Toledo Roofers: Article About Weather Effects
The dry-bulb temperature is a measure of the outdoor air temperature with the use of an ordinary thermometer. The dry-bulb temperature is measured in degrees Fahrenheit and is used to determine whether conditions are ideal for a roof installation project.
Toledo roofers answers a commonly asked question: Why is it important to know the outdoor temperature before making roof repairs?Some manufacturers will only provide a warranty for their products if they are installed under specific weather conditions, which may include a minimum temperature. These stipulations may cover common roofing products, including adhesives, sealants, waterproofing materials and liquid petroleum and rubber products. The temperature can also affect the longevity and overall performance of a roof.
Michigan is no stranger to extremely cold temperatures. The harsh weather affects nearly every component of a house, including its roofing system. Frigid weather impacts the longevity, performance and safety of the entire rooftop. Local Toledo roofers can help homeowners detect roofs that are damaged by the cold and help to protect the house from further problems.
When the dry-bulb temperature drops below freezing, many roofing materials begin experiencing changes in their flexibility. Most houses in the Great Lakes area are outfitted with asphalt shingles. As the temperature drops, the shingles stiffen and become brittle. If any pressure is placed upon the surface of the shingles, such as someone walking across them, they are prone to cracking or splitting. If a roofer is attempting to install new shingles for a repair or replacement project, the materials may not lie flat due to their stiffness.
Construction adhesives used for keeping the layers of the roof together will not work well at subfreezing temperatures. This is an important consideration when more than one row of shingles is being installed. Due to the overlap of courses of shingles, the adhesives applied to one layer help to keep the next securely in place. The cold air can prevent proper adhesion for subsequent courses of shingles.
roofers from Johnson Construction of Toledo OH would be happy to answer any question you have about roof repair or siding.
Roofing tar and cement used on modified bitumen, rubber and metal roofing will also not adhere properly in low temperatures.
Contraction of metal in cold weather may cause the roofing nails and flashing to pull away from the shingles, especially when downward pressure is applied. When the fasteners are loosened, the shingles can easily blow off during a strong gust of wind. Just a few missing shingles are enough for ice, snow and rain to soak through the wooden decking and cause a roof leak.
Heavy snow and ice accumulations also wreak havoc on a roof. The weight of just one-half of an inch of ice may be triple that of what the roof typically supports. Ice buildup in gutters may cause the troughs to pull away from the roof's edge. The development of ice dams is also common. A snowstorm that delivers 12 inches of snow is like having one inch of water across the entire surface of the roof. For a 1,000-square-foot roof, that means 623 gallons' worth of water, or an extra 4,984 pounds of weight, on the roof's surface. With all that extra weight, a roof may begin to sag or even collapse.
