Weird Weather: Paying Attention to Your Roof

Record-breaking: That’s one way to describe the winter we’ve had so far in the Chicagoland area. The historic cold and the rapid rise in temperature that followed—in some places, a 70-to-80-degree swing—might have come as a shock to those who experienced it. This extreme change in temperature can have a similar effect on your commercial roof.

Watch for Cracks

Thermal shock occurs during extreme temperature changes. Heat causes the roof to expand; cooler temperatures cause it to contract. Extreme temperature fluctuations lead to extreme expansion and contraction, which can push a roof to its limits, resulting in thermal spits. These cracks in a roof can be as small as one foot long; others can expand to hundreds of feet.

When a roof loses its tensile strength over time, it becomes more susceptible to thermal splits, so older roofs are particularly at risk. No matter the time of year, if your area experiences a significant fluctuation in temperature, take a look at the condition of your roof. If you notice cracks or if something just doesn’t look right, be sure to contact a professional roofing contractor.

Drains and Moisture

Newer roofs can also run into trouble with winter weather. Clogged roof drains, which often get ignored in extreme cold, can cause water to back up onto the roof.  Water can also freeze in drains that run to the outside of the building through the wall, causing those drains to back up. Standing water on the surface of a roof is never a good thing—water is heavy, and a lot of water on a roof can overload the structure and lead to a building collapse. Remember to always clear your roof drains.

Another thing to consider in cases of extreme cold is the amount of moisture inside the building. Too much humidity inside a building when it’s very cold outside can lead to condensation inside the building in spaces like attics. If this occurs, you’ll notice water stains on ceilings and window frames. This might not be a roof issue, even though it may look like one. Either way, it’s an issue you should address.

High-quality roof materials are built to withstand extreme conditions. You should, however, always pay attention to what’s happening both inside and on top of your building, especially when the weather gets weird. And always call a professional when something doesn’t seem right.

Get an Expert Opinion

When the weather impacts the condition of your roof, call the experts. Ridgeworth Roofing’s professionals know how to handle roofing issues of all shapes and sizes, from thermal splits to ice damming and beyond. If you notice something not quite right, especially after extreme weather conditions, call Ridgeworth Roofing today.