One of the most important aspects of any house is having a good roof over the top. A roof protects the interior of your home from the elements, which is doubly important in a state like Minnesota where our winters bring extreme cold and large snowstorms. There are many kinds of roofs in Minnesota, with the following being the most common:

• Gable Roofs – The most common type of roof in Minnesota, gable roofs are steeply-pitched with rows of overlapping shingles. Gable roofs are among the most weatherproof, since rain and snow will slide off of them easily. However, they may be vulnerable to strong winds.
• Hip Roofs – Similar to gable roofs, hip roofs are steeply pitched. The primary difference between them is that hip roofs slope down on all sides. Hip roofs are very resilient to strong winds and also allow water and snow to slide off but, if not constructed properly, they may leak.
• Shed Roofs – Found mostly on small and modern homes, shed roofs have only a single angled panel. While they normally perform well against inclement weather, shed roofs may leak if the gutters are not large enough, since all of the water will pour in one direction.
• Flat Roofs – Flat roofs are usually not completely flat, but they have a much lower slope than other common types of roofs. Because snow and ice often accumulate on flat roofs, they are much more likely to leak than other kinds of roofs.

Different types of roof styles and materials perform differently against different types of weather. There are several different ways in which severe weather can damage roofs in Minnesota.

Types of Storm Damage to Minnesota Roofs

Minnesota’s spring and summer months feature frequent thunderstorms that can damage roofs with heavy rain, strong winds and hail. The winter brings heavy snow and ice which can also have a devastating impact on our roofs. If you have experienced severe storms in your neighborhood, it is important to check the integrity of your roof when possible to make sure it has not been compromised by the elements.

While a little rain won’t be any problem for a roof, a torrential downpour may be a threat. While roofs with a high slope allow rain to run off easily, water may pool in areas where panels of the roof connect, and gutters can overflow if clogged with leaves. If water pools on a roof for too long, the integrity of your shingles may be compromised and water may begin to leak in through the roof, where it will damage the interior of your home and cause mold to grow. Slate roof shingles keep rain at bay better than most other roofing materials.

High-speed winds may strip away the shingles of your roof. If a powerful windstorm has recently blown through your area, it would be wise to check for shingles that are loose or missing. When too many shingles are peeled off by gusts of wind, your roof will become more susceptible to water damage. Roofs made from durable materials like metal and slate stand up much better to wind.

Hailstorms can be particularly devastating to your roof. Large pieces of hail will create sizable dents in your roofing materials, and may even destroy shingles if they are struck enough times. If your roof has been struck by hailstones larger than quarters, you should check for visible signs of damage, as you may need to replace your roof to keep it sturdy. Rubber roofs tend to be the most resistant to hail, since hailstones will bounce off harmlessly instead of making dents.

In winter, snow and ice will probably accumulate on your roof. Due to fluctuating temperatures, snow will thaw out and then refreeze, leading to the creation of ice dams along the edges of your roof that trap snow in place. This can quickly lead to leaks and, if enough snow accumulates, your roof may collapse. If you see snow piling up on your roof, try to knock it down before this happens. Metal roofs work the best against snow, allowing it to slide off more easily and proving nearly impervious to leaks and collapses.

Reliable Roof Damage Repairs

If the roof of your home in Minnesota has suffered damage from a storm, it is important to have your roofing materials repaired or replaced before water begins leaking in. Contact A-1 Restoration today for expert roof repair and replacement services in the Twin Cities metro area!