What Georgia Humidity Does to Your Roof

No one’s denying it’s hot here in Georgia. By the time
summer rolls around, you can expect the humidity levels to hover somewhere
between 99% and “hope you brought another shirt!”

That humidity is hard on your hair, yes, but what about your
roof? What does the relentless GA moisture mean for the functionality of one of
your home’s largest – and most expensive – components?

What is humidity, really?

Humidity is essentially water vapor trapped in the air. The
reason humidity is so high in the summertime is because warm air can hold
higher concentrations of vapor. Humidity can be present when there’s no rain
the forecast or it can linger in the wake of a storm.

What does humidity do to your roof?

Nothing good. Let’s talk about all the ways, both subtle and
major, the humidity
here in Georgia can wreak havoc on your roof.

Lumber: Your roof
is a actually and entire system, of which lumber beams play a large role.
Humidity in the air causes that lumber to constantly expand and contract which
over time will weaken the roof’s structural stability.

Single-Tear Strength:
As the humidity gradually weakens the places where your roof is held together,
it’s in turn making it more vulnerable to wind. A roof that’s been
weather-weakened is more likely to rip off in tornado or hurricane-force wind
gusts.

Decking: Humidity
can cause the edges of your decking boards to absorb water. This will naturally
lead to separation which causes major deflections along the plane of your roof.
When water can’t run off your roof efficiently, leaks happen.

And that’s just your roof. Next, let’s talk about…

What humidity does to your attic
ventilation system

Your attic and, more specifically, its
ventilation system, is a critical component of your roofing structure.
Allowing air and moisture to effectively move in and out of your attic space
ensures your roof will work properly and that your HVAC system won’t be
spinning its wheels. What does humidity do to this ventilation process?

Mold and Mildew:
Yuck. Lingering moisture quickly leads to mold and mildew build up on the
organic components of your attic such as the beams, stored items, or even
certain insulations. This can actually make you and your family sick.

Rot: Wood
rot is a serious problem when it happens inside your attic – your roof’s
structural stability depends on those beams! Moisture and wood rot go
hand-in-hand.

Insulation
Compression: Water is heavier than air, so air that’s loaded down with
water vapor will eventually cause your insulation to “compress.” This
drastically reduces its effectiveness.

So, what can you do about the
humidity?

The number one thing to do is talk to a northeast Georgia roofer.
They’re familiar with the specific challenges that come with weather in this
area and can talk you through your options.

If you have a humidity problem, odds are it’s starting in
your attic. Regular inspections and maintenance of your entire attic system are
essential for ensuring you’ve got the right kind of ventilation (and enough of
it.)

Lastly, know that some of your roofing materials may need to
be repaired more often than in other parts of the country. It’s just part of
living in Georgia! We may not have ice dams, but we do have sticky, persistent
humidity.

Ready for a free roofing inspection?
Accent Roofing is your experienced Georgia roofing company.
1-770-277-4869

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Source: Roofing Maintenance