San Antonio’s Climate and Your Roof: Insights from a Local Roofing Company in San Antonio
Posted on Thursday, October 26th, 2023 at 3:09 pm
San Antonio is home to diverse climates that can cause severe roof damage. Is your roofing system prepared for all weather elements? As a local roofing company in San Antonio, weatherproofing your roof requires more than simply using stronger materials. San Antonio is known to have erratic weather patterns, including extreme heat and occasional freezes.
Below are five common climate conditions in San Antonio and how to protect your roofing system more effectively from them.
5 Climate Conditions in San Antonio That Impact Roofs & How to Protect Them
It’s no secret that climate change can cause public safety hazards, especially in San Antonio. This city experiences intense weather elements, such as flooding, droughts, and hailstorms. And San Antonio government officials are predicting it might get worse. That’s why now, more than ever, it’s crucial to find a roofing company in San Antonio to strengthen your property as a preventative safety measure.
According to The City of San Antonio, their 2040 climate projections for the city are:
- Reduced annual rainfall by less than 3 inches
- Additional 24 days over 100° F
- Increased maximum summer temperatures by 4° F
So, what does this mean for your roof? These potential climate change hazards facing San Antonio can cause significant property damage from extreme weather conditions to decreased water access, and higher cooling costs.
While these projections seem daunting, The City of San Antonio has implemented numerous initiatives to build resilience and strengthen local infrastructure— and you can do the same for your property. Through emergency preparedness, your roofing system can get the most protection possible through a resilience-based approach.
Here are five common weather conditions in San Antonio and how to protect your roof from each one.
1. Extreme Heat and Sun Exposure
Most people know that Texas is hot and San Antonio is no exception. The city experiences scorching summers with intense heat and prolonged sun exposure. If your roof is overly exposed to extreme heat and sunlight, it can cause rapid deterioration in your roofing materials— especially if your roof is a darker color that absorbs heat more.
Additionally, if there are no nearby tree canopies or buildings to provide shade for your roof, roofing materials are likely to break down faster or even melt. If your home or property location doesn’t have adequate shading, ensure you have strong attic insulation. This helps block the heat inside your home and prevent increased cooling costs and condensation.
Use Reflective Roofing Materials
When searching for a San Antonio roofing company, ask them about heat-resistant materials and proper attic insulation to minimize heat absorption and reduce energy costs. With hot summers, energy-efficient roofing solutions are essential to keep cooling costs down. San Antonio roofing experts offer roofing material options that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, reducing energy consumption and costs for property owners.
Metal roofs are one of the most reflective material options available. They’re designed to absorb heat so your home or property is cooler in warmer months— which is especially crucial for San Antonio. Since metal roofing reflects sunlight, it promotes more energy efficiency, too. This beneficial feature can not only protect your roof from extreme heat and sun exposure, but it can also lower energy costs related to air conditioning too.
2. Erratic Weather Patterns
Did you know that Texas was the top-ranking state for the highest property insurance claims related to hail damage last year in the U.S.? According to the NOAA’s National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, their Annual Severe Weather Report Summary reported that Texas had the highest number of hail events, with 458 total occurring in 2022.
San Antonio can experience rapid weather changes, including hailstorms, heavy rains, and severe thunderstorms. These erratic weather patterns can cause cracked or missing shingles, leaks, and water damage to your roof. If you notice any of these issues with your roof, these are signs you need to hire hail damage roofing contractors.
Use Durable Roofing Materials
A San Antonio roofing company should focus on installing durable roofing materials that can withstand these extreme conditions and offer regular inspections to catch damage early. Effective roofing material options that are durable enough to withstand rapid climate conditions are metal roofs, concrete or clay tiles, and single ply.
Metal Roofing Materials
Metal roofs are the most sturdy roofing material available. They’re especially practical for hail, hurricanes, strong wind gusts, and overall storm protection. Due to its durable and sturdy structure, metal roofs are less likely to experience water intrusion and storm-related damage.
Tile Roofing Materials
Concrete and clay tiles have been used throughout history for many years. They are also another durable roofing material for San Antonio’s weather because they don’t rot in wet conditions and are resistant to pest destruction.
Single Ply Roofing Materials
Lastly, there are three types of single-ply roofing available that are durable for strong weather: PVC, TPO, and EPDM. For the most durable option, we recommend ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing. EPDM is commonly used for commercial roofing due to its weather-resistant properties since it’s made of synthetic rubber membranes that are designed to protect against ice and hail.
