How Where You Live Affects Your Roof

You probably already know that weather can take a toll on your home’s roof. But you don’t have to live in a snow country or the heart of a tornado alley to experience roofing damage. Each part of the country has its own home roofing challenges.

No matter where you live, you’re likely to face one of these common roofing maintenance issues. We’ve broken down the most common roofing wear and tear problems for each major region of the country — as well as tips for combatting them.

Home Roofing Issues in Heavy Snow

If you spend the winter months shoveling snow, you know just how heavy that fluffy white powder can be. The good news is that building codes in the Northeast and New England states require new roof designs to accommodate heavy snowfall. If you have an older home, it’s worth scheduling a home roofing inspection to make sure your roof is both moisture-tight and capable of withstanding average snowfalls, as many homes in this part of the country were built before modern building codes.

According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, the average residential structure should be able to support 20 pounds per square foot of snow. This is equivalent to about 10 to 12 inches of fresh snow and three to five inches of packed (old) snow.

If you’re worried about heavy accumulations of ice and snow — particularly during long cold snaps — consider investing in professional snow removal during the winter months. For an affordable price, a crew can remove snow from your home’s roof before it becomes a problem.

As always, if you suspect your roof is unsafe, call a professional roofing company as soon as possible. Signs of an unsafe roof include sagging, leaks, sticking doors or windows, cracked ceilings, and cracks in masonry.

Home Roofing Challenges in Hot Weather

Cold, snowy weather can do a number on your roof, but extreme heat can also be problematic. Intense heat can cause asphalt shingles to curl, warp, and crack. The unrelenting sun can also lead to discoloration on a home’s roof, detracting from the property’s aesthetic appeal.

Fortunately, modern home roofing materials are made to withstand all kinds of extreme weather, including extreme heat. At Nu Look Home Design, our roofing experts will help you pick materials that are both sturdy and beautiful, so you don’t have to sacrifice curb appeal to get a new roof design that will last for decades.

Home Roofing Problems in High Winds

View any video footage of tornadoes or hurricanes and you’re likely to see flying shingles. While a few missing shingles aren’t enough to damage a roof, losing a large section can expose the underlying layers and make a home vulnerable to water damage or even structural instability.

If you live in a region that sees high winds on a regular basis, it’s important to select roofing materials designed to hold up during even the toughest storms. For example, our shingles are built to last for 50 years and made to withstand winds up to 130 miles per hour. Both our Duration® Series and TruDefinition Duration shingles also come with a lifetime Platinum Protection Workmanship warranty, which protects you against defects in installation.

Home Roofing Issues in Areas Near Water

If you live near water, or your home is located in a humid or tropical climate, you may start to see green stains on your roof. Although it might give your house a touch of old-world charm, the green is a sign of moss or algae, and it can eat away at your shingles.

Fortunately, removing moss and algae is a relatively easy fix if you catch it early enough. If you can safely reach the affected areas, try spraying them with a mixture of 50 percent water and 50 percent bleach, followed by a thorough rinse with water. If the moss or algae is in a hard-to-reach spot, however, it’s best to leave the cleaning to professionals. As with most roofing-related things, DIY is generally a bad idea. A home roofing expert will have the tools and safety equipment to get the job done quickly and safely.

Contact Nu Look Home Design to Learn More

A new roof design can give your home a whole new look. Whether you’re getting ready to sell or just want to enjoy your property inside and out, today’s roofing materials give you more choices than ever before. To learn more, contact the home roofing professionals at Nu Look Home Design today!