Understanding the Impact of Sun, Wind, and Hail on Your Roof

Your roof is a critical part of your home’s structure and its primary shield against the unpredictable forces of nature. In the Niagara Region, with its unique climate, that means withstanding everything from intense summer sun to severe winter storms. While asphalt shingles are built to be tough, they are not immune to the slow, cumulative damage caused by exposure to the elements. Understanding how weather affects your shingles can help you spot problems early and protect your investment. 🏠

At AJT Roofing & Contracting, we are the perfect solution to all your roofing problems. We want to help you understand what’s happening on your roof so you can be proactive about its care.

The Silent Destroyer: Sun (UV Radiation) ☀️

The sun is arguably the most consistent and damaging force your roof faces. It’s a slow and silent destroyer that works year after year, even on cloudy days.

UV Ray Degradation: The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are like tiny, persistent hammers. Over time, they break down the asphalt binder in your shingles. This causes the protective granules to loosen and fall off. Those granules are crucial because they reflect UV rays, keeping the asphalt layer below cool and protected.
Heat and Brittleness: The intense heat from the sun can make your shingles expand and contract throughout the day. This constant movement puts stress on the material, leading to cracking, curling, and brittleness. You may not see the damage right away, but this process makes your shingles more vulnerable to other weather events.

What to Look For: Patches of missing granules, faded shingle color, or shingles that look cracked or curled at the edges.

The Force of Nature: High Winds

High winds can cause both immediate and long-term damage to your roof.

Lifting and Tearing: Strong gusts of wind can get underneath shingle tabs, breaking the adhesive seal that holds them down. Even if the shingles aren’t completely ripped off, this lifting can crease them and leave them flapping in the wind. This exposes the underlayment to water and further damage.
Debris Impact: Winds often carry debris—branches, leaves, or even patio furniture—that can strike your roof. This can cause punctures or scratches that compromise the shingle’s waterproof surface, creating a path for water to get in.
Stress on Fasteners: The constant flapping and rattling of shingles in high winds can loosen the nails or fasteners that hold them in place, making the entire roof system more unstable and susceptible to future damage.

What to Look For: Missing shingles, visible creased or bent areas, or loose debris on your roof after a storm.

The Impact Crusher: Hail

While less frequent than sun or wind, hailstorms can cause significant damage in a very short amount of time.

Granule Loss and Bruising: When a hailstone strikes a shingle, it dislodges the protective granules at the point of impact. This leaves a dark, circular “bruise” on the shingle, exposing the asphalt layer underneath. Without the granules, this spot becomes an easy target for UV rays, accelerating the shingle’s aging process.
Fractures to the Shingle Mat: A hailstone’s force can be powerful enough to fracture the shingle’s fiberglass mat. These fractures may not be immediately obvious but can lead to cracks and leaks over time.

What to Look For: Small circular indentations or dark spots on your shingles, which are a sign of hail impact. You might also find a large amount of granules in your eavestroughs after a storm.

Our Service Areas:

We are proud to serve numerous communities across the Niagara Region, bringing our expertise and commitment to excellence to your doorstep. Our service areas include:

St. Catharines, Ontario
Vineland, Ontario
Fort Erie, Ontario
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Grimsby, Ontario
Welland, Ontario
Port Colborne, Ontario
Niagara Falls
Thorold, Ontario

No matter where you are in these areas, our St. Catharines team is ready to provide top-notch service.

Schedule Your Professional Roof Inspection Today!

Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a big problem. Protect your biggest investment your home by ensuring your roof is in optimal condition.

Your Trusted Partner in Roofing 🤝

Understanding how weather affects your shingles is key to proactive maintenance. At AJT Roofing & Contracting, we offer a full suite of services to ensure your roof is ready for anything the Niagara Region throws at it.

Shingles: From new installations to expert repairs, we ensure your shingle roof is installed with precision and care.
Flat Roof: We specialize in modern flat roofing systems, providing a durable and leak-proof solution for your home or business.
Solar Ventilation: Our solar-powered ventilation systems keep your attic cool and dry, extending your roof’s lifespan and lowering energy bills.
Skylights: We provide professional skylight installation and repair, seamlessly bringing natural light into your home while ensuring a watertight seal.
Eavestroughs and Gutter Guards: We protect your home’s foundation from water damage with professional eavestrough and gutter guard installation, ensuring proper drainage year-round.

We are your TRUSTED, RELIABLE SOURCE FOR QUALITY ROOF REPLACEMENT & REPAIR AT AFFORDABLE PRICES. With our Free Estimates, No Subcontractors policy, and Guaranteed Workmanship with a Lifetime Guarantee on Materials, you can be confident that you’re getting the best possible service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I have my roof inspected? It’s a good practice to have your roof professionally inspected at least once a year, ideally in the spring or fall. You should also schedule an inspection after any major weather event, like a hailstorm or a severe windstorm.
Can I repair a single damaged shingle? Yes, often a single damaged shingle can be replaced. However, it’s important to have a professional assess the surrounding area, as one damaged shingle could be a sign of wider, less visible damage.
What’s the average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof in the Niagara Region? The lifespan depends on the shingle quality and weather exposure. A high-quality architectural shingle roof can last 25-30 years, but extreme weather can shorten this.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover weather-related damage? Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover damage from wind and hail. However, coverage can vary, and pre-existing damage is often not covered. It’s best to contact your insurance provider directly and have a professional roofer document the damage.
How do I know if my roof needs to be replaced or just repaired? If the damage is isolated to a small area and the rest of the roof is in good condition, a repair may be sufficient. However, if there are widespread issues like extensive granule loss, multiple missing shingles, or cracking across large sections, a full replacement is likely a more cost-effective and safer long-term solution.

Government and Related Resources

Environment and Climate Change Canada (Weather Information): This is the official source for weather warnings, forecasts, and historical weather data for the Niagara Region, which can help you understand local climate trends.
- Resource: https://weather.gc.ca/
Ontario Building Code: This provincial code sets the minimum standards for the design, construction, and materials of all buildings, including roofs. It’s a key resource for ensuring any new roof installation or major repair meets legal and safety requirements.
- Resource: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332 (Look for Section 9.26 “Roofs”)
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC): As a national association, the IBC provides valuable consumer information on insurance policies and making claims, including for damage from severe weather events like hail.
- Resource: https://www.ibc.ca/disaster/hail

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