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According to the NOAA’s National Weather Service, Texas had the highest number of hail events and related property damage insurance claims in the U.S. in 2022.
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3. High UV Radiation
The intense sunlight in San Antonio can lead to roof deterioration over time. UV rays are strong enough to penetrate your roof even through cloudy days. Signs that your roof has UV-related damages include bruising and soft spots on your shingles. Shingles act as a protective barrier for your roof. But if their outer layer is compromised by softening, their structural support becomes weakened and is often caused by high UV radiation.
Bruised shingles impact your roof’s physical integrity, resulting in possible higher utility bills from your property trying to maintain internal temperature due to outdoor climates seeping in.
Use UV Roofing Materials Apply UV-resistant Coatings
Roofing experts recommend UV-resistant coatings and materials to protect against UV radiation. It helps prevent premature roof aging and reduces the acceleration of wear and tear and deterioration. According to the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association, acrylic roof coatings are the best option for UV protection, especially for areas that experience high UV.
4. Humidity and Moisture Control
The humidity levels in San Antonio can be high, leading to potential moisture-related issues on your roof. This condensation buildup can settle between your roofing shingles, causing mold and mildew growth. Your roofing materials can also rot as a result and require replacement. In severe cases, moisture can seep further into your attic insulation and ceiling, which can also experience mold and mildew.
Install Proper Ventilation and Moisture Barriers
A San Antonio roofing company should emphasize proper attic ventilation and moisture barriers to combat these condensation problems and maintain indoor air quality. Insulation acts as a barrier between your property and the roof to prevent water vapor from damaging its structure. This not only protects your roof from moisture but also prolongs its lifespan. Insulating your roof keeps pests out, reduces energy consumption, lowers noise pollution, and facilitates a more efficient HVAC system.
5. Heavy Rain and Wind
One of the most common types of roof damage that warrants home repairs is caused by water. In San Antonio, this city is prone to heavy rain and wind, risking severe property damage if you don’t have multiple roofing protection systems.
Weather conditions with strong rain and wind can cause numerous water-related roofing issues, including:
- Attic, ceiling, or structural leaks
- Sagging water spots or pooling
- Mold, mildew, fungus, and algae growth in your attic insulation, shingles, and sheetrock
- Roofing material rotting
- Clogged drains
- Gutter damage
- Thin roof spots or holes
- Roof cave-ins
As you can see, water property damage can impact your roof in many ways, ranging from minor to severe. That’s why investing in ice/water barriers and multiple drainage systems is crucial to keep your property as protected as possible.
Install Ice/Water Barriers and Drainage Systems
Our San Antonio roofing company always recommends investing in multiple water protection systems for your roof. Without this, water-causing roof damage can be more costly to fix and/or replace than the original price of preventative measures.
There are multiple types of roofing protection systems for heavy wind and rain to consider:
- Roof Crickets: Sloped triangle structures that rest against roof obstructions to divert water away.
- Drain Flushing: Clearing clogged roof drains to promote effective water drainage.
- Drain Line Additions: Installing extra roof drains or enlarging existing ones that are ideal for areas with significant snow and rain.
- Ice/Water Barriers: Self-adhesive waterproof barriers that are installed on roof areas most vulnerable to water damage.
- Roof Flashing: Materials that are applied to roof features most likely to experience leaks, such as chimneys, skylights, and vents. Typically made of sheet metal, aluminum, copper, plastic (PVC), or custom synthetic materials that are corrosion-resistant.
- Roof Membrane Replacement: Protective layer to lock moisture and standing water out of structural areas.
- Roof Re-Pitch: Resloping roofs to ensure it has a degree of slope and isn’t flat so it properly drains. This should be your last option if all other measures aren’t effective enough.
While this may seem like a lot of information, qualified roofing experts should walk you through your options first. Each roof is unique in its structure, age, material, and physical condition, so not every solution is universal.
Protect Your San Antonio Roof Against All Weather Elements
Your San Antonio roof is one of the most important investments of any property. It’s constructed to help protect you, your family, and your occupants from all weather elements. That’s why hiring qualified roofing experts who can enhance you and your property’s safety is crucial.
At Kidd Roofing, we’re a local roofing company in San Antonio that understands the local area with expertise in diverse residential, commercial, and multi-family roofing systems. We’re well-versed in addressing the specific challenges posed by San Antonio’s changing climate to ensure your roof is resilient.
Ready to protect your home or property from San Antonio’s unique climate conditions?
Get a free roofing quote today!