[rank_math_breadcrumb]
Indiana roofs go through a lot during the winter. Freezing and thawing, high wind rates, hail – all weather conditions that are realistic during Indiana winters.
This February in Northern Indiana, we’ve seen some crazy swings in weather conditions. From temperatures in the negatives to the 50’s within just a couple of weeks. While many of us are enjoying the surprisingly warm weather, swings like these can have a significant effect on your roofing system.
When weather changes rapidly, there are several things that happen to a roof. Some of these are no big deal, while others can cause lasting damage. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 6 effects of weather swings on Northern Indiana roofs.
1. Thermal Expansion and Contraction
Many homeowners don’t realize that, like many other aspects of a home, shingles actually expand and contract depending on the temperatures. This matters for a few reasons:
Loosened Fasteners
When temperatures swing as quickly as they do here in Northern Indiana, it can cause nails or staples to loosen. This leaves a roof more susceptible to blown off shingles and leaks over time. It can be difficult or even impossible to see this from the ground so a professional roof inspection is recommended to ensure the integrity of your roofing system.
Cracked or Split Shingles
Again, temperatures swinging as quickly as they do here, this is a common occurrence. Due to expansion during warmer times and contraction during cold, shingles can become stressed and crack or split. This is especially common in old 3-tab shingles or shingles that are older and more brittle.
Premature Aging
As mentioned above, old roofing products are especially prone to damage caused by weather swings. The rapid rises and falls in temperature can cause low-quality shingles to age more quickly than they are supposed to, leading to early failure.
2. Freeze and Thaw Damage
Since cold temperatures in Northern Indiana are often paired with snow or freezing rain, freeze and thaw damage is a major cause of roof failure.
Surface Level Leaks
When snow and ice begin to melt on a roofs surface, the water that appears as a result can find its way between shingles and behind trim pieces – especially when a roof isn’t properly installed to handle Northern Indiana weather. Once the temperatures fall below freezing again, this water freezes and expands, leading to lifted shingles, damaged flashing and gutters, and, in many cases, interior leaks.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are a major issue when it comes to freeze and thaw damage. An ice dam occurs when snow melt gets to the edge of the roof or into the gutter and then re-freezes, causing a backup of water and ice. The ice then continues to expand and can cause the edges of the roofing system to become compromised. When the ice melts again, leaks are common due to the damage caused.
3. Shingle Granule Loss
There are a few ways that the weather conditions in Northern Indiana can cause a roof to age prematurely. Once of the most common is granule loss.
Wind and Hail Damage
Oftentimes, hail and high winds come with rapidly changing temperatures. Both of these elements have significant potential to cause granule loss and other damage to your roofing system. Over time, even small damage from wind and hail can lead to major issues and costly repairs.
The Result Of Granule Loss
You may be wondering why granule loss is a big deal. Afterall, as long as there are still some granules and your shingles are still in tact, your home should be protected, right? Unfortunately, not in all cases. The granules on a shingle are designed to protect the under layer from the sun’s UV rays. When these granules become damaged or there aren’t enough to effectively protect the under layers, shingles become brittle and age quickly. This can lead to splits, cracks, blow-offs, and damaged underlayment or decking.
How You Can Protect Your Roofing System
Weather-related roof damage is common in Northern Indiana and can be difficult to spot and difficult to repair if not done quickly and correctly. The good news is that you can have your roof inspected for free and receive experienced insurance claim help when this damage does occur.
4. Flashing Separations Around Roof Penetrations
The metal components of a roof – flashing and other trim pieces – also expand and contract during temperature swings. However, they do so at a different rate than shingles.
Gaps Around Penetrations
When temperatures swing rapidly and other weather events damage roofing materials, small gaps can form around roof penetrations such as chimneys, vents, and even in some valleys. Without proper ice and water shield (a product that we use to ensure leaks don’t occur), water can find its way in.
Damage Allowed By These Gaps
On a roof that hasn’t been installed in proper preparation for Indiana weather, these gaps allow leaks that can cause major damage. Water that is allowed underneath shingles can freeze and cause the shingles to lift, underlayment can become useless, and decking can become wet and begin to rot. When you’re thinking about replacing your roof, it’s important to find a contractor who installs the proper materials to protect your home from this type of damage because it’s something that many contractors miss.
5. Sealant And Adhesive Breakdown
Asphalt shingles are held in place by nails or staples, but they also contain a strip of tar or another adhesive on the back so that they effectively bond to each other and create a watertight seal.
Weakened Adhesive
Rapidly changing temperatures can cause this adhesive to breakdown and the seal to weaken over time. This is especially common with 3-tab shingles as they are typically an older product with less advanced adhesive formulas.
Easily Lifted Shingles
When the adhesive on a shingle breaks down, it leaves only the nail or staple to hold the shingle in place. It also allows wind to get under the shingle and lift it easily. When this happens, it is common for the nail to pull through and the shingle to blow off the roof completely. This leaves other shingles, underlayment, and decking exposed and vulnerable.
Why Architectural Shingles Perform Better
New architectural shingles utilize modern technology to ensure that adhesive won’t break down prematurely. This helps keep your shingles bonded together and protects the rest of the roofing system.
6. Moisture Intrusion And Mold Risk
Repeated expansion and contraction in roofing products opens up small gaps all over the roof. If shingles are past their prime, this can cause damage that allows water into the under layers of the roofing system.
Decking Damage
When water is allowed under the shingle layer of a roof, it will eventually get to the decking. Since decking is usually just wooden boards that aren’t made to repel water, it soaks in and can lead to sagging, soft spots, and rotting. It is far more expensive to replace decking than it is to replace shingles only so preventing this saves homeowners thousands in the long-run.
Insulation and Drywall Damage
Once water gets to the decking, it is common for it to find its way into the rest of the home. In the attic, it can cause insulation to become damp, significantly lessening its effectiveness. From there, it can lead to interior leaks and drywall damage on ceilings and walls.
Conclusion: How To Combat Weather Damage To Indiana Roofs
This article is not designed to scare homeowners, but to let you know about the effect that Northern Indiana weather has on your roof. With that in mind, here are the things we recommend to make sure your roof is secure:
- Have your roof inspected after major weather swings and storms
- Look out for lifted and missing shingles, damaged metal trim pieces, and loose or detached gutters
- Periodically check your attic for moisture and damp insulation
- Replace your roof shortly before it reaches the end of its lifespan
For homeowners in Warsaw, IN, and across Kosciusko County, Professional Roofing Solutions & Construction remains the trusted partner for protecting aging roofing materials—offering unmatched experience, a deep understanding of local weather demands, and expertise in all kinds of roofing systems.
Contact us today at 574-203-5563 or visit our Facebook page. When it comes to preserving the life of your roof, choosing a professional roofing company isn’t just a smart decision—it’s essential to safeguarding your home’s long-term health.
