects of climate change that can damage roofing materials. Roofing materials can break down faster in hot weather, and harm can happen more easily during storms. Rising sea levels and the water that occurs as a result can also damage roofs, especially near the coast.
It can be freezing in the winter or very hot in the summer, and all of these extreme weather conditions can damage business roofing systems. Read on to learn about how business roofs are affected by changing weather and how to keep this from happening.
Seasonal Weather Conditions and Their Effects
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the varied ways in which commercial roofing systems are impacted by the weather.
1. Freezing Temperatures and Snow
When it gets cold in the winter, business roofs have a lot of problems. Because of the weight of frozen water on the roof and the changing weather, roofing materials can break down. During this season, the roof needs to be inspected and maintained regularly to make sure it stays in good shape.
We suggest the following ways to get ready for winter:
- To stop ice dams from forming, spend money on sound insulation and air.
- Use methods for clearing snow to keep it from piling up too much.
2. Storms and heavy rain
Even though spring brings warmer weather, heavy rains can still be dangerous because they can cause or worsen roof leaks. When there are storms with high winds, roofing materials may be lifted or damaged.
We suggest the following ways to get ready for spring:
- Make sure there are sound drainage systems in place so water doesn’t pool.
- Strengthen covering materials so they can stand up to strong winds.
Before the summer heat comes, spring is a great time to check things over and fix things that are broken. Taking care of any problems with the roof in the spring can help prevent water damage and make sure it’s ready for the changing seasons.
3. Extreme Heat
Over time, the high heat of summer can damage sealing materials and make them less intense. When temperatures and humidity are high, roofing materials may swell and break down. Regular care in the summer keeps the roof strong and stops damage from getting worse over time.
We suggest the following ways to get ready for summer:
- Choose covering materials that reflect light to keep heat from escaping.
- To make the roof last longer, hire a roofing expert to put on UV-protective coats.
4. Hailstorms
Hailstorms happen most often in the fall and can do a lot of damage to business roofing systems. Stones that fall from the sky can puncture roofing materials, letting water in and weakening the roof.
Having a lot of leaves on the roof is another danger that comes with a fall. If you don’t clean up after fallen leaves, mold and fungus can grow on the roof. If there is garbage in the drains, water can flow onto the roof and possibly cause leaks. During the fall, it’s essential to keep the roof’s structure in good shape by regularly cleaning off leaves and other waste and checking on it.
We suggest the following ways to get ready for fall:
- Pick rooftop materials that can withstand being hit.
- Protect yourself by putting up things like ice guards or screens.
- Do checks after the windstorm to find any damage and fix it right away.
Storm-resistant materials.
High winds and heavy rain can damage any business roof, but some materials can be beneficial in places where hurricanes and other extreme storms happen often.
EPDM and TPO roofing are both single-ply membrane roofing systems that last a long time and don’t get damaged by high winds or cold temperatures. Plus, they’re thin, bendable, and simple to set up. A lot of businesses choose TPO for their flat roofs because it can last 10 to 15 years if it is put correctly.
For businesses, built-up roofing (BUR) solutions are also a popular choice. There are many layers of bitumen (asphalt or coal tar) and supporting fabrics (like fiberglass or organic felts) that makeup BUR systems. These systems are robust and last a long time. Some BUR systems can last up to 30 years.
After the Storm.
Business workers should do a few things after a storm or other significant weather event is over. As a business roof builder, your first job should be to help clean up and make sure you have the temporary fixes you need, like tarps and extra plywood, to keep the building from getting more damage from roof storms in the future.
Contractors should carefully look over the roof to find any weak spots or problems that could happen. Take pictures or video from a drone to show the building owner any damage that might have occurred.
Install the Proper Ventilation and Insulation
A well-ventilated and protected attic makes a big difference in how well the roof can handle high temperatures. Having the proper insulation in your home helps keep the temperature even throughout and lowers the chance of ice dams building in the winter, which can do a lot of damage.
Ventilation systems are also critical. They control the flow of air in the attic, which keeps heat and wetness from building up and weakening the roof over time. This mix of insulation and ventilation strengthens the roof structure, reducing damage from the weather and making the home more energy efficient.
Stay up-to-date with the Latest Building Standards
Standards for buildings change as the weather gets worse, and it can be essential to make sure that your roof meets these new standards. This could mean adding more water barriers, strengthening the roof’s structure, and thinking about more unique, safer ways to put it.
By staying up to date on local building rules and making these improvements, you can make your roof much more resistant to harsh weather. You can be sure that your home will be ready for any significant weather event because it was built with the newest roofing technology and building standards.
Final Thoughts
Putting money into robust roofing systems not only keeps buildings safe but also improves the health and safety of the people who live or work in them. We can make communities that are more adaptable and long-lasting and can handle the challenges of our changing climate by learning about the specific risks that come with different weather events and taking the proper precautions.
As unexpected and extreme weather events happen more often, it is vital to get your business roofing ready for them. Essential parts of a solid plan to lessen the effects of harsh weather are regular checks, intelligent choices about materials, and preventative maintenance. We are experts at maintaining, repairing, replacing, and installing business and industrial roofs here at ValleyRoofing. Contact us right now!
