Roofs are dark horses in keeping your home and your family safe. The unsung hero protects your family from the elements, such as the rain, snow, and sun. Without a roof (or when the roof of your home is damaged), it can make your home vulnerable to the elements. Therefore, a leaking or damaged roof is a critical concern that homeowners must not neglect. To understand how damage occurs to roofs, it is best to look at the environmental factors in your immediate area. If you live in Louisiana, a few things can shorten the lifespan of your roof and knowing this will help you with maintenance and choosing the best roof materials that can withstand the damaging elements.

Insight into Louisiana Climate

Louisiana is a US state in the South Central region. Its humid subtropical climate means it experiences long, hot, and humid summer months and mild, short winters. 

Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico largely influences the climate conditions in Louisiana. The farthest point from the Gulf of Mexico is only 200 miles. The Gulf of Mexico affects the weather and climate of the state throughout the year, resulting in more frequent precipitation. Even the summers in Louisiana are wetter than in other states in the county. October is the only time of the year when the precipitation eases up a bit. 

The summer months in Louisiana are hot and humid. Summer temperatures range from 79-90 degrees Fahrenheit from mid-June to mid-September. The northern portions of the state experience warmer temperatures during summer than those in the south (reaching up to 105 degrees F), although it is common to see areas close to the Gulf of Mexico hover at around 100 degrees F. 

Expect the weather to become mildly warm during the winter months, especially in the southern cities in Louisiana, like New Orleans and Baton Rouge. These southern cities average 66 degrees F during winter while the northern cities enjoy a mildly cool winter weather that averages a high of 59 degrees F. The areas near the Gulf of Mexico experience a range of 37-46 degrees F during winter. It is rare for snow to appear in Louisiana, especially if you are closer to the Gulf of Mexico. 

Aside from the hot and humid summer temperatures, Louisiana also experiences various natural disasters like cyclones and hurricanes. Thunderstorms are more frequent in the summer, and the state experiences an average of 60 thunderstorms annually. 

These extreme weather conditions are something to be aware of if you live in or are considering moving to Louisiana. Consider these extreme weather disturbances when you build a home and ensure the materials are built to withstand such conditions.

How Louisiana’s Climate Affects the Lifespan of the Roof

Let’s break down the various climatic factors affecting the lifespan of a roof.

Sunlight and UV Radiation

Sunlight and the UV radiation and heat it emits are among the major contributors to cause damage to roofs and materials. Constant exposure to the sun and its UV rays can cause the roofing materials to deteriorate over time, reducing its effectiveness and shortening its lifespan.

UV rays from the sun break down the chemical structure of the material of the roof. Continued exposure can cause it to weaken and become brittle. The material also loses its flexibility, making it more prone to damage. The vulnerability of the roof materials to damage due to UV rays can also depend on the type of material. For example, asphalt shingle roofs can warp or crack due to UV rays. Even metal roofs are not entirely immune to sun damage and UV rays. UV exposure can lead to corrosion and speed up the oxidation of the metal.

Another way that the sunlight and its UV rays can damage roofs is through thermal expansion and contraction. Temperature fluctuations throughout the day due to exposure to sunlight allow the material to absorb heat, which causes it to expand. And when the temperature drops at night, the material contracts. The unending cycle of contraction and expansion causes the roofing material to crack or loosen from being attached to the roof framing structure. 

And lastly, exposure to the sun and UV rays causes heat retention. When the roofing material holds too much heat, it speeds up the degradation of the roof material and its protective coating. It loses its ability to protect itself from damage, making it more prone to wear and tear. Due to the ability of sunlight exposure and UV rays to damage roofs, homeowners should invest in UV-resistant roofing materials. It is wise to regulate roof temperature and promote ventilation to avoid damage.

Humidity, Precipitation and Moisture Retention

As discussed above, Louisiana experiences hot and humid summers with lots of precipitation throughout the year. It creates the perfect environment for roof damage due to excessive moisture. Louisiana homeowners need to understand how too much moisture can damage the roof to properly maintain it or choose the best materials to protect against these environmental factors.

High humidity creates excess moisture in the air. The excessive moisture can get trapped in various parts of the structure of the home, including the roof. But here’s what’s tricky about the Louisiana climate – even though it is humid, it is hot. When moisture in the air combines with the warm temperature, it can lead to condensation. Condensation significantly contributes to water damage, wooden rot, and mold growth. When there is too much humidity, it can be disastrous for the wooden components of the home, as well as the roof.

In addition to condensation, another thing to worry about regarding high humidity is the possible formation of mold and mildew. Excess moisture in the roof promotes the growth of mold and mildew, which can contribute to material decay on the roof. It can also promote higher moisture absorption and break down the roof shingles. If that’s not enough, algae growth in the roof traps heat inside your home, which can cause the cooling system to work harder, increasing the energy bills of your home.

Another problem with excessive moisture and precipitation in Louisiana is the possibility of water damage and leaking roofs. A combination of heavy rainfall and poor drainage can cause leaks to occur. When you have a leaking roof, it creates a series of other problems like damaged insulation and interior walls. Water from heavy rainfall can also seep into tiny cracks in the shingles, possibly when the roof materials expand and contract due to temperature changes. Water collects every time rain pours, leading to a sagging roof and weakening the structural support of the roof.

