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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

HOW SUMMER HEAT CAN DAMAGE YOUR ROOF

In summer, you may cool down your house with air conditioning systems, but you don’t forget about your roofing system that’s still being exposed to the scorching summer heat.  Long days of intense sunlight can affect your roof and home in multiple ways, which can end up being costly.  That’s why homeowners should know how to protect their roofs from heat and UV damage during summertime.

As the temperature rises, so does the risk of damage to your roofing material.  Even if the roofing materials are highly resistant to heat, other factors, such as improper insulation or insufficient ventilation, can lead to heating problems.  Let’s understand the impact of hot weather on various roofing materials.

ASPHALT SHINGLES

The heat-resistant power of each roofing material is different, and it affects its durability and lifespan.  Asphalt shingles are more susceptible to heat damage than metal, tile, and wood shake roofs.  The shingles can become brittle, lose their granules, and can crack or warp when exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods.

WOOD SHAKES AND SHINGLES

Wood shakes and shingles can become damaged due to heat if they are not treated with proper coatings.  When exposed to summer heat for many years, wood shingles and shakes can begin to dry out and lose their natural oils.  This may cause the wood to become brittle and susceptible to cracking, splitting, and warping.

METAL ROOFS

Metal roofs are highly resistant to heat and can withstand extreme temperatures for many years, without sustaining much damage . They are generally made from steel, aluminum, or copper, all of which quickly dissipate heat, keeping it out of your home.  However, if the metal panels or insulation are not properly installed, it can lead to condensation and increase the potential for rust and corrosion.

FLAT ROOFING MATERIALS

Flat roofs are typically constructed with materials such as TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen.  These materials are designed to be flexible, which allows them to expand and contract with temperature changes.  With constant exposure to summer heat, flat roofing materials can develop creases and cracks, and lose their color and protective ability over time.  When the sweltering heat causes damage to your roofing materials, it doesn’t just affect the roof.  A heat-damaged roof is detrimental to the integrity of the whole house.

HOW A HEAT-DAMAGED ROOF CAN AFFECT A HOME DURING SUMMER

From higher energy bills to mold and algae growth, roofs affected by hot summer days can put your home at risk in plenty of ways.  Below is a detailed explanation of the potential problems:

INCREASED ENERGY BILLS

During summer, a heat-damaged roof can cause the temperature inside your home to rise, which can strain your HVAC system.  As a result, your air conditioning unit may have to work harder and longer to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to increased energy bills.  Additionally, poor insulation in your attic or walls can worsen this issue by allowing heat to enter your home more quickly.

ROOF LEAKS

If you live in an area where it frequently rains, a heat-damaged roof will be more prone to leaks.  Even during light showers, moisture can easily penetrate cracked and lifted shingles, rusty metal panels, and warped roofing membranes.  If you are faced with heavy rains or thunderstorms at that time, it may lead to even bigger leaks or multiple tiny leaks.   Such leaks are among the most common causes of water damage to roofs and attics.

POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Scorching summer heat can cause your roofing materials to expand and contract, which can lead to warping, cracking, and other types of damage.  If left unchecked, this will lead to moisture damage as water and pests can spread to other areas of your home, including your walls and ceiling.  Over time, this can cause cracks in the drywall and paint to flake or peel, eventually leading to mold and algae growth.

ALGAE AND MOLD GROWTH

Hot air condenses, and this humidity makes the attic and roof a breeding ground for mold and algae.  Mold is a form of fungus that can cause allergies, respiratory difficulties like asthma, and other health issues for your and your family.  Fortunately, homeowners can prevent all the above problems by taking proper measures to prevent roof damage due to summer heat and UV rays.

HOW DO YOU REDUCE ROOF HEAT IN SUMMER?

PROTECTING FLAT ROOFS

If you have a flat roof, first ensure that your roof is properly sealed and that any areas of damage, or wear and tear, are addressed promptly.  Additionally, consider installing a heat-reflective roof coating or layer of insulation to reduce heat absorption and prevent damage to your roofing materials.  Flat roof coatings can help reduce heat absorption and roof damage during the peak of summer.  These materials are designed to reflect sunlight, which reduces the temperature of your roof and your home’s interior.

