Three Fall Weather Threats to Prepare For

Lightning IN The Air

This Thursday, September 22 marks the first day of autumn this year. For most of the country, this is a very welcome shift away from the record-setting heat much of the country experienced this summer. Autumn is the season of the year between summer and winter during which the temperatures begin to gradually decrease. Here in the US, autumn is often referred to as Fall because trees begin shedding their leaves during this period. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of the trees changing color or relax and cool down now that summer temperatures are finally subsiding, but it’s important to remember that this can be a volatile period for weather across most of the United States.

Here are a few weather threats to watch out for this season:

1. Severe Thunderstorms

Much like spring, autumn is a season full of changing weather patterns that often involves cold, dryer air clashing with warm, humid air. When these systems collide, they create powerful storms that bring high winds and heavy rains, as well as the occasional threat of tornados While not as prevalent as spring, the secondary peak of severe weather last from Oct to November, particularly in the southern half of the U.S.

2. Hurricane Season Isn’t Over Yet

The Atlantic Hurricane season begins in June and usually peaks in September and October, before winding down in November. While areas on the east coast may be starting to cool down, the warm waters from around the equator can create tropical depressions that can develop into hurricanes as they track north up the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

3. Early Season Snowstorms

In much of the Northern half of the country, it’s not uncommon to get the first snowstorms during autumn. These snowstorms are usually heavy and wet instead of light and powdery. This type of snow can overload parts of your roof and cause damage to the deck below. If extreme (but rare) instances, it could lead to a roof collapse!

Due to the warmer temperature swings during the fall, much of it may melt, only to refreeze as it reaches a cool shaded spot on your roof. This ice will build up in these cooler areas and create ice dams, which can damage your roof, gutters, and scuppers. There’s also the threat of moisture penetrating your building that cannot drain from your roof due to frozen drains in low-lying spots on your roof.

Don’t Take Chances

Now is the perfect time to schedule your fall roof inspection. A professional, experienced roofing contractor will be able to provide a detailed inspection report of your roof, giving you a clear idea of the condition of your roof before going into the last stretch of the year. This may be the last opportunity of the year to fix leaks and repair damage that occurred previously throughout the year, before winter sets in.

If you have any questions about the inspection process or don’t have a trusted local professional roofing contractor, the RoofConnect team would be happy to assist you. Our team of experts can help answer any questions you may have and can usually get one of our inspection crews out on your roof within 48 hours of scheduling.

Give RoofConnect a call today! 

870.942.5613

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