Your roof is your homes’ first line of defense against the unpredictable Florida elements, so you need to be sure that your roof is prepared to protect you. Florida summers bring heat, and hurricane season follows quickly behind. Extreme heat, intense humidity, heavy rain storms and wind can all cause general wear and tear or even major damage to your roof.
It’s important to be aware of what and how weather conditions affect your roof. Keep reading to learn what to look out for and when you need to contact your local roofing company.
Storm Damage
If you are a native Floridian, you are not new to the vastness of storms that happen throughout the year. There is the threat of hurricanes, tropical storms, and those daily summer storms. Hurricane season is at its peak during August, September, and October, but the full season can be up to twice as long.
The force of high winds, accompanied with excessive downpour and flooding can cause major storm damage to any home or structure, especially to the roof, which is the most vulnerable part of the building due to its elevation and exposure to elements. Florida sees more thunderstorms than any other state. Summer can be considered thunderstorm season, and many of these are short, sudden outbursts that disappear as rapidly as they appear. It’s also important to know Florida has the highest density of lightning strikes in the United States.
It may come as a surprise that Florida also has one of the highest rates of tornados, and that straight-line winds in various types of Florida storms are capable of getting beneath shingles, lifting them up, and ripping them clean off.
Excessive Heat & Humidity
The high heat and humidity levels common throughout the state – especially in the hot, hot summer months, presents its own challenges to Florida homeowners and their roofs.
It’s important to have quality underlayment below your home’s layer of shingles, if this is the roofing material you currently have. Underlayment not only creates a second water barrier but also prevents asphalt roofing from sticking to the roof deck in extreme heat.
While roofing shingles are designed to endure hot weather, it still takes its toll on even the best roofing material over the years. Shingles may buckle up due to the heat and eventually become brittle and break off. Asphalt may even bubble up, and high heat may contribute to nails that pop up, leaving shingles less secure when the next wind storm comes along.
Humidity, too, can become a contributor to roof damage. If water gets below the shingles and humidity remains high, plywood roof decking may sometimes warp, get soft and deteriorate, or accumulate mold and mildew.
If you are considering installing a new roof, metal roofing structures can help avoid some of the issues that shingle roofs have like above. If you are interested in replacing your current roof with a metal roof, find a reputable roofing company that specializes in this type of material.
Seaside Homes
If your home resides closer to the gulf waters, the salty sea air can also take a toll on your roof over the years. It is common for homes near the water to begin to grow a crop of green, brown, or black algae on shingles. The problem is due to a blue-green algae called “gloeocapsa magma.” It will not likely damage the shingles, but it will discolor them and can be quite a chore to remove.
Some types of roofing materials are algae-resistant, and for those who live near salt water, that may be a more ideal choice if your roof is due for a replacement.
Tips to Help Control the Weathers’ Effect on Your Roof
You may not be able to control the weather, but you help mitigate its effects on your roof! Having a high-quality roofing system installed by a reliable local contractor is the first step. You can find roofing materials with higher wind ratings, fire ratings, resistance to mold, moss, and algae, and even some due to a high UV light resistance level.
Additionally, you should make sure you have adequate homeowner’s insurance coverage and be prepared to file a roof damage or storm damage claim should the occasion arise.
Finally, roof maintenance is extremely important to help mitigate storm damage and other roofing problems that cause the need for repairs. Regular maintenance should include keeping the roof free of debris, cleaning out the gutters and downspouts, having a professional roof inspection done once or twice a year, and making all necessary roof repairs without delay.
Another tip to maintaining your roof against the harsh Florida weather is having a reliable, professional roofing company ready to serve you! Johnson Roofing Solutions team provides free estimates AND financing to homes and businesses across the panhandle of Florida. We have offices in Panama City, Chipley and Graceville with our service area expanding from Tallahassee to Pensacola. We are fully licensed and insured, family owned and operated and prepared to take on any roofing project from minor repairs to complete replacements or even new construction. Contact us today and let us be your solution!
