Located just at the junction of the central and south-central portions of the state, San Antonio, TX has a climate that takes a year-round toll on residential roofing. With most locals installing asphalt shingle, three-tab shingle, or luxury shingle roofs, hot temperatures, high humidity, and severe weather events have significant impacts on the integrity of these structures. Read on to learn how the local weather can affect your roof.

Temperature Extremes

During summer, daytime temperatures in San Antonio often near triple digits. In winter, they hover just above freezing. High heat dries asphalt shingles out. Colder temperatures affect their structural integrity as well, as does the region’s relatively rapid transition from hot air to cold air in late fall.

Cracking, Warping, and Splitting

In San Antonio, asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Three-tab shingles often last 20 to 25 years, and many luxury shingles can last between 25 and 30 years if well-maintained. The frequency and intensity of severe weather events and the magnitude of seasonal temperature fluctuations can adversely affect any shingle type.

Unfortunately, many summers in San Antonio bring temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. In recent years, these heat waves have stretched on for weeks. When brand new, asphalt shingles are flexible and pliable. Their initially high oil-based moisture content lends to their durability. When this moisture is lost over time, asphalt shingles become increasingly prone to problems like cracking, splitting, and warping. Age and wear-related moisture loss can also cause asphalt shingles to lose their protective granules.

Expansion and Contraction

Residential roofs are multi-layer systems. When working seamlessly together, these layers create efficient, watertight barriers. Unfortunately, when the mercury rises or plummets, most roof layers expand or contract in response. These movements can break the adhesive seals on roof shingles and cause separation in other areas. Heat-related expansion and contraction can also adversely affect various fixed roofing elements, such as:

  • Soffits and fascia
  • Flashing
  • Protrusions
  • Roof valleys

Soffits are located just below rafter rails, and fascia is the visible horizontal band found at the very end of your rafters. Soffits and fascia play important roles in protecting your home and optimizing your attic’s ventilation. Unfortunately, if either of these elements is nailed too tight to accommodate weather-related expansion and contraction, they’ll ripple and bow.

Protruding elements are any structures that extend through your roof such as exhaust vents, chimneys, and skylights. These features usually have a thin layer of protective metal flashing to keep water out. If any of the included materials expand or contract too much, water could find a way in.

Your roof’s valleys are where two sections of roofing join or intersect. Along with roof protrusions, valleys are among a roof’s most vulnerable areas. After weathering several seasons of high and low temperatures and heat-related expansion and contraction, roof valleys often pull apart. Rarely a reparable issue, separation at roof valleys is a likely sign that roofing has reached the end of its lifespan.

Severe Weather Events

Any meteorological phenomenon that has the potential to cause loss of life or significant property damage is considered a severe weather event. Although San Antonio has a lower risk of experiencing tornadoes than most other Texas cities, this risk is still quite a bit higher than the national average. Moreover, while San Antonio remains safely out of the path of most hurricanes, it’s frequently battered by hailstorms, thunderstorms, and exceedingly strong winds.

Hailstorms

Hail is an unfortunately common occurrence in San Antonio. Between 2011 and 2021, meteorologists logged 16 severe hailstorms, with hail sizes of up to one inch in diameter. In 2021, the region saw a record-breaking hailstorm that sent hail as large as four inches in diameter hurtling toward roofs, parked cars, people, and more. Heavy, fast-moving, and hard-hitting, hail can cause significant roof damage, including:

  • Dented, bent, or detached shingles
  • Widespread shingle granule loss
  • Flashing damage
  • Damaged protrusions

Accumulations of hail also weigh heavy on gutters. Not only can hail leave gutters and downspouts dented, but it can also cause these features to detach from buildings.

Hurricanes and Heavy Winds

The last hurricane to come dangerously close to San Antonio was Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Although San Antonio is rarely a target for these events, it’s still subject to residual strong winds and can experience high-speed winds even when no hurricanes are nearby. Fast-moving winds can lift shingles off, tear flashing, detach gutters and downspouts, and create the conditions for serious roof leaks.

Thunderstorms

San Antonio sees an average of 32 inches of precipitation each year, and it experiences nearly 60 days of thunderstorms annually. Of these thunderstorms, 33% are considered severe. Severe thunderstorms can create issues by:

  • Lifting off shingles and flashing
  • Creating cracks, dents, or holes in roofing materials
  • Causing leaks at roof valleys and protrusions
  • Detaching gutters and downspouts

Severe thunderstorms also pose the risk of direct lightning strikes.

During times of strong wind and severe thunderstorms, among the biggest concerns is the integrity of nearby trees. If you have trees that overhang your roof, these events can tear off weak, dying, and diseased branches, cause entire limbs to come crashing down, or uproot trees and cause them to tip.

Excess Humidity

From year to year, excess humidity takes the most significant toll on residential roofing in San Antonio. This is the one climate-related factor that rarely abates during the late spring and summer months. Local humidity can also remain high throughout the early weeks of fall. With before-noon humidity levels as high as 80%, locals often contend with moisture-related roofing problems like curling shingles, pervasive mold and mildew, moss, algal blooms, and wood rot.

Damp, humid conditions also set the stage for problems with common roof pests. This is especially true for roofs with dirty, ill-maintained gutters. Wet accumulations of decayed leaves, twigs, and other organic materials create the perfect breeding or swarming grounds for mosquitoes, ants, termites, and more. Throughout the wettest days of the year, many gutters and downspouts never have the chance to dry completely out.

UV Damage

Constant exposure to the sun’s UV rays damages asphalt, luxury, and three-tab shingles from the inside out. In turn, this causes them to blister and crack and often diminishes their adhesion. Fortunately, asphalt shingles come with protective granules that minimize the impact of the sun’s UV rays. However, when age-related or weather-related factors cause these granules to come off, the underlying materials rapidly break down.

How to Protect Your Roof From the Natural Elements

Fortunately, there are several easy ways to protect your roof from the ravages of San Antonio’s climate:

  • Regularly limbing your trees
  • Scheduling timely storm damage repairs
  • Keeping gutters and downspouts clean
  • Scheduling annual roof maintenance and inspection services

Have seasoned roofers assess your roof and its drainage system at least once each year and after all severe weather events. This is a great way to keep minor and developing problems from spiraling out of control.

We’ve been proudly serving San Antonio, TX since 1946. We offer exceptional roof replacement and repair services. We also provide advanced gutter protection, gutter cleaning services, new siding and windows, and commercial roofing. To request a quote or schedule an appointment, contact BELDON Roofing Company now.

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