Watch out for these Heat related common roof Problems & Solutions for Immediate Relief
As outdoor temperatures rise, the heat can bring unwanted issues for your roof and home. UV rays from the hot summer sun can cause your roofing materials to deteriorate faster. Here are some common heat related problems covered here with solutions for you.
- Damage to roofing materials by UV rays.
- Thermal shock
- Color fading
- Ventilation
- Moisture & Mildew Buildup
- Heat Absorption
If you’ve had your yearly roof maintenance and taken care of your property, i.e., cutting back shrubbery, large branches and other organic matter, summer should stretch on and be a relaxing and fun time with your loved ones. It’s not too late to get a head start on protecting your roof from extreme heat and reducing unwanted roof damage. Read on.
Cracked & Worn-down Shingles - Cracked and worn-down shingles happen for multiple reasons. An older roof with already worn shingles can allow rainwater to seep through its cracks during wetter seasons leaving you exposed in the summer to humidity. This can happen year-round, but especially during the summer, the heat can accelerate deterioration of asphalt shingles. Another way cracked and worn shingles can be created when the air inside your attic rises and expands like a hot air balloon. Uncirculated air can become stagnant, overheating the roofing materials in the process. Asphalt shingles in extreme heat will expand, contract, and start to blister.
Thermal shock - Thermal shock happens in two ways. The first is when your roof expands and contracts in the summer heat. During the day, the hot sun expands as the sun beats down on it while contracts as temperatures drop drastically later in the day. The second way this happens is over a longer period. The roof’s materials will expand in hotter weather while contracting in cooler months. This repeated action causes degradation in the roofing material resulting in cracking, warping, and leaking over time.
Color Fading - Over time, the overall color of your roof can fade in hot weather. This isn’t necessarily damaging to your roof, but coupled with the other issues generally brings down the aesthetic of your roof after you’ve gone to the trouble of choosing colors and styles.
Ventilation - All these issues can become worse with inadequate ventilation. Take care of these issues now so when summer rolls around, you and your family will be able to enjoy it fully. Need help selecting the right ventilation for your home? Read about it here. A well ventilated home allows your house to “breathe” circulating clean air throughout your home and roofing system. The importance of adequate ventilation can’t be stressed. It’ll help protect your roof from excessive moisture and condensation issues such as mold. With inadequate ventilation, many of the problems we discussed will be exacerbated.
Solutions for Immediate Relief - Choosing an overall lighter shade for your roof will reflect sunlight as well as having a home that has a higher sloped roof. There are other things you can do before summer comes to keep your roof safer from premature degradation.
- Adding insulation to your roof will help keep you comfortable both in the summertime and during colder months.
- Provide your roof with some shading from tall plants or net shading.
- Add more ventilation.
- Consider a reflective coating to your roof. This will function as a protective barrier reflecting some of the heat resulting in less damage to your roof.
If your roof is showing signs of deterioration due to heat and you want to remedy that in time for summer or for any other roofing problems, call La Rocque Better Roofs for Solutions!
(833) LBR-4YOU
