The most common ways your roof is affected by various weather conditions
As the most exposed part of your home, your roof is inevitably going to take some punishment from mother nature. As recently as May 31, 2022, violent windstorms ripped through the Newcastle and Hunter region. The first three months of 2022 have been some of the wettest on record. Summer temperatures are rising and the bushfires of 2019-2020 are still fresh in many minds.
All these factors can take a toll on your roof’s health and the potential for damage is high. If you have experienced extreme weather conditions that have potentially damaged your roof, a roof restoration can help with identifying and remedying issues to best protect you in the future.
Windy weather and the impact on your roof’s condition
The May 2022 storm saw reported windspeeds of 96 km/h in Newcastle through to 128 km/h in parts of the Upper Hunter. Older style corrugated iron roofs can easily have sheets lifted if they are not maintained properly. Similarly, loose tiles can be blown away if they have become damaged, cracked or disconnected from the roof frame.
The nature of wind also tends to target the corners and edges of roofs, making them more susceptible to damage from wind. In the event of a wind storm, it is also common for overhanging trees to be crack and fall on roofs, causing damage. A roof restoration can lower the chance of wind damage to your roof by ensuring that all possible weaknesses have been addressed.
Water and rain damage to your roof
Heavy rain is probably one of the most common ways that your roof can be damaged, aside from extreme natural disasters such as floods and cyclones. Heavy rain can cause multiple problems that can affect the structural integrity of the roof. One of the most easily identifiable roof problems is a leak, caused by excess water pooling and then seeping into the structure.
Leaks commonly result in in mould outbreaks or even water visibly dripping from your ceiling. More serious leaks can cause wood to rot or play havoc with your house and roof foundations and framework. When leaks occur, it is important to identify their source and take steps to repair holes and cracks top stop future leaks. Maintaining gutters and drainage is also vitally important to keeping your roof pristine.
One blocked downpipe and a build up of water with nowhere to go can spell disaster for your home, causing overflows, flooding and the potential for seepage under your home and in your roof. Simple gutter cleaning and regular repairs are essential to reducing stress later.
Hail damage
Hail storms feel like they are becoming increasingly common. Depending on the size, shape and density of the ice, any number of problems can arise from a hail storm. Small pebble sized hail can cause cosmetic damage to gutters and roof coverings. Larger hail can cause roof coverings to go out of alignment, crack, break or even be destroyed.
Debris from damaged roof coverings can clog gutters and adds additional problems with drainage. If your home has a chimney, skylight or metal vents, these can all be easily damaged by hail impact. In more extreme cases, extra-large hail can be powerful enough to puncture older roof structures, exposing your roof cavity to the elements.
It is highly recommended to have your roof inspected by professionals following a hail storm to ensure that the damage sustained can either be repaired or your roof replaced.
Heat and scorching temperatures on your roof
The warmer months might bring us the chance to enjoy the great outdoors but it can also play havoc with your roof. High temperatures on poorly shaded or directly exposed roofs can break down materials more rapidly. Harsh ultraviolet light can buckle sheet metal and even bleach and crack wood framework over time.
Thermal shock can occur if your roof cools down too quickly after temperature extremes, which can badly affect metal roofs that can warp as they contract. The summer heat can also make it easier for unsightly mould or algal blooms to spread on your roof, especially if it is not efficiently dispersing moisture. This is even more problematic in areas prone to frequent high humidity such as in northern and tropical QLD.
Cold temperature, snow and ice on your roof
Strangely enough, some of the major problems attributed to the warmer weather above are just as much a problem in the colder months. Night-time temperature drops that are more severe, increase the chances of damage from thermal shock. Leaves twigs and branches can block your gutters in autumn and winter, leading to leaks and mould outbreaks.
If you live in higher altitude locations, snow damage is also a possibility. Snow can seep into your roof structure when melting, causing associated damage with moisture. The moisture can then possibly refreeze due to consistently cold temperatures and melt again during the day, which is dangerous and could compromise your roof’s structural integrity.
Local knowledge and experience in all weather conditions with Amazing Roof Restorations
The team at Amazing Roof Restorations understand what is needed to have your roof in the best possible shape to tackle the weather extremes of the Newcastle and Greater Hunter region. A roof restoration is the ideal way to tackle existing problems, identify any future issues and give your home a makeover all at the same time.
From a new coat of paint to gutter repairs or more substantial repair or replacement jobs, Amazing Roof Restorations have the know-how to give you the confidence that the job will be done properly. You can get in touch with the team using the contact form online, email at info@amazingroofrestoration.com.au or call us on 02 4944 2085.
