In the past year, unusual weather has swept Toronto. It seems like one week people are experiencing hailstorms, and the next there’s a record heat. We have had a range of everything from thunderstorms to extreme temperatures. Different storms can cause a variety of roofing problems. Here are some of the most common types of storms, the damages they cause, and how to prevent them.
Types Of Storms And Storm Damage
- Snow and Ice Storms: Ice and snow can be two of the leading causes of roof damage. Luckily, this can often be avoided. One of the ways to prevent damage during these storms is to make sure that your attic stays cold. You want heat to stay in your home, not escape up into the attic. When heat exits through the attic, it causes the roof to warm up, making the snow melt too quickly. This quick melt can form dangerous ice, which can in turn clog up your gutters, damage your roof, and create heavy icicles. Also, be sure to sweep the snow off your roof as much as possible throughout the winter; the extra weight can cause severe damage to the roof and home.
- Thunderstorms: Luckily most roofs are constructed to last through years of severe thunderstorms. Occasionally, you will experience shingle damage, but fortunately most of the time this is just cosmetic. Shingle damage can put your home at risk for water leakage and wood rot, so you would want to consult a roof repair specialist if you notice a significant amount of visible damage or leaking.
- Hail Storms: The size of the hail during a storm directly affects the amount of damage done to your roof. Hail that is pea-sized at about ¼ inch does little to no damage. Marble-sized hail at ¾ inch can cause cosmetic damage to a roof. Golf ball- and softball-sized hail can cause severe damage to roofs and homes. Large hail causes wood splitting, significant granule loss, and penetration and fracture of the shingles. In this case, your best option is to consult a roofing contractor about repairs or roof replacement.
If you are noticing signs that your roof needs repair, contact Toronto Roofer. We are located in Toronto and we serve the entire GTA area. Our roofing contractors are experienced in many types of roofing that include shingle roofing, steel roofing and more, and we are ready to assist you with any roof repairs you may need. Contact us at 1-866-416-2545 to get started today.