Older roofs face higher storm-season risk, roofing pros say

Roofing professionals say aging materials can make homes and commercial buildings more vulnerable when severe weather hits, especially if maintenance has been delayed. The warning comes as storm season raises the stakes for inspections, repairs and replacement planning. Why it matters: - Older roofs may fail in storms even if they look serviceable in normal weather. - Property owners who know a roof’s age and condition can better plan inspections, maintenance and replacement budgets before severe weather exposes weak spots. - Insurance claims can become more complicated when storms uncover wear that developed over many years. What happened: - Roofing professionals say storm season puts added stress on residential and commercial roofing systems. - Thad Brown, owner and founder of Dynamic Alliance Roofing LLC in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, said years of weather exposure can create small issues that severe storms reveal. - Dynamic Alliance Roofing LLC provides residential and commercial roofing services, roof inspections, storm damage assessments, repairs and roof replacement solutions throughout Wisconsin. - Brown has worked in the roofing industry for more than 40 years. - The company’s social media link is More information . The details: - Roofing materials age through exposure to sunlight, temperature swings, precipitation, wind and seasonal weather patterns. - Asphalt shingles can lose flexibility over time. - Sealants can deteriorate. - Flashing components can loosen. - Protective granules can wear away. - Wind can lift, crack or separate older shingles, flashing, ridge caps and other components. - Heavy rain can exploit small gaps, deteriorated sealants, damaged flashing and worn materials. - Hail can crack aging roofing materials, cause punctures and accelerate granule loss. - Repeated expansion and contraction from temperature changes can stress shingles, fasteners, sealants and other parts of a roof. - In northern climates such as Wisconsin, snow and ice can add freeze-thaw movement and ice dam risks. - Routine inspections can identify damaged shingles, deteriorated flashing, loose fasteners and other concerns before severe weather arrives. - Roof age alone does not determine storm damage risk; installation quality, maintenance history, ventilation, environmental exposure and prior repairs also matter. - Advancements in shingle design, underlayment materials, fastening systems, impact resistance and wind performance have expanded replacement options. - Preventive maintenance includes clearing debris, maintaining drainage systems, inspecting flashing and fixing minor issues quickly. Between the lines: - The core message is preventive, not reactive: storms often expose weaknesses that were already there. - Aging alone is not a diagnosis, but it is a useful signal for a closer look before the next severe weather event. - Stronger roofing products may help with future replacements, but upkeep still matters on existing roofs. What’s next: - Property owners are likely to continue using inspections, maintenance records and installation dates to judge storm readiness. - Brown said understanding roof age and condition helps property owners prepare more effectively for storm season. - As severe weather continues affecting communities nationwide, roof condition will remain part of property maintenance planning. - Storms cannot be prevented, but roof assessments can guide decisions on maintenance and long-term roofing strategy. The bottom line: - Older roofs face more risk in severe weather, and the best defense is early inspection before storm season exposes hidden damage.