How Freezing Rain Can Affect Your Roof (Even in Texas!)
Here in Texas it’s rare that we get a storm that brings freezing rain. However unlikely, it does happen. Sudden temperature changes, even in Texas, can cause damage to your roof. Unpredictable weather here in Texas is a given, it can be like a roller coaster, with ups and downs. One week we could be running the furnace and next week we are running the air conditioner.
At Maranatha Roofing Professionals LLC, we always recommend having your roof inspected before cold weather sets in. However, if you did not get it inspected, it’s a great idea to have it checked after a freezing rain storm. Here are a few problems that your roof may potentially experience this winter due to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Thermal Shock Causes Cracks and Leaks
Temperature changes can greatly affect asphalt shingle roofs. When it is hot outside your roof will expand due to the heat. The opposite happens when the temperature drops, the shingles will contract or shrink. Seams may open and close as your roof expands and contracts during temperature changes, dropping below freezing and then warming up and then dropping down again, creating cracks and crevices. The technical term for this is “thermal shock”. It is very common in places like North Texas where the weather changes are so dramatic.
During freezing rain storms, the raindrops do not have enough time to freeze before reaching the ground. Instead, water freezes on contact with the surface, creating a coating of ice on where ever the raindrops land, in this instance, it's your roof. When the rain lands on your roof, entering the cracks and crevices in your shingles it freezes, the cracks open larger. The shingles are literally pried apart by the expansion of the ice. Once the ice melts, the cracks are left open for the next round of freezing rain. Water leaking into your attic may be the end result of this relentless cycle.
Low-quality asphalt shingles are especially prone to damage and cracking due to temperature drops as they near the end of their lifespan. The risk always increases with age, the roofing materials lose their ability to expand and contract and begin to break down and fail.
A roof leak can wreak havoc on your home. It can snow ball out of control if it is left for any period of time. For the homeowner a roof leak can be difficult to discover until it is too late, usually detected by water stains on your ceiling and around lighting fixtures. Leaks bring damage to your attic and the items in it, including the insulation needed to keep your home warm. Moisture anywhere, over a prolonged period of time, will cause mold and mildew, this can create very extensive and expensive damage that will need to be addressed immediately.
Don't allow this to be the sign of a roof leak
Get Your Roof Checked! Be Proactive This Winter
Every roof should have at least two inspections every year, prior to the start of winter and before the start of summer. Thermal shock can and will affect roofs, especially as they age. Asphalt shingles are especially at risk – even here in Texas.
Be proactive this winter, Maranatha Roofing Professionals LLC, offers routine inspections free of charge to all customers. You will be provided with a detailed report as well as pictures of your roof. We believe in maintaining our neighbors biggest investment, with the highest quality materials and workmanship. Schedule your inspection today, so that you can rest assured you're going to stay dry.
Thank you,
Thomas and Summer Blackford
Cell: (940) 279-6391 Office: (940) 279-6392
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