Why Long Droughts Are the Best Time to Inspect Your Roof

As we can see from the map above from the National Integrated Drought Information System, most of our service area is experiencing a certified moderate drought with some areas even experiencing a certified severe drought. In fact, some experts think you would have to go back to 1988 to find a drought this severe in Ohio. Unfortunately, these experts don't expect the drought to end soon either. For the people who are wondering how to take care of their home during this time, don't worry, we're here to explain how to prepare your homes roof for times like these.

Here are a list of different parts of your roof that may need inspecting:

• Sheathing:

Your roofs decking is made of wood, and when it's so hot and dry, your wood actually shrinks and becomes brittle. This can leave gaps and cracks in the last layer of protection from your roof against water, leaving room for potential disaster. Here at KRS Cincy, we try to prevent this process with our roofs by taping all decking seams with a high duty moisture resistant tape, so even if your roof does shrink, all seams will still be sealed.

• Shingles:

Droughts usually mean there has been little to no cloud coverage over your home for a while, resulting in harsh UV-rays wearing down the protective granules in your shingles. Shingles can also become brittle like the roof decking, resulting in cracks and splits. Lost granules also means that your roof can look discolored and unsightly.

• Other parts of the roof:

All the sealants that were used for your roof can shrink and dry out in droughts as well, leaving your roof defenseless against the most vulnerable water intrusion spots. Think perma boots, flashings, skylights, and other roofing accessories bonded by sealants. 

• Gutters:

Although not as directly affected by droughts, gutters can still be a problem once it rains again. After all, your gutters haven't been used in a while, who knows if they are still working correctly? They can also clog easier with no rain to wash them out, allowing debris to build up over a time of drought. Another important note: Droughts can cause the soil around your home to shrink away from your foundation, leaving open space for water to rush into. Also, the ground is so hard that it won't be as susceptible to receiving water, leaving pools of water on the surface of wherever your downspout leads to. 

So what does this all mean for you? If you suspect your roof could experience any of these issues the next time it rains heavily, you should give us a call for a free inspection. We love diagnosing roofs for homeowners, and we are good at it too. Check out our website for more information helpful updates and research on our roofing processes, and be sure to give us a follow on social media.

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