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.