Call it a hunch, but you have probably already noticed that Nebraska has more thermal movement than most states. Extreme periods of summer and winter seasons are not uncommon in the greater Omaha and Lincoln area. What does this mean for your roof? A great deal more than you think. Given that we can see anywhere from -30 to 105 degrees and the occasional day to day flux of 30 plus degrees, this can take its toll on your roofing system. Two of the most common damages on roofs will be seen during spells of extreme temperatures.
Omaha Roofing & Nebraska Weather
Extreme Heat
Excessive heat can cause your roof to crack, get bumpy, or even warp. The reasoning behind this is due to the heat drying out your shingles. The heat can cause the material to expand, then shrink back as the temperature decreases at night. This constant tug and pull can cause more damage, especially if you have an older or poorly ventilated roof.
When it’s hot outside, the sun beating down on the roof can increase the temperature in the attic. Exposure to this excessive heat can warp the roof sheathing and distort and prematurely age the shingles. If the attic floor isn’t evenly and adequately insulated, that heat can radiate down into the finished living areas and make it more difficult and costly to keep the living space comfortable.
Brutal cold
Similar to heat, extreme cold can also cause cracking in your roof. As mentioned before, the cold weather can cause the shingles to shrink rather than expand as it does in the heat. With the rain and snow that we see during the winter months, the cracking can let water underneath, causing water damage to the wood underneath the shingles. Furthermore, ice damming can also wreak havoc on your roofing system.
When the temperature drops below freezing during the winter, warm air escaping into the attic from the heated living space below rises to the underside of the roof deck. As the roof deck warms, the bottom layer of accumulated snow on the rooftop begins to melt, causing water to trickle down the roof. Once the runoff reaches the cold outer edge, it refreezes into ice. When this happens repeatedly, an ice dam forms along the eaves, blocking the escape of further runoff. Once the water has nowhere to go, it can back up under the shingles
Solution!
The best way to prepare your Omaha roofing for years of harsh Heartland weather is to make sure you have proper ventilation and your roofer in Omaha is by using the latest top-quality materials. Both of those can be achieved by hiring a roofing company that has the experience and knowledge to install your roof correctly, without cutting corners.
Mckinnis Roofing Company in Omaha, Lincoln & Surrounding areas
If your roofing system is showing signs of exposure wear, please give us a call at 402-426-2644 or fill out our contact form. We would be happy to come out and assess your roof!
With over 39 years of experience, McKinnis is the best source for high-quality residential and commercial roofing in Omaha. Locally owned and operated, we provide numerous roofing services, including Roof repair, siding and gutters, storm damage assessment and repair, and more!