Common Causes of Roof Damage in the Fall
& Ways to Prevent Them

Fall in South Florida is a period of significant weather transition. While we’re technically shifting into the dry period, hurricane season doesn’t officially end until November’s close. So while the weather may soon clear up enough for extensive roofing projects, there’s still plenty of time for damage to be done by stormy conditions.

To help you avoid more harm to your roof, we lay out the most common causes of fall roof problems and the best ways to guard against them.

Fallen Branches & Leaves

After months of storms and high winds, it’s no surprise that trees tend to have weakened limbs. In fall you may see branches fall on your roof, especially if more storms charge in. When branches fall, they can create cracks and holes.

Even if the impact itself did not cause damage, the weight of a branch resting on the rooftop can eventually cause part of the structure to cave in. The same is true for mounds of leaves that can collect on the roof’s surface, particularly if you have a dense tree that looms directly over your home.

To prevent these issues, we advise doing some preventative landscaping. Prune away branches that look weak or are hanging too close to your roof. And if leaves have already started to fall, make sure you get them cleared off your roof before they accumulate too much in weight.

Torn Shingles & Flashing

The strength of Florida’s hurricanes and tropical storms really put roofing materials to the test. Most roofs will suffer some wear and tear, with shingles and flashing pulling loose or flying off completely.

Depending on the intensity of the storm, experiencing some of this damage may be unavoidable. But you can certainly mitigate it by tending to any vulnerabilities in your shingles or flashing before bad weather hits. Affected portions can easily be replaced so that they are fully secure and ready to stand against the next tempest.

Bowing or Loose Gutters

Even though the tropical palms won’t be changing dress for the season, other trees will shed their leaves and saddle us with quite a bit of cleanup. Leaves that collect on rooftops can easily get stuffed into gutters, causing them to sag under the weight.

If you have deciduous trees raining leaves down on your roof, make sure you do regular gutter cleanings so that you don’t end up needing repairs.

Hail Impact

Despite having a fairly warm climate, South Florida’s fall storms can still pose a significant hail threat. Hail typically forms up in the higher altitudes of the weather system, where moisture condenses and freezes. If a storm showers your home with hail, there’s a chance that the impact can do a lot of damage. You might see a lot of pitting where hail slammed down, creating holes in your roof’s surface.

The best way to prevent hail damage comes at your roof’s construction. Picking hail-resistant materials like modified asphalt shingles or slate tiles can save you the trouble and expense of frequently patching and replacing your roof covering.

Rain Soaking

After being harangued by rain, your roof may have succumbed to the constant moisture. This is particularly likely if your roof had any weaknesses in its vapor barrier or the outer covering itself.

Waterlogged roofing materials can quickly rot and grow mold, so it’s best to avoid that outcome by getting frequent inspections to identify any faults in your roof’s weatherproofing. A professional roofer can spot issues with ease and recommend the most effective solution.

Get Fall Repair Help from Expert Roofers

AKVM is here to help homeowners in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Tampa tend to their fall roofing problems. We’ll provide a contactless inspection at no cost to you, and offer a fair quote for fast and professional service. Contact us today to schedule your free roof inspection - call us at (941) 727-3996.