PROPER VENTILATION

Ventilating the roof and attic adequately is essential for reducing heat buildup in your home and preventing roof damage from the summer heat. A properly installed natural ventilation system with soffit vents, ridge vents, and gable vents is enough to keep the heat out.

ENSURING PROPER INSULATION FOR METAL ROOFS

Just like other roofing materials, metal also needs to be adequately insulated.  Make sure you use insulation that’s suitable for metal roofs, such as spray foam or foil bubble insulation.  Additionally, it’s also helpful to insert foam strips between the metal panels and along the roofline.  Foam strips create a seal that helps to prevent water, wind, and debris from getting between the metal panels.  It provides an added layer of protection against leaks and can improve the overall weather resistance of the roof.

USE COOL ROOFING SHINGLES

Cool roofing asphalt shingles either have light colors or have been treated with highly reflective granules that help to reflect a greater amount of heat. This ensures your roof does not overheat or conduct too much heat to your home’s interior.  Due to less heat, your air conditioning units won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors.  This is an excellent way to reduce your home’s cooling needs and save more money on energy bills.

When it comes to asphalt shingles, you have the option to choose from a wide range of energy-efficient variants.  Before making a purchase, check if the shingles comply with industry standards for reflectivity and emissivity.  They should have been tested and rated by organizations such as the Cool Roof Rating Council or meet ENERGY STAR® requirements.  These certifications ensure that the shingles have passed the rigorous tests designed to determine the heat resistance and energy-saving properties of the shingles.

GET A WOOD SHINGLE ROOF

Wood shingles are a viable option to beat the summer heat, but there are specific considerations to keep in mind.  Wood shingles have natural insulating properties and can provide better heat resistance compared to some other roofing materials.  However, in extremely hot and dry climates, wood shingles may pose some challenges.  Prolonged exposure to sunlight and high temperatures can cause wood shingles to dry out, shrink, and become more vulnerable to cracking and warping.  This can compromise their durability and longevity.  To combat these issues, use high-quality wood shingles that are treated with highly resistant resins. Additionally, focus on getting the roof installed correctly by an authorized roofing contractor, and make sure the ventilation system and insulation are sound.

There are other less obvious but no less dangerous threats related to summer, and these are:

• UV Rays.

  Your roof is constantly exposed to UV rays, even on cloudy days and this exposure increases considerably during the long summer days with all those extra hours of sunlight.  These rays dry out the oils in the materials your roof is made of, causing the wood to become bleached, weaken and crack, especially if it is untreated, and asphalt shingles to buckle and possibly split.

• Heat.

  Your roof bears the brunt of the sun’s force and is exposed to a lot of heat during the summer. An unshaded roof can reach temperatures of as much as 65 to 90 degrees.  At these temperatures, asphalt shingles can melt . This also speeds up the damaging effect of the UV rays and causes other problems.  If your attic is not properly ventilated, heat will build up in it, raising the temperature inside your home and causing condensation problems and raise your cooling energy bills and carbon footprint.

• Thermal Shock.

  Your roof can reach such high temperatures during the day and cool off rapidly as soon as the sun goes down.  This causes the materials to expand and contract relatively quickly, which weakens their structural integrity over time.  This is particularly true for metal, which can warp out of shape and lead to gaps appearing between metal elements of your roof and the rest of the structure.

• High humidity

  Hot and humid air is damaging the roof.  Condensation is settling beneath the shingles and result in water damage, leaks or rotting of material and mold growth

The good news is that the damage caused by heat and other factors during summer is cumulative, meaning it builds up over time, and your roof isn’t going to crumble and turn to dust after one week of extra-warm weather.  If your roof is under ten years old, you don’t have much to worry about at all, especially if you keep it well-maintained.  With older roofs, knowing what to look for and keeping an eye out for any developing issues and dealing with them promptly will save you money in the long run.

If your attic is well-ventilated, this will alleviate the worst effects of summer heat and help keep your roof serviceable for many years to come.  If you have an unventilated attic, or what is known as a Hot Roof, problems will occur in the summer much more easily so it’s important to make sure it has adequate insulation installed.