How Bucks County’s Weather Impacts Your Roof
After spending some time living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, you surely understand the wide range of weather conditions that the region experiences, and by now, you’ll also know that the climate can certainly have an impact on your property. Whether it’s snow-packed winters, stormy springs, or the summer humidity, there’s no doubt that the weather in the area can present certain challenges for your home or commercial building, especially when it comes to your roof. In this blog, your friends at Kanga Roof will explore how Bucks County’s weather impacts your roof and what you can do to better protect it from the elements.
What to Expect From the Climate in Bucks County, PA
If you’ve been in Bucks County for as little as one full year, you’ve certainly seen the full spectrum of elements this area experiences. The good news is that this is a region that does experience a variety of seasons, but each season can bring its own challenges that you’ll need to be aware of when it comes to your roofing system:
- Winter – The winter can bring heavy snow, ice dams, and freeze-thaw cycles, all of which present problems for your roof.
- Spring and fall – During these two seasons, you’ll get your fair share of thunderstorms, hail, and high winds.
- Summer – The intense heat and humidity, as well as the potential for tropical storms and hurricanes, can bring about significant threats to your roof.
Potential Roofing Hazards That Can Be a Result of Bucks County’s Weather
So, what might these different seasons have in store for your roof? Any of the following issues could become a significant challenge to deal with at your home or commercial property:
Snow, Ice, & Ice Dams
As beautiful as the snow might be to look at and as much fun as it can be to play in, it can cause plenty of problems for your roof. When it melts and refreezes on your roof, that forms ice dams, which can prevent proper drainage. As a result of the drainage system being hindered, water may be forced back under your roofing deck, which can cause leaks, wood rot, and insulation damage.
Rain & Moisture Damage
The long stretches of rain we experience in Pennsylvania can also have an impact on your roof, as it creates constant moisture. And when your roof is constantly exposed to moisture, the underlayment can be weakened and decking may be warped. Not only that, but your roof will also be more vulnerable to the growth of mold and mildew.
Hail Damage
Unsurprisingly, hailstorms can cause serious damage to your roof. Hail can dent metal roofs, shatter tiles, or even strip granules from an asphalt shingle roofing system. In any of these cases, the lifespan of your roof is being shortened.
Heat & UV Exposure
Prolonged exposure to the summer sun can wear down your roof. Along those same lines, UV rays can dry out your shingles and lead to the formation of cracks and break down adhesives. Between that and the thermal expansion that comes with high humidity and you’ll see quickly how fatigued your roofing system gets.
Heavy Winds & Storm Debris
Strong wind gusts during severe thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes can put your roof’s integrity at risk. Between flying debris potentially puncturing or damaging your roof and the ever-present worry of hurricane-force winds doing damage on their own, this is another weather-related problem your roof could experience.
Partner With Kanga Roof Today to Prepare Your Roof for Bucks County’s Climate
So, with all of these different elements having the potential to impact your roof, are you just doomed? No, that doesn’t have to be the case as long as you’re properly prepared. Doing your best to choose weather-resistant roofing materials is a good place to start, but you can also help yourself by staying on top or roofing maintenance, working to prevent ice dams before they form, and making sure your storm preparedness is where it needs to be. The good news is that whether you’re a homeowner or commercial property owner in Bucks County, PA, you have Kanga Roof to turn to for help. Contact us today for the roofing expertise you need at your property.