Why Do People Put Tires on Their Roof?

Why Do People Put Tires on Their Roof? People put tires on their roofs for several reasons, primarily in rural areas and mobile homes.

The practice serves practical purposes such as preventing roof rumble, securing tin roofs, and providing cost-effective weather protection.

Key Takeaways on Using Tires for Rural Roofing

Purpose	Method	Benefits
Prevent Roof Rumble	Stack tires to stabilize the roof and absorb heat fluctuations	– Eliminates noise- Prevents loose materials- Reduces structural damage
Secure Tin Roofs	Place tires on top of tin panels	– Resists wind uplift- Fills gaps between panels- Provides affordable security
Add Weather Protection	Layer tires above vulnerable areas	– Absorbs hail impact- Breaks up snow weight- Seals leaks
Easy DIY Solution	Re-use abundant local tires	– Simple to install- Long-lasting materials- Repurposes old materials
Exemplifies Rural Ingenuity	Turn “trash” into functional tools	– Shows self-reliance- Repurposes waste creatively- Values experience over codes

Preventing Roof Rumble

Roofs can experience significant expansion and contraction in areas with intense sunlight as temperatures rise and fall throughout the day.

This movement can lead to several problems:

Audible rumbling, popping, or crackling sounds coming from the roof
Loosening of roofing materials like shingles over time
Cracking and degradation of roofing tiles or coatings
Structural damage as roofs shift and settle unevenly

Stacking tires on roofs helps minimize expansion and contraction issues through

Added weight to provide stability and hold roofing materials tightly in place
Reduced space between roofing materials to minimize movement
Absorption of heat by the rubber tires, reducing temperature fluctuations

Specific benefits of using tires to prevent roof rumble include

Eliminates annoying rumbling noises coming from the roof
It prevents shingles and tiles from coming loose over seasons of expansion and contraction
Reduces risk of materials cracking, sliding, or falling off the roof
It lessens the chance of structural roof damage from uneven movement or settling
Extends the overall lifespan of roofing materials by securing them firmly in place
Provides long-term solution, as tires last 20-30 years when protected from UV rays

So, for homeowners dealing with a noisy, rumbling roof, tires can provide an effective preventative measure by anchoring the roof firmly in place and absorbing heat variations.

The result is a stable, quiet roof that maintains structural integrity season after season.

Securing Tin Roofs

Tin is a common roofing material for barns, sheds, and homes in rural areas. The large, lightweight sheets of metal are affordable and easy to install.

The smooth metal surface and lack of overlap between panels make tin roofs vulnerable to high winds.

Strong winds from storms or tornadoes can blow the roof off one panel at a time without proper precautions. Heavy rains can also seep through the gaps and cause leaks.

Placing tires on top of tin roofing panels helps provide essential wind resistance and waterproofing through:

Added weight to resist uplift forces from high winds
Filling in gaps between panels to block wind and water penetration
Friction between tires and metal to resist sliding during storms
Absorption of noise and impact from falling rain or hail

Compared to other tin roof securing methods, tires offer distinct advantages:

Method	Pros	Cons
Tires	– Very low cost using recycled tires- Do not corrode or degrade- Easy DIY installation	– Can only hold down smaller/moderate-sized roofs- Not as attractive-looking
Screws	– Strongly anchors panels in place- Low profile	– Time consuming installation- Risk of leakage at screw holes- Corrosion over time
Adhesives	– Full bonding contact- Prevents wind lifting	– Messy application- Low strength against extreme winds- Can degrade over time

In climates prone to extreme weather, tires provide an affordable and straightforward way to keep tin roofs secure in everyday conditions and severe storms.

The added ballast brings peace of mind that the roof won’t blow away tile by tile.

Cost-Effective Weather Protection

Homeowners in rural areas deal with increased exposure to severe weather elements that can damage roofing materials:

Hailstorms that pelt and chip shingles
Heavy snow loads that strain roof structures
High winds that lift tiles and cause leaks
Driving rain that seeps through vulnerabilities

Installing protection like metal sheeting can be expensive. But stacking tires on the roof provides an economical extra barrier against weather damage:

Hail Protection

Thick rubber absorbs hailstone impact, preventing roof coverage damage
Creates bumps and deflection angles that divert hailstones
Adds cushioning layer between hail and shingles/tiles

Snow Load Relief

Tires elevate accumulated snow, improving melt-off and runoff
Breaks up snow weight distribution to prevent heavy load stress
Prevents snow piling up and clogging gutters and drains

Wind and Rain Resistance

Seals gaps where water infiltration can occur
Adds weight/grip to prevent wind uplift on tiles and shingles
Creates friction to minimize material shifting from wind

Long-lasting

Tires endure exposure to elements without degrading
Outlast other roofing materials, providing decades of protection
Easily added as supplemental protection on top of existing roofing

Compared to other protective measures like metal sheeting, tires provide very effective and long-lasting weather protection at virtually no cost by recycling used tires.

