It is innate in human nature to protect themselves, their loved ones, and also their property and home. “The boot protects the head” and so the roof protects the house – both from the inside and from the outside. The roof should be quite durable to withstand a variety of weather conditions, but it should also be well insulated to reduce energy costs and contribute to sustainability.
We researched what problems house owners face when building a roof and what energy-efficient solutions are available.
How Does Weather Affect Roof Longevity?
Extreme weather conditions can seriously affect the longevity and durability of your roof. Hot and humid summers with quite high temperatures, and on the other hand, very cold winters with snow and ice, sudden storms accompanied by ice and heavy rains take their toll causing wear and tear.
Such weather conditions significantly shorten the life of roofs and it can be extended by simple maintenance and timely repair of damages if they occur.
Below is the average precipitation, humidity, and temperature levels for various cities across the U.S., alongside the average roof lifespan, so that you can see how the elements affect roof deterioration over time.
| City | Avg. Annual Precipitation (in inches) | Avg. Annual Precipitation (%) | Avg. Temperature Range (°F) | Avg. Roof Lifespan (in years) |
| Kansas City (MO) / Kansas City (KS) | 39.1 | 68 | 24-89 | 20-30 |
| Miami (FL) | 61.9 | 73 | 60-90 | 15-25 |
| Seattle (WA) | 37.5 | 73 | 37-79 | 20-30 |
| Phoenix (AZ) | 8.0 | 37 | 44-106 | 15-25 |
| Chicago (IL) | 36.9 | 70 | 18-85 | 20-30 |
So, as you can see, roofs are affected (over time) by various weather-related conditions, and those affect the average lifespan of a roof. Heavy precipitation (e.g., rain, snow, hail, sleet, freezing rain), as seen in Miami, Florida, can shorten the lifespan of a roof, alongside with high humidity levels throughout the year. But also, even if the humidity and precipitation levels are low, very high average temperatures, as seen in Phoenix, Arizona, can also shorten the lifespan of a roof significantly. An area that has well-balanced weather will, on average, have the highest roof lifespans.
Weather-Related Issues
1. Heat stress
Long-term exposure to high temperatures can cause cracking or weakening of the material (especially if it is of lower quality). This reduces their protective properties which increases the cost of cooling the house.
2. Snow and Ice Damage
Constant freezing and thawing lead to possible cracks and ice dams that form along the roof can cause water to leak under the roof into the house.
3. Heavy Rain And Humidity
With heavy rains it’s clear to everyone how much damage they can cause, especially if the roof coverings have been moved somewhere or if the gutters have fallen. If this problem is not repaired in time, appearance of moisture and mold is possible.
4. Windstorms
Strong and stormy winds can actually do even the worst damage. Raising roofs and damaging the structure lead to much bigger problems.
Common Roofing Challenges in Homes
One of the most common problems in Kansas City, as previously shown in the table, is caused by water – either from the roof or from the foundation. Hails and storms are also frequent in that area which can move the tiles or create new damage through which water can enter the house.
As we have already mentioned, water (obviously in all aggregate states) can do a lot of damage, especially if the house and its parts are not well maintained or if they are made with bad materials or workmanship. It is important to use quality materials and hire the best craftsmen to avoid all this. So, roofers in Kansas City should ensure the quality of the execution works and later on timely repairs after damage if necessary.
Let’s now move on to warmer topics, but in this case not prettier ones. Constant exposure to high temperatures and UV radiation accelerates the aging and decay of materials (as in humans). So there are also protective coatings that can protect and preserve roof coverings that age over time. You can easily recognize the signs of aging by wear and tear and changes in color, texture, and sometimes even shape.
A very important part is the proper installation of insulation and ventilation in order to allow the house to “breathe” and reduce the possibility of moisture and unpleasant odors. Therefore you improve insulation and reduce energy costs.
Replacing old roof coverings with modern weather-resistant materials is an investment that pays off in durability and energy savings.
3 Energy-Efficient Roofing Solutions for Homes
Energy-efficient roofs are designed to regulate indoor house temperature and reduce energy costs by reducing heat absorption, but also protect the environment.
Homeowners in Kansas City can even use incentives to install energy-efficient roofs which greatly helps them with installation costs as well as reducing energy costs.
1. Cool roofing materials
The development of materials has progressed so much that there are now reflective roof coverings, and it is not a bad idea to install solar panels whose collected energy you can also use.
2. Insulated roofing
We have already emphasized that insulation is very important and here it appears in the form of panels or foam that increase resistance to external heat or cold while maintaining the indoor temperature.
3. Green roofs
And when we’re already protecting the environment, we go green from floor to roof. Green roofs with vegetation provide natural insulation but they also look attractive.
Conclusion
When building a house, weather and weather conditions are always a challenge so you need to protect yourself and your house well. It is important to adjust the construction and insulation to the climate in which you live and to choose good and quality craftsmen and materials.
Also, think about energy-efficient ways to build a roof to avoid losses and reduce costs while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and your house “healthy”.
