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How Does Louisiana Winter Weather Affect Shingle Roofs?

how does louisiana weather affect shingle roofs
If you live in South Louisiana, you might wonder how cold weather during the winter affects shingles. Find out here!

Although our winters are mild here in South Louisiana, they are still cold enough to cause problems with shingles. This article will focus on how cold weather affects shingles and how homeowners can prevent winter damage.

Before we go any further, it’s a myth that you can’t apply shingles in the winter. Learn why you can and get some tips on how to do it in our recent blog post.

Let’s get it!

How Winter Can Affect Your Louisiana Roof:

During the winter, roofs are constantly exposed to extreme cold and changing temperatures.

These two factors cause a great deal of movement within the structure of the roof itself, which adds stress to the asphalt shingles at an accelerated rate. This puts the shingles at risk of cracking and warping.

cracked shingles during winter weather in louisiana
cracked shingles during winter weather in louisiana

Common Louisiana Winter Shingle Roof Issues

In South Louisiana, you might not think you have to prepare your roof for winter. Sure, we don’t have severe weather conditions like snow and ice as they do up north, but the cold can adversely affect your roof and even the interior of your home.

Some of the most common Louisiana winter effects on your shingle roof are:

Condensation

One of the more common winter roof issues in Louisiana is condensation.

When it gets cold outside, we turn on all our heaters, and now warm air reaches every corner of your home, including up into an attic space which can lead to mold or mildew problems due to humidity buildup there’s not enough ventilation.

To prevent this from happening, ensure proper insulation is installed with good airflow throughout.

In some instances, you may just need to beef up your existing insulation. Here’s a video on some easy ways to do it.

Proper ventilation will allow the warm air to escape and reduce the amount of warm air that comes into contact with your cold roof.

How to see if you have adequate ventilation:

During the first freeze, go up to your attic and feel for cold air coming in. If you can feel any sort of draft, that means you need more insulation or better ventilation to the outside.

Or, you can look at the exterior of your roof for condensation or accumulating moisture.

When doing this, ensure all of your vents are clean and open. If they are open and clean, and your roof still shows signs of condensation, then you may need to add more ventilation to the exterior of your home.

Winter Winds

Louisiana winters tend to be cold and rainy.

You know the pattern: a couple of cold days, followed by some warm days, then a rainy day (or two), and the cycle repeats.

Here’s the winter weather forecast for 2021-2022, note Louisiana.

Cold and wet…

2021-2022 Louisiana winter weather forecast.
Source

Storms are expected during the winter, and with storms comes the wind. It’s best if you check your roof for leaks after such storms.

Hail

Another thing to check for following storms is hail damage. Even though golf ball-sized hail may seem harmless, it can damage your roof in minutes.

It’s essential to know how hail affects your roof so that you can manage the damage after it happens.

Hailstorms occur in south Louisiana regularly and without notice! During these storms, there’s no time for preparation.

louisiana baton rouge hail roof damage
louisiana baton rouge hail roof damage

How does hail affect a shingled roof?

During a hailstorm, hailstones can damage your roof in 3 different ways.

Impacts: Hailstones fly at high speeds and hit your shingles, causing an indentation. When this happens, the shingle’s integrity is compromised, and you can expect to lose pieces of your roof over time.

Stress Cracks: If the impact is hard enough, it can cause a stress crack in your shingle. This is where the shingle begins to split in two different directions due to the force of impact.

This causes further damage to the shingle and can lead to leaks if the crack reaches the edge of your roof.

Chips: Hail can also chip your shingles, causing smaller pieces to fall off. If this happens, there’s a high likelihood that you will need to replace more than just that one piece.

If you’re in an area where hailstorms are common, it’s best to have a professional roofing company install extra-durable materials that will withstand the impact of hailstones.

If you need roof repairs after hail damage, contact Better Built Contractors for assistance.

Sleet And Ice Buildup

Another issue that arises during the winter months is sleet or ice buildup. It’s not usually an issue in South Louisiana, but it can happen nonetheless.

Although sleet is smaller than hail, the damage could be just as bad if enough of it builds up on your roof. Sleet buildup can warp the shape of your roof and shingles to become loose or even fall off.

If You Suspect Winter Damage To Your Roof:

You can deal with roof damage by yourself if you’re confident enough, but it’s best to consult a roofing professional. The first step you should do is get a roof inspection.

Better Built Contractors are experts in roof damage due to winter weather, and we’re located right near Baton Rouge.

How to Prevent Winter Damage To Your Roof

One of the easiest ways to prevent winter damage to your roof is by installing high-quality roofing materials. roof maintenance is another easy solution, as it contains a few simple steps

Shingle Roof Maintenance:

  • Inspect your shingles and repair the damages immediately.
  • Check your gutters before the winter starts to remove any debris that has built up over time.
  • Make sure your shingles are secure. If there are any loose or missing pieces, repairing them will save you the hassle of installing a whole new roof.

If you have any concerns about your roof, have it looked at by a roofing contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about winter weather and shingle roof damage.

What happens if all the shingles on my roof fall off?

Calm down, don’t panic! The best thing to do is call a professional contractor and have it replaced as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to your home.

How can I prevent my shingles from falling off?

One of the best ways to prevent winter damage is by having a professional inspect it before the season begins. If they notice any damages, make sure you have them repaired right away. You should also remove any debris in your gutters before the winter hits.

What if my shingles are already chipped or cracked?

If you notice any damages, don’t hesitate to contact a professional contractor immediately. They will inspect your roof and help repair it as soon as possible. Better Built Contractors are experts in roof replacement due to winter weather. Call us today at (225) 369-1119 for a free roof inspection!

When Should I Get My Roof Inspected?

The best time to get your roof inspected is before winter weather begins. If you already have leaks, contact us to get them repaired right away. We also inspect roofs during spring and summer for any damage caused by storms or other incidents. If you’re not sure if the damages are due to storms, contact us! We can let you know what’s happened and how it affects the integrity of your roof.

What Should I Do If I Have Leaks?

Contact us as soon as they happen so we can stop the damage before your roof is entirely destroyed and beyond repair. Better Built Contractors will fix any leak in your roof so it can’t happen again. Once we’ve assessed the damage, we’ll let you know what kind of repairs will fix it and how much they cost to ensure you get quality service.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Roof?

We’re happy to give you a free estimate for any work needed on your roof. Whether it’s a minor repair or a whole new installation, we’ll give you a fair price so you can decide what works best for you. If you’re looking for superior roofing services, contact Better Built Contractors today!

What’s The Best Way To Maintain My Roof?

There are several ways to maintain your roof, but the best thing you can do is get regular inspections. This will allow us to fix any damage before it adds up and becomes serious. We also recommend that you clean your gutters to maintain the integrity of your roofing system during storms or periods of high winds. While you’re at it, make sure your attic is ventilated and there are no ways for critters to get in.

Get a Free Roof Inspection Today

Contact us to get your free, no-obligation roof inspection.

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