In a wet climate where you get an abundance of rainfall, shingles may not be the absolute best choice of roofing material. However, they are not a terrible option, either. Many people in wet climates do have shingle roofs, and they get by just fine. You should, however, consider the following tips for choosing, caring for, and inspecting shingle roofs in wetter climates.
Choose architectural shingles, if possible.
If you are having your home re-roofed, it's worth going for the more durable, architectural shingles. Architectural shingles are those that have tabs of various sizes and widths. This setup allows them to drain water more effectively and thoroughly than standard, 3-tab shingles. As such, architectural shingles tend to last longer in a wet climate, and they are also less likely to develop leaks as they age.
Make sure you have good gutters.
Gutters are meant to help drain water from the roof. They decrease the amount of time that your shingles are exposed to water. Having good gutters is important no matter where you live, especially if you live in a wet climate. Make sure you clean your gutters out seasonally. If you have any leaks or gaps, call a gutter company for repairs. And consider having gutter guards put over your gutters so they don't become clogged with leaves and debris.
Check your roof after big storms.
Rain is one thing. Thunderstorms and hail storms are quite another. Make sure you look over your roof for any signs of damage after a storm rolls through. In a wet climate, even a single peeling or lifted shingle can grow to a much larger issue if you don't take care of it promptly. Assess your roof performance from the inside, too. If you see any spots of moisture or mold in your attic after a storm, call a roof repair company.
Watch for granules.
Every now and then, check the ends of your downspouts. If you see any shingle granules in or around the downspouts, that means your shingles are beginning to lose their granules. This means they'll soon start weakening and becoming more prone to leaks. Shingles that are losing granules will need to be replaced soon.
In a wet climate, shingle roofing endures a lot more wear and tear than in a dryer climate. But if you follow the tips above, you can work with a shingle roof and ensure it stays in good shape.
Share7 July 2023
When you want to make your home shine, there are some very important basic components you should be mindful of. For starters, you should evaluate the exterior of your home to determine whether or not the siding or exterior cladding needs to be replaced. Next, you should check to see if the roofing needs to be replaced, since it really can make a powerful difference. Roofing can take up a great deal of the visual space from the outside, so think carefully about how yours looks. Pay attention to issues like aged, curling shingles or roofing that contains dips or divots. Check out this blog for great tips about roofing.