Midwest Roofs Take a Beating – Here’s How to Prepare

From the day they are installed, fiberglass-asphalt shingles slowly give up their volatile chemicals. Sunlight hastens the evaporation; cold weather makes the shingles brittle and prone to snap. You may think your Twin Cities roof is only shielding your family from the elements, but your Midwest roof is fighting for its life every day.

Sunlight

Ordinary sunlight brings not only life-giving warmth but also damaging ultraviolet radiation. The UV light that beats down on Midwest roofing deteriorates the chemical bonds in a lot of materials:

  • Caulking
  • Roofing adhesives
  • Asphalt
  • Roof cement

This type of chemical decay is hard to notice, until one day when you are walking around your lawn and find bits of your roof in the grass. The loss of flexibility in shingles can cause wind uplift to break tabs off and drop them in your yard.

Cold Weather

No time is safe to walk on steep-slope Midwest roofing. Cold weather is even worse, because the roof may not only be slippery, it could be frozen. A cold roof cannot yield to foot pressure, so shingles may snap or flashing may crack when walked on.

Ice and Snow

Snow and ice barrier along the valleys and bottom portions of your home’s roof help prevent ice dams and water infiltration. This waterproof barrier is in addition to underlayment and must be completely undamaged. The material is designed to be self-healing with punctures, but over time it can lose its elasticity, leading to water leaks.

Solutions

Fall is an ideal time to conduct a simple roof inspection, from the safety of your yard and attic. You can even challenge yourself to climb a ladder and check, from gutter height, the roof’s condition. Avoid walking on the roof.

Look in the gutter for granules lost off your shingles. A few are expected; a veritable beach is a warning sign. Check for loose or dislodged shingles and flashing. Look for nail pops.
In the attic, check for warning signs of a leak:

  • Stains on the underside of sheathing
  • Damp insulation
  • Evidence of mold or mildew
  • Dripping water

Contact a professional roofer to work in early fall to repair your roof for the coming winter. Repair and replacement for your Twin Cities roof can help preserve your home’s value and add to curb appeal. Contact Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows today to learn how we can help protect your investment in your roof.

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