The Gulf Coast region spans much of the southern United States. While this area is best known for its natural beauty and beaches, it is also known for experiencing severe storms from time to time. Hurricanes are extremely common in this area due to the high temperatures and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricanes can have devastating effects on any city, such as ruining infrastructure. On a small scale, hurricanes can be damaging to your roof. How would this be possible? Hurricane rains are always accompanied by very strong winds, and it is these winds that cause most of the damage.
Wind Damage
Winds from hurricanes can be anywhere from 74 mph (category 1) to 157 mph or higher (category 5). Wind can ruin a roof in many ways. The most common roof damage seen after winds of this caliber is loose or missing shingles. Even shingles that seem to be very securely attached to a roof have the potential just to come flying off. Additionally, the winds cause other items to fly around, and sometimes these items can be big or heavy. If any big or heavy items come in contact with your roof, it can create additional damage on top of the loose shingles.
Rain Damage
Of course, it’s no secret that hurricanes bring about large amounts of rain. Sometimes, these rains can be so bad that it causes local schools and businesses to shut down for a period of time. How exactly do heavy rains ruin your roof? Well, there are several ways that this can happen. The main way that rain can ruin your roof is by damaging your shingles. Shingles that are already worn out have a greater potential of being damaged by heavy rains. Excess rains can cause your shingles to become cracked, which will lead to leaks.
With any kind of moist environment, mold is always a cause for concern, and it’s no different when it comes to your roof and hurricanes. As the water accumulates in the cracks of your roof, mold will gradually form, which will lead to an increased amount of bugs and debris on your roof.
Rain can also wreak havoc on gutters. With a normal amount of rain, the gutters will direct the flow of water downwards, so it will end up on the street or on your lawn. However, in the event of heavy rains, the gutters have the potential to get flooded. When this happens, the water goes in reverse. Instead of exiting from the bottom, the water will pile up and will start coming out of the top of the gutter. This can also lead to water accumulation in the cracks of your roof, which will in turn lead to mold and other debris accumulating on your roof.
Once an excess amount of water accumulates in your roof, it does not fall down naturally as a normal amount of water would. If this water stays until the colder seasons, then you could have an even bigger problem because the water could freeze.
Who to Contact
If you live in the Gulf Coast region and suspect that your roof might be damaged, contact 4U Roofing! Visit our website to get your roof from zero to hero in no time!
