770.516.5806 
Georgia’s humid subtropical climate, with its hot summers and heavy rains throughout the year, presents particular challenges to homeowners—especially when it comes to roof maintenance.
This combination of intense heat and moisture can lead to a number of issues that can compromise the health and longevity of your roof.
In this article, we will discuss how Georgia’s weather patterns and humid conditions affect your roof and the steps you can take to mitigate the risk to your home.
What Is Humidity?
Simply put, humidity is the concentration of water vapor present in the air. When humidity is high, the air feels unpleasant and muggy. The amount of humidity in the air will vary depending on the temperature, amount of sunlight, and if bodies of water are near.
In places like Georgia, high humidity just seems like the everyday norm most of the year. In view of this, all Georgia homeowners do well to understand the kinds of preventative maintenance necessary to preserve your roof in humid climates.
How Humidity Can Affect Your Roof
Intense heat, high humidity, and sudden storms put the health and strength of your roof to the test. When humidity levels are high, a number of roofing issues may arise.
Mold and mildew growth
In humid climates, excessive moisture can seep into roofing materials, leading to mold and mildew growth. Left unchecked, mold growth will cause the roofing materials to deteriorate prematurely. What’s more, allergens and toxins are released into the air your family breathes.
Moss and algae growth
Algae and moss thrive in humid climates like Georgia. Algae stains degrade the appearance of your roof, while moss traps moisture against the roof surface. The resulting rot can compromise the entire structural integrity of your roof and roofing materials.
Thermal expansion
High temperatures and sudden temperature changes may cause roofing materials to expand and contract. Over time, roofing materials may buckle, or gaps and cracks may appear between shingles, panels, or flashing, which can lead to leaks and other problems.
Asphalt shingle damage
Asphalt shingle roofs are particularly vulnerable to the effects of humid climates if not carefully maintained. High temperatures tend to prematurely age asphalt shingles and break them down faster. These shingles may curl, crack, or buckle in extreme heat and humidity. When this happens, areas of the roof may begin to leak, and further structural damage may occur.
Rust issues
When exposed to high humidity levels, metal roofs are especially susceptible to corrosion and rust. At times, condensation may occur on the underside of a metal roof, especially if there is a significant temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the home. These concerns may weaken the roof’s structural integrity and cause a number of issues.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Roof From Humidity
Clearly, high humidity poses a significant risk to your roof, even compromising its intended lifespan. That said, there are a number of things you can do as a Georgia homeowner to protect your financial investment and ensure the longevity of your roof.
Clean your roof, gutters, and downspouts
Regularly cleaning your roof’s surface will prevent the growth of algae, mold, and mildew—all of which can quickly compromise the integrity of your roof.
Furthermore, clogged gutters can lead to all manners of problems. Regularly cleaning your gutters and downspouts will ensure proper water drainage from your roof and prevent additional moisture-related issues.
Trim overhanging branches
Trimming back overhanging branches minimizes damage to your roof. Dropped leaves, falling limbs, and other debris trap moisture and promote mold growth. Keeping things trimmed and tidy will allow more sunlight to hit your roof, drying it out and thus reducing the risk of humidity-related problems.
Promptly make repairs
Minor roof damage can quickly escalate into a major problem if not addressed right away. Promptly replacing missing shingles and sealing roof leaks will help maintain the integrity of your roof so that it lasts as long as possible. Making such timely roof repairs will give you peace of mind and likely save you money in the long run.
Regularly inspect your roof for damage
Conscientious homeowners regularly inspect their roofs for early signs of damage. Doing so will ensure your roof’s condition is protected. Look for indications of water damage, wood rot, damaged shingles, and similar concerns.
What’s more, professional roofing companies offer regular roof inspections. Taking advantage of this service will help you catch visible damage and any underlying issues with the roof structure before major or emergency repairs are needed. Periodic roof inspections and preventative maintenance will go a long way toward preserving your roof’s lifespan in Georgia’s humid climate.
Proper attic ventilation
Good attic ventilation plays an important role in maintaining your roof in humid areas. Inadequate ventilation traps heat and moisture, leading to mold and mildew growth, dry rot, and premature deterioration of roofing materials.
On the other hand, proper ventilation helps keep your home cooler, improves overall energy efficiency, and extends your roof’s lifespan.
Choosing Roofing Material for a Humid Climate
In Georgia’s humid climate, there are several factors to consider when selecting roofing materials:
- Durability: Your roof needs to be able to withstand Georgia’s varying weather patterns, including the humid and hot summer months, as well as wind, rain, and hail.
- Resistance to mildew and mold growth: It is advantageous to consider roofing materials that are less prone to moisture build-up and damage.
- Energy efficiency: Your roof plays a role in keeping your home comfortable, cool in the summer, and warm in the winter—reducing energy costs.
- Color and aesthetics: You will want to choose a roof that complements the style of your home. Additionally, light-colored roofs generally keep homes cooler in areas with intense sun by reflecting more sunlight and absorbing less heat.
Common roofing materials used in Georgia’s homes include:
- Asphalt shingles: These are popular for their affordability, variety of styles, and easy installation. With regular maintenance, asphalt shingles can be a viable roofing option for Georgia homeowners.
- Tile roofing: Well suited for humid climates, tile roofs are highly durable, repel water, and have excellent thermal performance.
- Metal roofing: Extremely durable, metal roofs can withstand humidity well and are resistant to mold and mildew growth when properly treated.
When it comes time to replace your roof, an experienced Georgia roofing contractor can help you weigh the pros and cons of available roofing options so that you can make an educated decision that best meets your needs.
Protect Your Georgia Roof With the Skilled Team at Findlay Roofing
Georgia’s humid climate presents unique conditions to homeowners, making regular maintenance a key factor in keeping your roof in good condition. By remaining vigilant and proactively addressing issues, you can increase the longevity of your roof.
When it comes to maintaining your roof and protecting your home, you need professional advice that you can trust. Findlay Roofing is Georgia’s largest full-service roofing contractor. In business since 1995, we pride ourselves on helping Georgia property owners keep their roofs in prime condition.
Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, we are known for our superior workmanship and customer satisfaction. Call the Findlay Roofing team today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free roof analysis. Having a capable contractor on your side can make all the difference in your roofing experience.
