The Impact of Los Angeles Weather on Commercial Roofs
- Staff Writer
- Jul 28, 2024
- 3 min read

In Los Angeles, the weather really changes a lot. During summer, it gets super hot and dry, but in winter, it's more mild and can get pretty wet. This kind of changing weather can be tough on commercial roofs around here. Knowing what problems the LA weather might cause is key to keeping your flat roof in good shape for a long time. By getting ahead of these issues and teaming up with skilled roofing experts, you'll be able to tackle any weather-related challenges that come your way with your commercial roof in Los Angeles.
How Heat and Sun Exposure Degrade Roofing Materials
In Los Angeles, the strong sun and heat can really wear down the materials on flat roofs of buildings. The UV rays from the sun can cause a lot of problems like:
Making roofing material like shingles or membranes get cracks, become brittle, and not work as well.
Causing the roof to expand and shrink because of changes in temperature, which makes joints and glues weaker.
Changing the color or look of roofing materials so they don't look good anymore.
To help your commercial flat roof stand up better to heat and sunlight, you might want to try these tips:
Pick roofing materials that are made to reflect sunlight or resist heat so they don’t soak up too much warmth.
Put special heating tape around places that could get damaged by ice dams or water during cold snaps in areas such as gutters or downspouts.
Have a pro check out your roof regularly for any signs of damage caused by heat so you can fix small issues before they turn into big ones.
By taking steps to protect your commercial flat roof from all that sunshine and warmth in Los Angeles, it'll last longer with fewer repairs needed.
Wind Damage
When strong winds hit, they can be a real problem for flat roofs on buildings. Here's what happens:
The wind might lift and rip off parts like shingles, leaving the roof underneath open to getting damaged by water.
It could hurt the whole setup of the roof, including important bits like flashing and sealant. This messes with how well your roof holds up.
Also, debris flying around in the wind can land on your roof and cause tears or holes.
If you're dealing with damage from high winds to your flat commercial rooftop, here are some steps to take:
After it gets windy out there, make sure you check over your roof for any harm or things that have moved out of place.
Get in touch with someone who knows about roofs so they can see how bad it is and fix whatever needs fixing or add extra support where needed.
Think about using materials for roofing that stand up better against wind next time around.
Taking care of damage quickly helps keep your building's top layer solid and cuts down on having to do big fixes later.
The Role of Rain and Storms in Roof Damage
Rain and storms can really do a number on your commercial flat roof. When it pours heavily or when a storm hits, you might find yourself needing to fix up the roof pronto. Here's how rain and storms mess with your roof:
With too much rain, the drainage system might not keep up, causing water to gather and possibly leak through.
The strong winds that come along with storms have enough power to peel off shingles or other parts of the roofing, leaving what's underneath open to water damage.
Hail is another troublemaker that can punch holes or leave dents in the roofing membrane. This makes it easier for leaks to start.
To tackle these issues caused by rain and storms on your flat roof, here are some steps you could take:
After any heavy rainfall or stormy weather, make sure you check out your roof for any signs of harm like damage or leaks.
It’s wise to get in touch with an expert in roofing who can look over how bad things are and help fix them up as needed.
You might also want to think about ways to prevent this kind of damage before it happens again. Things like putting on wind-resistant shingles or applying protective coatings could be big helps.
By taking care of damages from rainstorms quickly, you're helping keep your commercial flat roof safe from further problems such as more leaks and water getting inside where it shouldn't be.