Summer Roof Care: Beat the Heat
If there is no shade to protect a roof from the direct sunlight, the high summer temperatures can cause lasting damage, often going unnoticed until extensive damage is present. Taking time to understand the reasons heat damage occurs and the steps you can take to reduce the risk can help you address problems early.
Here's the breakdown of what this post covers
- How Heat Damages a Roof
- Check for Proper Ventilation in Your Roof & Attic
- Routine Roof Inspections
- Install Cool Roofing Materials
- Schedule an Inspection with Cenvar Roofing
How Heat Damages A Roof
Asphalt shingles have two layers: The bottom layer is made from fiberglass, and the outer layer holds the granules. Granules are small pieces of crushed stone and minerals that give the shingles their color and protect the roof from the sun’s UV rays. During the manufacturing process, the fiberglass is soaked in asphalt. During this process, it’s common for pockets of moisture to become trapped inside the asphalt due to temperature and humidity variations inside the factory.
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As outdoor temperatures rise, the temperature of the air inside an attic also increases. If the hot air becomes stagnant, the roof and shingles will begin to overheat. The hotter temperatures cause the asphalt to soften and the moisture pockets within the asphalt begin to expand and blister. As these blisters bubble up, they cause the granules on the outer layer of the shingle to pop off, leaving the materials underneath exposed to direct sunlight and UV rays. Over time, these blisters will continue to expand and begin to impact the effectiveness of the shingles, which leads to a shortened lifespan of the roof, as well as leaks and weather damage.
Heat damage is a serious threat to a roof, but there are several steps you can take to minimize the extent of damage present on the roof and reduce the risk of more damage occurring in the future.
Check For Proper Ventilation In Your Roof & Attic
The most common cause of heat damage is improper attic ventilation. Properly installed attic ventilation uses a series of intake and outtake vents to provide a consistent flow of air throughout the attic space of your home. This air circulation helps remove hot air and moisture from the attic, reducing the impact of temperature fluctuation and moisture inside the roofing system.
Routine Roof Inspections
Inspect your roof regularly to catch possible warning signs your roof may have poor ventilation. If there are any signs of damage present during that inspection, schedule a professional roof inspection. This will ensure that if there is any damage present, it can be diagnosed and repaired before it becomes extensive.
Install Cool Roofing Materials
If you are facing a roof replacement, consider installing shingles from Owens Corning’s Cool Roof Collection. These shingles reflect the sun’s energy back off of your roof and absorb less heat than standard shingles. While this material is typically more expensive than standard shingles, it is a great option for a roof that regularly withstands high temperatures.
Schedule An Inspection With Cenvar Roofing
If you suspect that heat damage is present on your roof and are looking for a professional roofing company to perform an inspection and conduct repairs, schedule a free consultation on our website! We specialize in heat related roof repairs of all kinds. We look forward to serving you!
