How Heat Affects Your Roof
UV Rays
Your roof is continually exposed to the sun’s UV rays, which causes it to decay or age quickly. Although it also happens during winters or cloudy days, the effect is more severe and harmful during the summer season. Extreme UV radiation can damage your material over time, unbeknownst to you. It can cause asphalt shingles to buckle and split while making the oils in your roofing and construction material dissipate.
UV light heavily impacts the quality of your roof, causing the materials to decay at an accelerated rate. Eventually, wood can bleach and crack, shingles can buckle, peel and split, and the protective oils in your roof can dry out, making it dry and brittle.
High Temperatures
Roofs that are exposed without shade are the most vulnerable to extensive heat damage. If it’s a hot, 90-degree day, temperatures on your roof can rise to over 150 degrees, especially if the roof is made out of a dark material that absorbs heat.
These high temperatures accelerate the chemical processes, making your roof and other elements break down quickly. However, you can prevent this heat buildup with a proper ventilation system.
Thermal Shock
In the summer months, temperatures on your roof are high during the day and then cool down quickly at night. This sudden change in temperature causes roof expansion and contraction, which creates tension and ultimately leads to a shorter lifespan in the roofing materials.
These sudden changes weaken the overall integrity of the roof structure over time and could result in a warped or split roof. This is a common problem for metal roofing as the material can warp out of shape and cause gaps.
Humidity
Humidity is no stranger to Minnesota, where high temperatures cause intensely humid conditions. In summer, moisture and condensation can settle in between your shingles and the underlayment, causing your roof to leak. Since moisture can also cause mold to develop, this may become a health hazard, too.
Signs of Humidity Damage
The more cracks and splits you start to see in the roof, the more likely this is occurring from high humidity damage. The process of heating and cooling from the water underneath the roof can cause this to happen. If you start to notice leaks or a water damaged ceiling, this can also be a sign of humidity damage.
How to Prevent Damage
Although all of these factors may cause roof damage during the summer, there are several ways you can help keep your roof protected.
One of the best ways to ensure that your roof is prepared for summer heat is to make sure that your attic has enough ventilation. This will help to keep heat from building up in the home’s interior and prevent condensation issues.
Do not neglect regular roof maintenance. Continue to clean off debris during the summer and repair damaged shingles and flashing. Neglect will cause your roof to deteriorate faster but prioritizing maintenance and regular cleaning will lead to a longer lifespan.
Make sure to get regular inspections done before problem areas become worse. A professional will be able to pick out issues and fix them before too much damage is done.
Our roofing experts at Bold North Roofing & Contracting are always prepared to answer your call. Contact us for a free roof evaluation or request a quote online today!
