Summer is the perfect time for outdoor activities and to enjoy owning your home. Your summer may be filled with backyard barbecues, late nights by the fire, and cooling off in the pool. Beyond all the fun, you may finally have the time to get some well-overdue housework done.
Throughout the year, your roof has been taking one beating after another. From heavy rains to brutal snowstorms, it has been through it all. It is easy to believe that your roof gets a break during the summer months, but this could not be further from the truth. As temperatures rise, there is another list of ways in which your roof can become damaged.
Why Does Your Roof Need Protection From the Heat?
As it becomes hotter, your roof is the first part of your home to be exposed to heat, humidity, and UV rays. Although it is exposed to UV rays throughout the year, exposure is increased during the summer months. There are multiple reasons why UV rays pose a danger to your roof. Here are a few
- The days are longer. Therefore, the roof is exposed for a more extended period of the day.
- UV rays can soak up the natural oils of asphalt shingles and cause them to dry out.
- UV rays can bleach, crack, and weaken the structural integrity of wooden roofs.
Direct exposure to heat can also cause certain roofing materials to deteriorate and show signs of wear and tear faster. As the temperatures rise, so does the risk of roof heat damage. Heat and UV rays can cause faster roof deterioration if your attic is not well-ventilated. Additionally, you may risk condensation and pest issues without proper roof care.
To ensure your roof is protected from the heat this summer, schedule an inspection with your local roofing company. Get some peace of mind so you can continue to enjoy the warm weather without worrying about roof damage.
What Damage Can Heat and UV Rays Cause to a Roof?
Cracks and Holes
Cracks and holes are more likely to occur in asphalt shingles and similar materials. Cracked shingles and holes can allow water to seep into your roofing structure and create water damage. When roofing materials become too worn and begin to crack and form holes, it could lead to worse problems such as decay. All of these are reasons to perform maintenance tasks or repairs on your roof because the worsening of these issues can lead to costly damages.
Warped Shingles
Warping of your shingles occurs when there is visible sagging in parts of the roof. It can look like blistering, unevenness, or curled ends on the shingles. The heat and UV rays can weaken the shingles and cause this to happen over time. This issue is not only a result of direct heat on the rooftop. It can also be caused by a mixture of warm temperatures and poor ventilation.
Bleached Roofing Materials
Constant exposure to sunlight can result in coating damage and the bleaching of asphalt shingles. Just as humans need sunscreen to protect against the sun, so do our homes. Direct sunlight can make the roof brittle, dry, and colorless. After years of wear and tear, you may notice the color of shingles begin to look dull. This is a result of bleaching from the sun.
How to Protect Your Roof This Summer
As we have discovered, the summer can be just as brutal to your home as any other season. If not appropriately addressed, roof damage can lead to higher electric bills and uncomfortable homes. Even if you have the best roofing materials money can buy, there is no way for you to control the weather. Here are a few tips to protect your roof this summer.
Update your Ventilation
One way to ensure your home is protected this summer is to update your ventilation. Ventilation allows heat and moisture to escape your home. Without proper ventilation, they are left to stand still and create a moist and uncomfortable environment in your home. In addition, moisture stagnation leaves your roof vulnerable to damage.
We have all heard the phrase “heat rises”. When warm, humid air attempts to escape your living areas, its way out is through the roof. Without adequate ventilation, the heat becomes trapped, and that humidity is left to build up in your attic. This issue should be addressed immediately to protect your roof and prevent roof damage.
Add Some Landscaping
Landscaping is a great way to protect your roof from damage this summer. Not only will your yard look better and your home feel cooler, but your roof will also be less exposed to direct sunlight. Landscaping, such as trees and shrubs, can provide your home with some well-need shade during the summer months.
UV rays can cause irreparable damage to your roof. Therefore, adding trees that could benefit from sunlight seems like a win-win situation.
Consider a New Roofing Material
If you are already in the market for a new roof, you might consider a new roofing material. Replacing your existing roofing material with a reflective roof like metal or tile can protect your roof against the heat. These materials radiate the heat back into the air, which directs it away from your home.
Protect Your Home From the Heat This Summer With One Call to Amenity Roofing
Enjoy your summer without worrying about those broken shingles on your roof. The summer months bring higher utility bills with the high temperatures. Combat both of those by calling Amenity Roofing. If your roof is showing signs of heat damage, call the experts at Amenity Roofing and Siding. We’re committed to helping you protect your home by offering the best materials at the best prices. No matter what vision you have, we can help make it happen. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We offer roof repairs and roof replacements, so you don’t have to worry about it.
