Summer is the season for outdoor activities and pleasant weather, yet it is often marked by storms. These storms can cause serious damage to properties, particularly to roofs. In this blog post we review the types of damage that can be expected and how to protect against them.
Summer weather phenomena that can cause damage to roofs
During summer storms, several types of weather phenomena can be experienced, each capable of causing significant damage to roofs.
The most common of these are:
Strong wind: one of the most frequent and most dangerous phenomena during summer storms. Violent gusts are able to tear off roofing materials, such as tiles, asphalt shingles, and even the entire roof structure. Strong wind can easily lift roofing materials, especially if they are already aged or not properly fixed. Detached roof pieces can cause further damage in the surroundings, for example to cars parked in the yard or to the garden.
Hail: hail is another common summer weather phenomenon that can cause serious damage to roofs. Large hailstones can puncture or crack roofing materials. This is particularly dangerous because damage caused by hail often remains unnoticed until it leads to water ingress. In addition, hailstones can damage gutter channels and other external structures.
Lightning strike: although rarer, lightning strikes can also cause serious damage to properties. A lightning strike can directly damage the roof structure, but the resulting fire often poses the greatest danger. Flammable materials in the roof structure, such as wood, easily catch fire, which can quickly spread throughout the house.
Rain and water ingress: present a serious challenge for roofs. If the roof and waterproofing are not properly maintained or are already damaged, rainwater can easily find its way into the interior. Water ingress causes damage not only in the roof structure but also in internal walls, ceilings and other parts of the house. Long-term moisture leads to mould growth and structural damage, making costly repairs necessary.
Which parts of the roof are most vulnerable during summer storms?
Tile damage: strong wind and hail can easily damage roof tiles. Broken or displaced tiles allow rainwater to enter, resulting in internal damage and mould growth.
Damage to roof asphalt shingles: bitumen shingles can also become vulnerable in stormy wind and hail, especially if roof waterproofing or renovation has not been carried out for many years. Lifted or detached shingles provide an open path for water.
Waterproofing problems: during storms, water can easily find its way through cracks and gaps in the roof, through aged or deteriorated roof waterproofing, which can cause serious water ingress problems in the long term.
Structural damage: extreme weather conditions, such as tornadoes or hurricanes, can also cause significant structural damage to the roof. In such cases, replacement of the entire roof structure is often necessary. Fortunately, these phenomena are extremely rare here, but an extreme storm wind can also easily tear off coverings and waterproofing materials that are no longer stably fixed, or fell trees and break branches, which can likewise cause serious damage.
How can we protect the roof during summer storms?
With regular maintenance: regular inspection and maintenance of the roof is key to preventing damage. It is worth having a specialist inspect the roof at least once a year and have even minor faults repaired immediately.
Roof waterproofing carried out by a specialist, with excellent quality materials
During roof renovation and waterproofing, it is not worth economising on materials or workmanship. Reliable expertise is extremely important to avoid causing further damage to the property, so that the roof’s waterproofing and thermal insulation can be relied upon for the long term. When choosing a reliable company dealing with roof waterproofing, check whether they guarantee their work, what materials they use, and ask for references.
Immediate inspection after a storm: after every major storm, inspect the roof and gutter channels and repair or have the damage repaired immediately. This helps prevent further damage and water ingress.
Lightning protection installation: a lightning conductor helps protect the roof and the entire house from damage caused by lightning strikes. Installation is particularly important if the house is tall or in an exposed location.
Summer storms can often pose a serious challenge for properties, particularly for roofs, but with proper preparation and regular maintenance the risks can be minimised. If we pay attention to the roof’s condition and carry out necessary repairs in time, we can protect our home from serious damage in the long term. Let us not forget that prevention is always cheaper and simpler than repairing damage!
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