Understanding How Heat Affects Your Roof
As the summer temperatures rise, many families retreat indoors, escape to the pool, visit the beach or find other ways to stay cool and protected from the sun. Unfortunately, your roof has no way to avoid the sun’s scorching rays or the relentless heat.
Our team at Elite Roofing and Restoration has witnessed firsthand how heat can affect a roof. If you want to know more about how heat can damage various roofing materials and what you can do to protect your investment, you’ve come to the right place.
How Ultraviolet Rays can Damage your Roof
On a bright sunny day, the sun emits powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can break down your roofing materials through a process called photodegradation.
Asphalt shingles are commonly affected by UV rays. Over time, exposure to UV rays causes asphalt shingles to become brittle and prone to cracks. If repairs are neglected, these damaged shingles can lead to major roofing problems.
Metal roofs may offer more protection from UV rays than shingles, but they are not entirely immune. UV rays can rapidly break down the protective coatings on your roof, leading to rust and premature aging.
You can minimize UV damage by regularly inspecting and repairing your roof. You may want to discuss UV-resistant coating that can be applied atop your roof to provide another barrier between your roof and the sun.
How High Temperatures can Damage your Roof
Dark colored roofing materials absorb more heat from the sun and prolonged exposure can lead to thermal shock. Thermal shock occurs when temperatures rise and fall rapidly, causing your roof to expand and contract.
While this temperature change may not feel drastic to you, your roof is more sensitive to temperature changes. When the temperature is 90 degrees, your roof can reach temperatures of 150 degrees. If an afternoon thunderstorm rolls in, that can rapidly decrease the temperature and stress your roof.
When asphalt shingle or metal roofs experience thermal shock, you could end up with leaks caused by warped, cracked and compromised roofing material.
How High Humidity can Damage your Roof
Heat and humidity often go hand in hand during the summer months and create the perfect environment for moisture to build up in your attic space and under your shingles. Mold, mildew and algae thrive in these conditions and, if left unchecked, they can weaken your roof. High humidity levels can accelerate the decay of wooden roofing components, leading to rot and weakening the overall structure.
Signs Your Roof has Heat Damage
Asphalt shingle roofs are the most popular type of roofing material. Unfortunately, they are particularly susceptible to heat-related damage. Signs of heat damage on shingle roofs include:
Curling or cupping of shingles: High temperatures can cause the edges of shingles to curl upward or inward.
Blistering: Heat and trapped moisture can lead to blistering, where bubbles or raised areas form on the shingle surface.
Granule loss: Excessive heat can cause the protective granules on shingles to detach, leaving the underlying asphalt exposed.
Fading and discoloration: Prolonged sun exposure can cause shingles to lose their color and become faded.
While metal roofs are extremely durable, they are not immune to heat related damage. You should look for these signs of heat damage:
Discoloration: Heat exposure can cause metal roofs to lose their original color and develop uneven patches.
Paint peeling: The intense heat can cause the paint or protective coatings on metal roofing to peel and degrade.
Expansion noise: When metal roofs heat up rapidly, they may expand, causing a noticeable "popping" or creaking sound.
Other roofing materials have their own unique signs of heat damage.
Tile roofs: Cracking or chipping of tiles due to repeated expansion and contraction.
Slate roofs: Gradual deterioration and crumbling of slate tiles over time.
Wooden roofs: Warping, splitting, and decay of wooden components due to heat and moisture.
How to Prevent Heat Damage
One of the best ways to avoid heat damage is to regulate the temperature of your roof with proper attic ventilation. Ensuring adequate airflow prevents heat from building up in your attic and contributing to heat damage. We also recommend regular roof maintenance to reduce heat-related damage and increase your roof’s lifespan.
At Elite Roofing and Restoration, we're dedicated to helping you protect your investment. Whether you have asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or another type of roofing material, our experts are here to provide the guidance and services you need to combat the effects of heat.
Elite Roofing and Restoration is your source for quality roof repair and replacement.
In addition to roof replacements and repairs, both commercial and residential, we offer a considerable list of additional home repair services to assist you with any general construction needs you may have.
Contact us today to schedule your no-hassle, complimentary roof inspection today.
