Although Southwest Florida has plenty of gorgeous weather for much of the year, differing weather patterns can spawn extreme weather events as the seasons change. This can be disastrous for your roof, resulting in impact damage, cracks, missing shingles, and other problems.
During hurricane season, the chance for storm damage is even greater, with the potential for strong storms with sustained winds, torrential rain, flying debris, and more. These weather conditions can affect your roof differently, but the result is often the same — the need for roof replacement or repair.
How Sun Affects Your Roof
Heat and UV radiation from the sun can impact the condition of your roof, especially with Southwest Florida’s high heat and humidity.
Excessive heat can warp asphalt shingles and crack and shrink roof tiles. High humidity can weaken roof decking and rafters over time, making them more susceptible to damage from wind and impact. High-quality materials offer enhanced UV resistance to mitigate this effect.
How Wind Affects Your Roof
Your roof is at the highest risk of damage from June through November because of hurricane season. During a hurricane, sustained winds of 74 mph and above can be expected, with the strongest storms clocking in at over 155 mph, which can rip off shingles, flashing, gutters, vents, and more.
Strong winds can also pelt your roof with debris and cause nearby trees to drop limbs onto your roof or even down the tree itself, causing dented, cracked, and pierced shingles.
Top roofing manufacturers like Owens Corning offer asphalt shingles that are wind-resistant and Class 4 impact-resistant. They are created by infusing the substrate or the asphalt with rubber polymers that significantly increase impact resistance over the standard fiberglass and asphalt construction.
How Heavy Rain Affects Your Roof
Heavy rain during thunderstorms and hurricanes typically won’t damage a roof in good condition. However, heavy rain alongside wind, hail, or debris could damage roofing, flashing, or vents, creating an opening that allows rain to enter. Once inside, rain can soak the roof deck, rafters, and the interior of your home, causing water and structural damage.
How Hail Affects Your Roof
As cold air and warm air mix in the transition between winter and spring, seasonal thunderstorms often produce hail. When large enough, hailstones can leave behind dents and divots in your roof or even pierce through asphalt shingles or metal roofing panels. Clay tiles can be cracked or broken.
This damage can lead to leaks and water damage, so you should address it quickly. Impact-resistant roofing can limit damage from hail, wind, heat, and more in the future.
Choose Allstate Construction Roofing Inc. for Roof Replacement & Repair in Southwest Florida
If your roof has suffered damage in a recent storm or weather event, talk to the team at Allstate Construction Roofing Inc. We offer free, no-obligation roof inspections in Southwest Florida to identify any issues with your roof. Once your insurance claim is approved, we can complete the job quickly.
As a family-owned company with over 30 years of experience, we work hard to make the roof restoration process as easy as possible. We install top-quality materials and provide unbeatable service and workmanship.
Call or contact us online now to request a free, no-obligation inspection. Our team is ready to help with all your roofing service needs in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda, and beyond.
