17 Aug Storm Damage Roof Resistance: Boston’s Weather Demands
Did you know Boston is one of the most storm-prone cities in the U.S.? It’s estimated that Boston experiences 42 thunderstorm days and 22 winter storm days annually. That’s a lot of potential damage to your commercial property’s roof!
A storm-resistant roof is a smart investment and necessary for protecting your business and assets. It can prevent water damage, structural damage, and other problems that can compromise the safety and functionality of your property.
This blog post explores how to achieve storm damage roof resistance for your Boston commercial property. Keep reading to learn more.
The Unpredictability of Boston’s Weather
Boston experiences various weather conditions each year, from hot and humid summers to chilly and snowy winters. Its climate is influenced by its location along the Atlantic coast and its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains. The city also faces the risk of severe weather events, such as heavy winds and rains, that can damage roofs and other structures.
One of the main challenges for commercial property managers is ensuring that their roofs resist storm damage. Heavy winds can cause shingles to blow off, expose the underlying materials, and create leaks.
Rain can accumulate on flat roofs, increase the weight load, and cause sagging or collapse. These problems can lead to costly repairs, business interruptions, and safety hazards.
How Does Storm Damage Affect Roofing?
Storm damage is caused by severe weather events, such as hail, wind, rain, snow, ice, or debris. It can affect roofing in various ways, depending on the type and intensity of the storm. Some common types of storm damage to roofing are:
Hail Damage
Hail can dent, crack, or puncture shingles, tiles, metal panels, or other roofing materials. This type of damage can expose the underlying layers of your roof to water infiltration and deterioration.
Wind Damage
Wind can lift, tear, or blow off shingles, tiles, metal panels, or other roofing materials. This can create gaps and openings in your roof, allowing water and debris to enter and cause further damage.
Debris Damage
Debris, such as branches, leaves, rocks, or trash, can accumulate on your roof and cause weight stress, clogging, or puncturing. It can also block your gutters and downspouts and prevent proper rainwater drainage.
Water Damage
Water can seep into your roof through cracks, holes, or gaps caused by hail, wind, or debris. It can rot your wood decking, insulation, and ceiling. Water damage is also associated with health hazards like mold growth.
The consequences of having a damaged roof for commercial property owners and managers are serious. A damaged roof could potentially compromise the safety and comfort of anyone inside the premises. This includes your employees, customers, tenants, or visitors.
It can also prove costly due to repair costs, lost revenue, increased utility bills, or reduced property value. In worse cases, storm damage can expose you to legal liabilities if someone gets injured or sick because of your negligence.
Key Factors for Storm Damage Roof Resistance
No one can control the weather or prevent storms from happening. However, you can take some preventive measures that can help protect your roof from future storms. Some preventive measures are:
Proper Roof Installation
A poorly installed roof can have gaps, loose shingles, or inadequate flashing. This can allow water and wind to penetrate the roof and damage the underlying structure.
Professionals can install your roof per industry standards. They will adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications and local building codes. A properly installed roof will have a tight seal, adequate ventilation, and an appropriate slope.
Quality Materials
One of the most critical factors that affect the durability and performance of a roof during a storm is the quality of the roofing materials. High-quality roofing materials can withstand strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and debris impacts. On the other hand, low-quality materials may crack, leak, or blow off.
This is why you should choose quality roofing materials. Ensure they’re tested and certified for storm damage roof resistance. Some great choices include metal, slate, or asphalt shingles with high wind ratings.
Regular Maintenance
Even the best roofing materials can deteriorate over time due to weather, UV rays, insects, and mold exposure. This is where regular maintenance comes in. It can help detect and repair any signs of damage before they become more serious and costly.
A professional roofing contractor can help with several preventative and maintenance tasks, such as:
- Inspecting the commercial roof for missing, curling, or damaged shingles, especially after a storm
- Cleaning your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogging and water backup
- Removing any debris or branches from the roof to prevent moisture buildup and rotting
- Applying a protective coating or sealant to enhance its water resistance and UV protection
- Replacing any damaged or worn-out flashing, vents, or skylights to prevent leaks
Comparing Roofing Options for Storm Resistance
The most common roofing materials are asphalt shingles, metal, slate, and wood. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to storm resistance.
Asphalt Roofing
Asphalt shingles are the cheapest and easiest to install but are also the least durable and most prone to damage from hail, wind, and ice dams. They typically last from 15 to 20 years but may need frequent repairs or replacements after severe storms.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are more expensive and harder to install, but they are also more durable and resistant to fire, hail, wind, and snow. They can last 50 years or more but may dent or rust over time. They also require proper insulation and ventilation to prevent condensation and heat loss.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofs are the most expensive and difficult to install but are also the most beautiful and long-lasting.
They can withstand almost any weather condition, including fire, hail, wind, and snow. They can last over 100 years but are heavy and may require additional structural support. They also need skilled maintenance to prevent cracking and chipping.
Wood Roofing
Wood roofs are the most natural and eco-friendly but are also vulnerable to fire, rot, insects, and mold. They can last from 20 to 30 years but require regular treatment with preservatives and fire retardants. They also tend to warp or split due to moisture and temperature changes.
Protect Your Property with Expert Storm Damage Roof Solutions
Don’t leave your property’s safety to chance. Invest in storm damage roof solutions that stand up to the elements. Contact our experienced team today to get a quote for a commercial roof that will serve you well for years to come.