Texas has a varied geography, with each of its geographical regions having a unique climate. Apart from the humid, subtropical, and arid climates, this area also experiences severe tornados and extreme storms. Unfortunately, these conditions are very hard on roofs. This article looks at how Texas weather affects roofs.
How Texas Weather Affects Roofs
While Texas experiences almost all types of weather conditions, some of these conditions have proved to be more harmful to roofs than others. So, as you put up a house in Texas, it is important to understand how these weather conditions are likely to impact the lifespan of your roof.
In the summer months, Texas experiences intense heat, which even causes drought in some parts of the state. Also, the excess heat has a huge toll on roofs. Continuous exposure to the sun and the UV rays causes roofing materials, especially shingles and shakes, to expand and contract. Eventually, shingles become brittle and crack, allowing water to sip through and cause leakage. However, this problem can be prevented by ensuring there is enough ventilation in your house.
Apart from excess heat, summer also brings with it high levels of humidity, forcing you to overuse your HVAC system. Humidity can have a major impact on your roof, especially when the water vapor turns into condensation that collects in the attic and on shingles, allowing mold and mildew to grow. Mold spores will cause the wood and plywood sheathing to rot and split. Apart from damaging your roof, mold can also cause serious respiratory complications, jeopardizingyour family’s healthjeopardising your health jeopardizingy.
Your roof also has to deal with summer storms, especially if you live in Central Texas. Although these storms are quite short, they can be very intense and harsh on your roof. These storms also bring moisture that can be dangerous for your roof.
Hurricanes are a major threat to Texas residents. The storms come with torrential rains and strong winds that can easily cause serious damage to your roof. Also, the continuous heavy deluge can infiltrate weakened areas on the roof, resulting in water leakage and moisture damage. That’s why you have to keep checking your roof in Texas for signs of damage and ensure that even the tiniest signs of damage are fixed immediately before they become significant defects.
Thunderstorms in this region come with dangerous lightning and damaging hail. Unfortunately, the sharp-hitting hail wears down and shatters roofing shingles, exposing the elements’ underlayjeopardizing your entire roofing system becomes susceptible to water leaks. For more information on the effects of Texas weather on roofs, talk to J Wales Home Solutions.