Living in New England, you know better than anyone how varied the climate is. From icy and snowy winters to hot and humid summers, these seasonal changes can take a serious toll on your roof. Understanding local weather patterns and how they affect your roofing system will help you better protect your home, extend the life of your roof, and avoid costly repairs.
Winter: Snow, Ice, and Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Heavy snow accumulation in winter adds stress to your roof, especially if it’s old or flat. On top of that, repeated freeze-thaw cycles can cause shingles to crack and fasteners to loosen.
Ice dams are a big issue here in winter. These occur when heat escapes through the attic, snow melts and refreezes at the roof’s edge. This traps water behind it, which will then seep under shingles. In turn, leaks, insulation damage, and interior water stains can all occur. Making sure your attic has proper insulation and ventilation will help to protect against winter-related roof damage.
Spring: Rain and Lingering Moisture
Spring brings a lot of rain, melting snow, and fluctuating temperatures – all of which can expose weaknesses created during winter. Leaks can arise from small cracks, lifted shingles, or compromised flashing. These issues can worsen with the arrival of spring rains.
Excess moisture can lead to moss and algae growth, especially on shaded roof areas. Over time, moss can lift shingles and retain moisture against the roof surface, leading to deterioration. In spring, schedule a professional roof inspection in Hanson MA to identify and address winter damage before heading into summer.
Summer: Heat, Humidity, and UV Exposure
Did you know that heat and sunlight can be just as damaging to roofing materials as cold and snow? Prolonged UV exposure causes asphalt shingles to dry out, curl, and lose their granules. When that happens, your home isn’t as protected as it should be.
High humidity and sudden summer storms can also be detrimental to your roof. Strong winds can lift weakened shingles, while heavy rain can overwhelm clogged gutters and drainage systems. Ensure proper attic ventilation in summer because all that trapped heat can shorten the lifespan of shingles while increasing energy costs.
Fall: Wind, Debris, and Storm Preparation
Once fall rolls around, your house is subjected to strong winds, heavy rain, and falling leaves. Wind-driven rain can find its way into small gaps around chimneys, vents, and flashing. Leaves and debris can clog gutters, causing water to back up under the roofline.
Fall is a good time to prepare your roof for winter:
- Clear gutters
- Trim overhanging branches
- Repair minor issues now to prevent major problems in winter
Roofs Must Be Strong to Withstand the Seasons
Because New England experiences all four seasons so intensely, your roof must be able to handle constant stress. That’s why you need to incorporate high-quality materials, installation methods, and ventilation systems to resist moisture intrusion, temperature extremes, and storm damage.
Routine inspections and regular maintenance are vital in extending the lifespan of your roof and other exteriors. Prevent expensive structural damage down the line by addressing small problems early.
Contact Revered Metal Roofing
If you’re concerned about how the seasons are affecting your roof, schedule a roof inspection in Hanson MA and surrounding areas. We can ensure your home is ready for every season! Just contact us today at 781-536-4589 for a free consultation and quote.
Paul was easy going and a pleasure to deal with. No pressure. Crew got started late but the metal roof with new sky lights over our sun room was done in a day! Quality work. I recommend Revered Metal Roofing.