When Poultry Meets Roofing: How Sussex County Delaware’s Agricultural Emissions Are Silently Damaging Your Home’s Roof
Living near Sussex County Delaware’s thriving agricultural zones comes with many benefits, but homeowners may not realize that Delaware has over 700 producers who raise commercial broiler chickens and these operations can significantly impact residential roof longevity. Ammonia air pollution from the poultry industry in bay states contributes about 12 million pounds of nitrogen to the bay every year, and this same ammonia that affects our waterways is also quietly attacking the roofs of nearby homes.
Understanding the Agricultural Landscape of Sussex County
Structures for commercial poultry raising, structures for storage of poultry manure and structures for poultry product composting shall be located at least 50 feet from all boundary lines and shall be 200 feet from any UR, MR, HR, UB or B-1 District boundary and 200 feet from any dwelling not on the premises. While these setback requirements provide some protection, this Programmatic Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared to document the potential environmental impacts associated with new poultry farm operations that are constructed to state regulation requirements in Sussex County, Delaware.
The concentration of poultry operations in Sussex County’s agricultural zones means that residential properties often find themselves downwind from significant sources of airborne contaminants. Once the roof deteriorates, rainwater can enter the house, which can cause the excess nutrients to leach into the groundwater, creating a cycle where agricultural emissions contribute to roof degradation, which then affects local water quality.
The Science Behind Ammonia Emissions and Roof Damage
Ammonia gas is produced from microbial decomposition of nitrogen-containing substances like manure (feces and urine) and litter. High NH3 levels have detrimental effects on farm workers’ health as it is a corrosive substance to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and thus may cause blindness, irritation (throat, nose, eyes), and lung illness. This same corrosive nature that affects human health also impacts building materials, particularly roofing systems.
NH3 gas reacts with the existing humidity to form a corrosive NH4+solution, creating an acidic environment that can accelerate the deterioration of various roofing materials. Metal roofing, while generally more resistant than other materials, can still experience chemical reactions when metal roofs can come into contact with chemicals contributing to corrosion. For instance, if corrosive substances such as fertilizers, pesticides, or cleaning agents come into contact with the metal surface, they can initiate or accelerate the corrosion process.
Impact on Different Roofing Materials
The effects of poultry farm emissions vary significantly depending on your roofing material. Corrosion will happen at some point in the lifetime of the roof. Whether it happens early on, or in 50 years, is dependent on being educated about the different metal types, paint systems, and the environments these work best in. Asphalt shingles, the most common residential roofing material, are particularly vulnerable to chemical degradation from airborne ammonia.
Any scratches, dents, or damages on the metal roof’s surface can expose the underlying metal to corrosion. These vulnerable areas are more likely to corrode, especially if not repaired promptly. This is especially concerning in agricultural areas where airborne particles from poultry operations can create micro-abrasions that compromise protective coatings.
Protecting Your Investment: Solutions for Agricultural Area Roofing
For homeowners in Sussex County’s agricultural zones, choosing the right roofing materials and maintenance strategies is crucial. With metal’s natural resistance to rust and corrosion—especially when coated with protective finishes – metal roofing keeps layer houses and broiler houses protected, even in humid or damp climates. This same principle applies to residential applications in areas with high agricultural emissions.
Metal roofs are often coated with protective finishes such as paint or sealants to inhibit corrosion. Regular inspection and maintenance of these protective coatings becomes even more critical in agricultural areas. Condensation can occur within a metal roof system and cause corrosion or mold, and the presence of ammonia in the environment can accelerate these processes.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re a homeowner in Sussex County dealing with premature roof deterioration, it’s essential to work with a qualified roofer sussex county who understands the unique challenges posed by agricultural emissions. Bay Area Exteriors, serving Talbot County and surrounding areas, brings extensive experience in addressing roofing challenges in agricultural environments.
Professional assessment is particularly important because it is essential to identify the source accurately to address metal roof leaks. This can be done through a thorough inspection by a professional roofing contractor specializing in metal roofs. A qualified contractor can determine whether roof damage is due to normal wear, agricultural emissions, or other environmental factors.
Prevention and Maintenance Strategies
Preventative measures can also help mitigate the risk of metal roof leaks, such as regular maintenance, including clearing debris, inspecting flashings and seals, and addressing any issues promptly, which can help prolong the roof’s lifespan and minimize the chances of leaks occurring. In agricultural areas, this maintenance schedule should be more frequent due to increased exposure to corrosive substances.
To control condensation it’s important to ventilate and/or insulate your roofing system properly. If insulating, a vapor barrier should be applied on the warm side to prevent warm moist air from penetrating and coming in contact with the cold surface. Proper ventilation is particularly important in agricultural areas where ammonia concentrations can be elevated.
Understanding the relationship between Sussex County’s agricultural operations and residential roofing longevity is crucial for homeowners in these areas. By choosing appropriate materials, implementing regular maintenance schedules, and working with experienced professionals who understand agricultural challenges, homeowners can protect their investments and ensure their roofs perform optimally despite exposure to poultry farm emissions.