Preventing excessive moisture and water damage is crucial in preserving the integrity of the roof. Moisture-resistant roofing materials, proper maintenance, and better attic ventilation can combat these issues. It also pays to have a regular roof inspection with roofers in Baton Rouge to identify potential cracks that can promote water damage and moisture retention.

Hurricanes, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes and Extreme Weather Disturbances

Louisiana’s climate is notorious for experiencing extreme weather events. Hurricane Katrina is the best example of how a major weather disturbance can damage roofs and houses. However, heavy thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes are a reality that Louisiana natives regularly face, making them susceptible to roof damage. Preparing your home – and roof – is crucial to mitigate the damage caused by these extreme weather events.

Hurricanes and thunderstorms bring heavy winds and rainfall. Some winds go beyond 100 mph in speed that they lift and loosen the roofing materials, and rip off the entire house structure. This is especially true when you use asphalt shingles because they tend to curl or loosen due to leaks or damage from fluctuating temperatures.

Even if strong winds cannot lift the roofing materials, they can cause significant damage with displaced shingles, weakened roof fasteners, and loose metal panels. Again, regular roof inspection is critical to ensure this does not happen in case you experience a hurricane or thunderstorm in Louisiana. 

Repeated exposure to these extreme weather events and the existing challenges with Louisiana’s climate emphasizes the importance of having a well-maintained roof. You could save thousands with adequate preparation, so you won’t have to replace or fix the roof. 

Long-Term Effects of Louisiana’s Climate on Roof Lifespan

Louisiana’s extreme weather and climate can take its toll on the roofing materials. Admittedly, it can shorten the lifespan of the roof. Let’s examine the long-term effects of climate conditions on roofs.

First, Louisiana’s hot and humid climate can cut the lifespan of the roofin half compared to drier climates. The exposure to the UV rays of the sun, the extreme heat and the excessive moisture combine to cause premature damage to the roofing materials cutting their lifespan in half. This does not even consider the significant damage caused by extreme weather events, such as thunderstorms and hurricanes.

The average lifespan of asphalt shingle roofs is 15-20 years in Louisiana compared to up to 30 years in more arid regions. Metal roofs can last 30-50 years, whereas they can last up to 70 years in regions that aren’t as hot and humid. And wood shingles can last from 15 to 25 years in Louisiana when they are expected to last up to 40 years in other areas with less challenging climates.

Investing in moisture-resistant and heat-reflective roofing materials is your best protection against the damaging elements in Louisiana. Furthermore, regular inspection can identify signs of roof damage so they can be remedied promptly and avoid more serious damage.

Another long-term impact of Louisiana’s climate, aside from shortening the lifespan of the roof, is increased energy costs. Roofs are vital in regulating indoor temperature. When the roof is in poor condition, it won’t effectively regulate the indoor temperature in your home, which results in higher energy bills. If you notice that your energy bills are unusually high, you should inspect your roof for damage.

Signs of Roof Damage

While prevention is better than cure, identifying and addressing the signs of damage promptly is the next best way to prevent expensive roof repairs. These are the key indicators of roof damage due to Louisiana’s extreme weather and climate conditions.

• Warped and cracked shingles – Prolonged sun exposure and thermal expansion causes the materials to curl or crack over time. This prolonged cycle can weaken the structure and the roofing materials.

• Water stains and leaks – Water damage is a good indicator of a damaged roof. Address this promptly to avoid weakening the wooden support beams of the roof, which could cause the ceiling to collapse. 

• Sagging roof – Sagging rooflines or warped rafters indicate excess moisture on the roof and the surrounding structure. 

Choosing the Best Roofing Materials in the Louisiana Climate

Understanding the causes of roof damage in Louisiana is the first step to making smarter choices to protect your home from damage. Since Louisiana summers are hot and humid, choosing cooling materials with long-term durability is essential.

The best roofing material that can provide a cooling effect to your home is metal. It is a naturally reflective material that won’t absorb heat like other materials. Many modern metal roofing materials have specialized protective coating that guards against UV rays, allowing it to withstand the Louisiana heat. 

Tile roofing materials like clay and concrete are excellent for the Louisiana climate. Choose light-colored tiles that reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. This prevents excessive heat buildup that can cause the roof material to expand and contract throughout the day.

And if you want to choose asphalt shingles for the roof of your home, choose those with reflective granules. These materials are more effective in deflecting heat from the sun to prevent long-term damage to the roof.

When choosing any material for the roof, always choose light-colored ones. They absorb less heat and can lower the temperature of the entire roof, so it won’t strain your HVAC system, too.

Another approach to choosing roof materials in the Louisiana climate is to choose a material that can resist moisture. Metal roofing can naturally resist mold and rot growth, so it is perfect for hot and humid regions like Louisiana. Slate roofing is another good example, as it cannot absorb water, which can cause mold and mildew formation. 

If you are unsure, you can consult with expert roofers in Baton Rouge to help you decide on the best roofing material for your needs.