Omaha’s residents are well acquainted with the extremes of mother nature. Summer months are rife with sweltering temperatures that reach well into the 90s, and winters are no kinder. Snowfall measures surpass inches, peaking at about three feet each year. That’s not all, as a less friendly form of precipitation inevitably rears its ugly head: hailstorms. If nature was fair, this is where Omaha’s weather challenges would end. However, this is not the case, as cyclones rage through the region seasonally.
All these adverse weather conditions can test the durability and longevity of your roof. With the ceaseless attacks of nature from every imaginable angle, protecting your roof is critical. Here are the most common roofing problems that homeowners in Omaha face during the summer months.
Precipitation
Every year, Nebraskans experience an average of 98 days of precipitation in all of its forms: hail, rain, and snow. Combined with humid conditions, an overload of airborne moisture can potentially damage a roof.
Precipitation problems primarily manifest in two variants. First, water can erode the exterior of shingles, leaving them more vulnerable to holes and leaks. Second, pooled water that forms as a result of clogs or drainage stands to rot the materials it touches. The best solution to mitigate precipitation damage is by investing in waterproof roofing materials, as well as the conscientious maintenance of drains and gutters year-round.
Moss Growth
While moss on your roof can seem innocuous, it is often the sign of much larger problems. Moss prefers to grow in damp and shady environments, which is not what your roof should facilitate. If moss is allowed to develop unfettered, it can eat away at the surface of the shingles and lead to leaks and a slick surface.
Fortunately, getting rid of moss isn’t rocket science. You can simply scrape away the growth or use bleach to treat it. Moss control powder is a powerful option too, though this product should be used with caution if you live near a pond, lake, or river. To prevent moss, make sure to keep debris off of your roof and out of your gutters; and don’t forget to trim overhanging branches.
Ventilation
Moisture damage isn’t the only threat to your roof; poor ventilation also stands to challenge its longevity. When water seeps into your home, this may yield a level of humidity that mitigates the effects of insulation. As a result, your heating and air conditioning systems have to work harder to fight against the temperature outside.
One potential fix is to install an air chute through the roof. This chute provides regular airflow between the rafter and the roof. Homeowners can also improve ventilation by installing vents or fans in the area.
Final Thoughts
There are a million different ways that damage can occur to a roof. That includes everything from a grown tree crashing into the side, to cyclonic winds ripping shingles off the top.
But during the summer months, the threats we briefly discussed are the ones to keep in mind.
That is why we simplified the list to three primary threats to focus your attention where it matters most. Luckily, these summer problems have solutions that range from DIY maintenance to professional installations. If you have any questions about how to take care of your roof, make sure to call the Omaha experts at Turtle Roofing LLC at (402) 430-1554 for more information.