Regional roofing risks: Southern California

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Understanding 5 common roofing issues that SoCal homeowners face. 

For many people, the year-round sunshine of Southern California (SoCal) sounds like a dream. But locals of the area will be the first to say that the climate is far more complicated than just sunshine and good vibes. SoCal natural conditions include everything from intense ultraviolet rays, coastal salt air and Santa Ana winds to wildfire threats and even the occasional heavy rain. And those same locals, like the roofers at Bumble Roofing, know just how challenging some of those conditions can be when it comes to maintaining a home.  

1 - Sun 

The same sunshine that draws people to SoCal has a dark side, and that’s intense ultraviolet rays. Not only can these rays give you a nasty sunburn, but they can also shorten the lifespan of your roof. How? Constant exposure can dry out asphalt shingles, leaving them brittle, cracked or curled. Although some roofing materials are promoted with long lifespans, the conditions in Los Angeles can accelerate wear and make annual inspections an important part of protecting a home or business. 

2 - Wind 

Though people tend to not think about it as much as the year-round sun, the Santa Ana winds are another major part of SoCal’s climate. The Santa Ana winds, which are also sometimes known as the devil winds, are very dry as they come from the Great Basin region. These winds can reach speeds over 60 mph, creating uplift that loosens shingles, damages edge flashing and sends debris across roofing systems.  

3 – Salt 

Walking on a SoCal beach with salt spray in your hair might seem like the opening to the perfect summer movie, but just like that year-round sun has its drawbacks, the salt in the air can become a big headache for homeowners. For homes near the coast, including areas such as West Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Long Beach, salt air can speed up corrosion around metal flashing, fasteners, vents and roof penetrations.  

4 – Fire  

This one you’ve probably heard about in the last few years. SoCal tends to be a pretty dry place, which makes it a prime location for summer wildfires. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the roof they choose for their home plays a significant role in protecting them from fire. How? A lot of fires spread through embers on the wind that land on roofs or enter through vents. By choosing a roofing material that is Class A fire-rated, it can actually help stop the spread of a wildfire.  

5 – Rain  

After our point about fires, it might seem like rain would be a good thing for such a dry place as SoCal. But, when it’s sunny for so much of the year, it can be hard to remember to maintain your roof drainage systems, which can lead to problems like ponding water, clogged gutters and poor drainage when that storm does show up. And those problems might seem relatively small, but they can contribute to bigger, more expensive issues like leaks, membrane deterioration and interior water stains. 

Conclusion 

This is not to say that SoCal isn’t a great place to live – the beaches and the culture truly are one of a kind. It is simply important to highlight how important it is to work with a local roofer who can help you see through the sun-soaked perfect picture and pick roofing materials that will stand up to the harshness of your local climate. 

Learn more about picking the right materials for Southern California.