A few stacks covering vulnerable areas can spare rural homeowners expensive weather-related roof repairs.

Easy Installation and Durability

One of the most significant advantages of using tires for roofing purposes is how simple they are to install and how long they last:

Straightforward Installation

Requires no special skills, tools, or materials
Tires are light enough for one person to lift and stack
It can be installed over existing roofing in just an afternoon
Simply stack to the desired height and use straps to secure

Long-Lasting Materials

Tires sheltered from UV rays last 20-30 years
Rubber withstands exposure to heat, cold, rain, and hail
Stay secured in place through any type of weather
Far outlast other common rural roofing materials

Re-Purposing On-Hand Materials

Most rural homeowners have access to free used tires
Turning “trash” into functional roofing materials
It saves money compared to buying new roofing supplies
Limits trips to the hardware store for materials

Low Maintenance

Tires are set-it-and-forget-it once installed
Don’t require frequent repairs, sealing, or replacement
Just conduct occasional inspections for shifting/damage
Re-secure or add new tires as needed over the years

For rural homeowners looking for a hassle-free, long-term solution, it’s hard to beat re-purposing tires.

With minimal effort, used tires become durable roofing aids able to withstand anything nature throws them. Installing tires is a DIY project well within reach of any handy rural homeowner.

An Ingenious Use of Available Resources

Stacking tires on roofs highlights the resourcefulness still found in rural communities today.

When faced with roofing problems, rural homeowners devise clever solutions using available materials.

Repurposing “Waste” Materials

Old used tires are often considered junk to discard
Stacking tires on roofs gives them a valuable second life
Turns a liability into an asset that solves problems

Making Do with What’s Available

Rural areas have ready access to used tires
Tires are put to practical use since buying new supplies may be costly
“Necessity is the mother of invention.”

Self-Reliance and Innovation

Shows the self-sufficient mindset of handling problems on your own
It doesn’t require paying contractors or roofing experts
Illustrates the innovative spirit of rural communities

Tradition and Folk Knowledge

Passing down unconventional techniques from generation to generation
Local knowledge preserved through firsthand experience
Wisdom not found in contractor handbooks!

While it may not be a modern or code-approved technique, re-purposing tires is ingenious, resourceful, and practical.

It exemplifies the self-reliance and common sense that still thrives in rural areas. Homeowners observe issues and then devise clever solutions using available tools and materials. This local roofing tradition carries forward that spirit today.

Why Do People Put Tires On Their Mobile Home Roof?

The use of tires on rooftops is especially prevalent in mobile home communities. The lightweight design of manufactured homes makes them susceptible to weather impacts and movement.

Mobile homeowners turn to the stability and protection of tire stacks to address concerns like:

High winds – Mobile home roofs’ broad, flat expanses are vulnerable to damage and uplift from storms and gusts. Tires provide grip and weight.
Snow weight – Winter snow can accumulate quickly on shallow mobile home roofs. Tires help break up heavy snow loads.
Severe weather – Tires supply supplemental armor against the elements from hail to torrential rains.
Shifting – Tires anchor the home, preventing movement that can degrade roofing seals and cause leaks.
Heat exposure – Rubber absorbs and dissipates the intense heat mobile home roofs experience, reducing strain.

With limited budgets, stacking spare tires is an ideal solution accessible to any mobile homeowner needing a little extra roof protection.

Tires exemplify the resourcefulness and practicality of mobile homeowners in dealing with their roof vulnerabilities.

The Final Take on Tires Above

The answer to the question, “Why put tires on your roof?” comes down to convenience and visibility. Homeowners opt for roof storage to keep tires handy while maximizing ground space.

But it’s not a decision to take lightly. Safety should be the top priority. Reinforce and secure the stacks properly, consider weight limits, and use common sense.

While it’s not the traditional choice, with the right precautions, roof storage can be a unique solution that makes sense for certain homeowners.

Just walk carefully the next time you see a residence topped with tires. There’s a method to the madness!