5 Reasons Why People Put Tires On the Roof

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Have you ever driven around a rural area and wondered, why do people put tires on their roof? This practice isn’t unusual for some roof designs and structures like mobile homes. It offers some protection against damage especially during storms, but isn’t a good choice for every roof!

Why do people put tires on their roof? Reasons include:

• Adding weight and stability
• As emergency repairs
• For added insulation
• To deter pests

These are just a few reasons why you might see tires on a roof in rural areas and mobile home parks. Also, you might consider this practice carefully before deciding it’s right for your home! While tires offer some benefits, there are drawbacks to using them as makeshift protection or insulation.

Also, a roof repair contractor near you is the best source of advice for ensuring a strong roof overhead! Their expertise ensures your property’s roof lasts as long as possible. Making prompt repairs also keeps damage from getting worse. With this in mind, keep reading to find out more about tires on a roof and what’s right for your property.

Why Do People Put Tires on Their Roof?

Placing tires on the roof is not a common or recommended practice. However, people have been known to use this approach as a makeshift solution for various reasons. This is especially true in rural areas or places where budget is a concern!

Here are a few reasons why someone might put tires on their home’s roof. If you require a new roof installation, please trust the experts and don't try to patch up your roof yourself:

1. Weight and Stability

Placing tires on the roof could be an attempt to add extra weight and stability during high winds or storms. The idea is that added weight might help prevent the roof from being lifted or moved by strong winds.

Also, remember that older roofs are often more prone to damage in any weather but especially high winds. In turn, homeowners who can’t afford a new roof might take whatever steps they can to keep that roof in place!

2. Emergency Repairs

In some cases, individuals may use tires to temporarily cover or patch areas of damage or leaking. Tires could be placed over holes or damaged sections to prevent water from entering the interior. This is not a permanent solution, as water can still make its way under those tires.

3. DIY Insulation

People might place tires on the roof as an unconventional form of insulation. The idea is that the tires block sunlight and heat, thus keeping the interior cooler. Also, thick rubber helps to keep in your heating and cooling.

Tires can also help keep shingles in place, as said. In turn, this can mean better insulation than if the roof was missing patches of shingles or other materials. Keeping out water also means better insulation for your property’s roof.

4. Insect Repellant

Thick rubber tires help keep out insects and rodents who might make their way into the home through holes in the roof. Tires can also help prevent birds from roosting or nesting on the roof and causing damage.

5. Added Protection

Some homeowners might also put tires on their home’s roof to protect the roof from falling debris. Thick trees often drop moss, twigs, and even dead branches onto nearby roofs. This debris risks costly damage to any roofing material. However, tires can keep that debris off the roof, preventing some damage.

Also, some homeowners might expect the rubber of tires to ground lightning strikes. They can also absorb lightning strikes, helping to protect your home’s roofing materials against damage.

Is It Bad to Put Tires on a Roof?

Putting tires on a roof is not an effective or safe solution for needed protection, first, tires can trap moisture, damaging the roof and potentially accelerating rot or deterioration. Second, the uneven weight distribution of tires can create structural stress and damage to a roof.

Also, tires are not a suitable form of weatherproofing. They don’t provide complete protection against rain, snow, or other elements. In fact, they can trap water from melting snow and ice on the roof, increasing damage risks.

Additionally, note that unsecured tires can also present hazards in high winds. Rather than having the roof blow away, you might find the tires loose in the wind! They can land virtually anywhere, risking damage to cars and houses.

How Do You Protect Roofs Against Storms?

If tires are not a good choice for protecting a roof against storms, what are some options for homeowners? Check out some ways you can keep your home’s roof safe even during high winds and other inclement weather:

• Conduct routine roof inspections to identify existing damage or weak points. Addressing issues like loose shingles, damaged flashing, or deteriorating seals before storms hit prevents further damage.
• Trim back overhanging branches and trees that could potentially fall onto your roof during a storm. Falling branches can cause significant damage to the roof's surface.
• Before a storm, secure or store loose items in your yard that could become projectiles in high winds. This includes patio furniture, grills, gardening tools, and other outdoor items. These can even end up on roofs, risking damage to shingles and tiles!
• Make sure satellite dishes, solar panels, and HVAC units are properly secured to the roof. Loose attachments can be torn off during strong winds. These can then take shingles, tiles, flashing, and other materials with them.
• Keep gutters and drains clear of debris to ensure proper drainage. Clogged gutters can lead to water accumulation, which can weaken the roof and cause leaks. Roof eaves also absorb that water, encouraging algae that also loosens shingles.
• Inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations regularly. Properly sealed flashing helps prevent water from infiltrating vulnerable areas.
• Make sure all shingles are properly nailed down and secured. Loose or missing shingles can be easily lifted by strong winds. Ensure you use proper roofing nails when securing those shingles or tiles. Other nails and connectors might not work as well to keep those materials in place.
• Consider using impact-resistant roofing materials designed to withstand hail and debris during storms. These higher-quality materials aren’t as likely to buckle, shred or otherwise suffer damage during hailstorms or when hit with debris.
• Hurricane straps and other reinforcement systems enhance the roof's structural integrity. These keep roofing materials in place even during high winds. If you live in a stormy area, invest in these straps for your home.
• Keep an emergency roof repair kit on hand. This includes tarps, plywood, nails, and other materials used to temporarily cover damaged areas until proper repairs can be made.

How Do You Add Insulation to a Roof?

Since tires aren’t the best insulation choice for a roof, how do you improve its insulating value? Adding insulation to a roof helps improve your property’s energy efficiency. It regulates indoor temperatures and reduces heating and cooling costs.

There are several ways you can add insulation to different roof materials. Your best choice depends on the type of roof overhead and your budget. Check out some methods you might discuss with a roof installation contractor:

• Improving attic insulation helps protect a roof. You might choose batt or roll insulation, blown-in insulation, or spray foam. Blown-in and foam help fill gaps while foam is especially effective at providing an airtight seal.
• Rigid foam insulation is excellent for flat roofs. A contractor places boards on the roof deck before installing the roofing material. These boards provide good thermal resistance for flat roofs.
• For sloped roofs, a contractor might create a ventilated air gap between the insulation and the roofing material. They then install insulation on top of the roof sheathing, creating an air space beneath the roofing material.

What Is the Strongest Roofing Material?

The strength of a roofing material depends on its durability, resistance to various elements, and ability to withstand different stresses. There are several roofing materials known for their strength and durability, including:

• Slate is a natural stone roofing material known for its exceptional durability and longevity. It’s been used for centuries and is resistant to fire, wind, and extreme weather conditions. Slate roofs can last for over a century if properly installed and maintained.
• Metal roofing materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper are known for their strength and durability. They are resistant to fire, insects, rot, and have excellent wind and impact resistance. Metal roofs can last 50 years or more.
• Both concrete and clay tiles are strong and long-lasting roofing options. They are fire-resistant and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Tiles are relatively heavy, so proper structural support is necessary.
• Fiber cement roofing is known for its durability, fire resistance, and resistance to insects and rot. It's often used as an alternative to natural slate or wood shake.
• While not as heavy-duty as some other materials, high-quality asphalt shingles still provide good durability and resistance to weather conditions. They are a common choice for residential roofing.

A Word From Our Roofing Crew

RC Roofing is happy to help explain, why do people put tires on their roof? Hopefully we’ve helped explain this choice! Also, if you’re in the state, call our Rhode Island roof repair contractors for your FREE quote. We provide outstanding services at affordable prices.