Will Heat Affect Your Roof?
We are no strangers to the sweltering heat of July. Unfortunately, our roofs cannot escape the sun. It emphasizes the importance of routine inspections. Homeowners can detect indicators of roof deterioration, temperature shock, and humidity damage with a keen eye.
It allows homeowners to intervene with ventilation, repairs, and dehumidifiers to halt or reverse any heat-related damage before it is irreversible. If you suspect your roof is deteriorating due to humidity and heat, you should have it inspected by a roofer as soon as possible. Not only must the problems be resolved, but they must also be avoided in the future.
Summer Thunderstorms
Summer thunderstorms can produce high winds, which can cause damage to your roof’s elements. Tiles can become loose, and hail can cause significant damage, denting metal roofs. It would be better to inspect your roof after a major storm.
Examine the shingles for damage or missing shingles, gutter blockage, and moist areas under the eaves. On sunny days, go to your attic. If you observe sunlight sneaking into your attic, it’s a solid sign that a storm has damaged your roof.
UV Rays
Your roof is constantly exposed to UV radiation from the sun, causing it to deteriorate or age quickly. Although it occurs during the winter or on overcast days, the effect is more acute and damaging during the summer.
Unbeknownst to you, extreme UV rays might harm your material over time. It can cause asphalt shingles to collapse and crack, as well as evaporate the oils in your roofing and construction materials. Heat is undoubtedly tricky on a roof over time, as severe temperatures damage the shingles and structure of your roof.
Heat exposure to your roof can often be decreased by growing trees or tall plants to provide shade. Consider installing roofing ventilation systems or reflecting cooling strips as well.
Thermal Shocks
During the summer, the temperature on your roof rises during the day and then drops significantly at night. This fast temperature change causes roof expansion and contraction, causing stress and a reduction in the lifespan of the roofing materials. Over time, these abrupt shifts damage the general integrity of the roof structure, perhaps resulting in a deformed or split roof.
Roof thermal shock is a typical problem in hot areas. Roofing systems expand over longer, hotter days and contract on cooler evenings. The frequent movement of your roof will physically strain it and reduce its lifespan over time.
Heat has a distinct effect on different roofing materials. Asphalt shingles are the most widespread and are designed to last, but they show the most visible indications of degradation. Asphalt shingles will likely fracture, buckle, and shrink.
Shingle deterioration exposes the wood to the sun and rain, causing more damage to your roof and home. Clay and concrete shingles are made to withstand extreme temperatures. Long periods of exposure to the sun will cause these shingles to become brittle and fade.
Excess Heat
When your roof isn’t shaded, the dark tone absorbs heat and can reach temperatures of up to 160°F on a 90°F day. These high temperatures speed up chemical reactions, causing your roofing and construction materials to degrade faster.
Proper attic ventilation prevents heat accumulation from heating the interior of your home and causes condensation problems. After many days of high heat, you may notice components of your roof begin to melt. If your roof is composed of asphalt, you should be aware that it is prone to extreme temperatures. When exposed to direct heat, like chocolate, it can soften or melt. So, inspect your roof frequently in case of melting.
Humidity
It’s not just the heat, as the adage goes; it’s also the humidity! While heat can cause damage to your roof over time, humidity can also play a role. High humidity levels are typically associated with the hottest months of the year. It is because warmer air can store more moisture than cooler air. As a result, during periods of extreme heat, your roof is more likely to experience humidity-related problems.
If enough humidity is trapped inside your attic, condensation will accumulate on surfaces such as your roof joists and rafters. This condensation can stimulate the formation of wood rot and mold. Both are troublesome because they can degrade your roof’s wood and plywood components and jeopardize its structural integrity.
Conclusion
Roofing materials expand as a result of heat. If the sun shines on your roof for an extended period, the decking, support beams, and joists will most likely expand. Shingles may shrink, bend, or curl, and flashing may split, allowing moisture and water in. In addition to the physical harm caused by the sun, you should be wary of the heat that will rise throughout your home.