At Best Choice Roofing, we don’t just install roofs; we help protect your home from the elements year-round with expert care and industry-leading materials. Serving homeowners across Winston-Salem, NC, we specialize in asphalt shingle roofing, offering everything from traditional three-tab shingles to high-end architectural and premium options. No matter the size or style of your home, we go the extra mile to ensure your roof is built to last in our unique Piedmont climate. But there’s one sneaky factor that many homeowners overlook when it comes to roof longevity in this area: humidity.
Winston-Salem’s humid subtropical climate brings plenty of charm, lush trees, vibrant gardens, and a long growing season. But that same moisture-rich air can do serious damage to your roof over time, especially if it’s not properly maintained. Let’s break down the top five hidden dangers humidity poses to your asphalt shingle roof and why you should stay ahead of them.
1. Moisture Trapped Under Shingles
Humidity creates the perfect environment for moisture to sneak in and settle underneath your shingles. Through the years, this can cause the roofing materials to warp, blister, or even lift. Once shingles become compromised, water has a clear path into your roof deck, leading to rot, leaks, and costly repairs. In Winston-Salem, summer humidity often spikes, especially after thunderstorms, making this a year-round threat.
2. Algae and Moss Growth
Ever seen those dark streaks on a roof and thought it was just dirt? That’s likely algae, and it loves Winston-Salem’s muggy climate. Algae and moss feed on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles, slowly breaking them down and reducing their effectiveness. Not only does this damage your roof structurally, but it also ruins curb appeal. Left unchecked, it can shorten your roof’s lifespan by several years.
3. Accelerated Granule Loss
Granules are the gritty top layer on asphalt shingles that protect against UV rays and provide fire resistance. But when humid air mixes with repeated rainfall and scorching sun, shingles can begin shedding these granules prematurely. In Winston-Salem, where weather conditions swing from hot and muggy to stormy and wet, this combination can wreak havoc on even the sturdiest shingles.
4. Ventilation Issues
Humidity isn’t just a problem outside your roof; it can also cause trouble from the inside out. If your attic isn’t properly ventilated (a common issue in older homes around Winston-Salem), hot, humid air becomes trapped, baking your shingles from beneath. This internal heat accelerates wear and tear, causes shingle curling, and even impacts your energy bills. Proper attic ventilation is a must in this region.
5. Hidden Mold and Mildew
With all that trapped moisture, mold and mildew can quietly grow beneath your shingles or within your attic. This doesn’t just compromise your roof structure; it can also cause health risks to your family. In a place like Winston-Salem, where humidity levels hover high for much of the year, a small leak or ventilation issue can quickly escalate into a mold problem if not caught early.
What You Can Do and How Best Choice Roofing Can Help
The good news? You don’t have to handle it alone. At Best Choice Roofing of Winston-Salem, we provide complimentary roof inspections to identify and address any signs of moisture-related damage. Whether you need a minor repair, improved attic ventilation, or a full roof replacement with high-performance shingles designed for our climate, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our crew understands the challenges local homeowners face, from summer humidity to sudden storms, and we tailor our solutions to keep your roof strong, beautiful, and long-lasting.
Are you ready to give your roof the care it deserves? Call Best Choice Roofing today to schedule your free inspection. Let’s make sure humidity doesn’t cut your roof’s life short. We’re local, we’re experienced, and we’re always going the extra mile for you.
