Can Thermal Shock and Heat Affect Your Roof?
Increased solar exposure might cause damage to your roof. UV rays, high temperatures, excessive humidity, and thermal shock are all major causes of roof damage during the summer. However, you may extend the life of your roof by sheltering it from the summer heat, which shortens its lifespan.
Roof maintenance isn't always a priority as we approach the warmer months since there are no fallen leaves in gutters, ice and snow damage, or severe winter storms. Roofs, however, require repair and supervision during this season, especially as the temperature rises.
Protecting Your Roof During Hot Seasons
This hot time of year can damage your roofing structure and materials. So, it's critical to understand what to look for to avoid complications later on.
Fortunately, the effects of heat and other summer conditions gradually build up over time. This means your roof won't turn to dust after one week of very warm weather. If your roof is less than ten years old, you don't have much to worry about, especially if it's well-maintained. With older roofs, understanding what to look for, keeping an eye out for any growing issues, and dealing with them swiftly will save you money in the long term.
What Causes Your Roof To Get Heated Up?
Your home's roof and structure will expand and compress as the temperature changes. When this happens quickly, the materials lose their flexibility and crack.
If left unchecked, your home is now subject to other natural forces that Mother Nature may throw at it throughout other seasons. This can result in leaks, flooding, mold, and other structural issues. So what should you be aware of in the heat?
The roofs most affected by severe heat damage are exposed and without shade. Your roof's temperatures may reach over 150 degrees on a scorching 90-degree day, especially if the roof is composed of a heat-absorbing dark material. This high temperature degrades your roof components over time.
Condensation settling beneath shingles might lead to roof leaks and water damage. This is because of the humid air during summer days. Because moisture might allow mold to grow, this could potentially pose a health risk.
Throughout the summer, temperatures on your roof rise throughout the day and fall swiftly at night. This fast temperature change, called thermal shock, causes roof expansion and contraction, resulting in strain and a reduced lifespan for roofing materials. Gradually, these abrupt shifts damage your roof structure's integrity and might leave you with a deformed or split roof.
UV radiation can significantly affect your roof's condition, leading to accelerated material deterioration. It can even penetrate on cloudy days, implying that no roof is completely immune from UV radiation throughout the summer. It can cause roof discoloration, shingles will collapse, peel, and split, and the protecting oils in your roof will dry out, causing it to be dry and brittle.
Remember that most heat damage doesn't manifest immediately and can take weeks or months to develop. Knowing what to look for and inspecting your roof regularly will help you discover possible problems before they become emergencies.
How To Prevent Your Roof From Heating Up?
There are various methods for reducing the summer heat effects on your roof. So, before summer, regular roof inspections help detect any problems sooner. Promptly replace any damaged or missing shingles, and assess the underlayment for signs of wear.
An expert can identify and remedy problems before they do too much damage. This will extend your roof's life and increase your investment's value.
Ensure proper ventilation and insulation for heat management and energy savings.
Install attic fans, ridge vents, or gable vents to dissipate heat.
Use insulation to reduce heat transfer into your home.
Adequate attic ventilation reduces interior heat buildup and condensation.
Opt for heat-reflective roofing materials or apply reflective coatings for cooler homes and lower energy costs.
Your best bet is to call a professional roofing company like Findlay Roofing to examine and maintain your roof .
Since 1995, Findlay Roofing has efficiently rebuilt thousands of roofs in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. You can benefit from complete insurance coverage and a lifetime Leak-Free Warranty while only paying after we deliver on our promises. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
