If you have lived in the Queen City for any length of time you know the old saying that if you do not like the weather you should just wait five minutes. Cincinnati is famous for its atmospheric mood swings where we might experience a crisp morning at thirty degrees followed by a sunny afternoon in the high sixties. While this variety keeps life interesting it is actually incredibly taxing on your home. Your roof is the primary line of defense against these shifts and the constant expansion and contraction can lead to serious structural issues over time.
The Science of Thermal Expansion and Contraction
To understand why our weather is so hard on shingles you have to look at the physics of roofing materials. Most Cincinnati homes utilize asphalt shingles which are designed to be flexible. However every material on your roof including the wooden decking the metal flashing and the shingles themselves expands when it gets hot and shrinks when it gets cold.
When the temperature jumps forty degrees in a single day these materials are moving at different rates. This process is known as thermal shock. Over several seasons this constant stretching and pulling causes the shingles to become brittle. You might start to notice small cracks or the loss of protective granules which eventually leaves the underlying mat exposed to the sun and rain.
Nail Pops and Shingle Shift
One of the most common "hidden" problems caused by Cincinnati temperature swings is the dreaded nail pop. As the wooden roof deck expands and contracts it can slowly push roofing nails upward. Once a nail head is no longer flush it lifts the shingle above it. This creates a small gap where wind can catch the shingle or where water can seep directly into the wood. If you look at your roof and see shingles that appear to be "humping" or sticking up in odd places you are likely looking at the result of thermal movement.
Flashing and Sealant Failure
Your roof is not just shingles. It is a complex system of vents chimneys and valleys that are all sealed with metal flashing and industrial adhesives. Metal expands much more aggressively than asphalt. When we have a week of wild temperature fluctuations the sealants around your chimney or vent pipes can pull away or crack. Once that seal is broken a heavy Ohio rainstorm will find that gap instantly leading to ceiling stains and attic mold.
Protecting Your Investment
Because Cincinnati weather is so unpredictable you cannot afford to take a "set it and forget it" approach to your roof. These small issues like a single nail pop or a cracked seal around a vent are easy to fix if they are caught early. However if they are left alone through another cycle of freezing and thawing they will inevitably turn into expensive interior water damage.
At Stuart Conrad Roofing we understand exactly what the local climate does to a home. We have spent years helping Cincinnati homeowners navigate the damage caused by our unique weather patterns. Whether you are worried about recent thermal cracking or you just want a professional set of eyes to check your flashing we are here to help. Give us a call today to schedule a thorough inspection and ensure your home stays dry no matter what the Ohio forecast throws our way.