Did you know a quiet, hot sunny day can damage your roof as much as a heavy snowstorm? The summer heat is no joke as it can be really intense. While you stay cool in the comfort of your home, your roof is taking the brunt of the sun’s burning rays to protect you and your family. And you may not realize it, but the consistent heat on your roof can cause damage and speed up the aging process.
How Heat Can Affect Your Roof
Just like heavy snow, hurricanes, and intense winds, it’s important for homeowners to be aware of how summer heat can affect their home’s roofing system. Here are some of the problems to keep an eye on throughout the summer to protect your roof:
- Intense Heat – The roof’s surface will absorb a ton of heat throughout the summer season. Depending on the roofing material and outdoor temperature, a roof without any shade protecting it can reach upwards of 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Though most roofs are designed with this in mind and are built to withstand high temperatures, extreme heat still has the capability of accelerating wear and tear, decreasing the lifespan of your roof. If your attic is poorly ventilated, this can also worsen the problem.
- UV Radiation – Radiation emitted from the sun’s powerful rays are also a serious threat to your roof during the summer because of the longer days. Did you know UV rays can even reach your roof on cloudy days? The UV radiation can cause the oils in your roofing materials to dry out quicker, any wood to bleach, weaken, and even crack, and asphalt shingles to curl and buckle.
- Thermal Shock Cycles – After your roof reaches really hot temperatures during the day, it can then cool off very quickly due to reduced outdoor temperatures after the sun sets at night. This daily cycle and drastic temperature change can cause your roofing materials to expand and then contract, weakening the overall structural integrity of the roofing system as a whole. If this is a problem, you may notice warping and cracks forming throughout the roof.
How to Protect Your Roof From the Heat
Summer heat won’t damage your roof overnight; the effects will instead accumulate over time, causing its lifespan to decrease. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to protect your home’s roof from enduring damage during the summer months:
- Proper Ventilation – Every homeowner needs to ensure their attic and roofing system are well-ventilated to avoid heat from being stored and causing problems.
- Pick the Right Roofing Material – If you’re getting a roof replacement done, consider installing a metal, tile, or slate roof, as these materials are very durable, especially against heat and UV radiation.
- Pick the Right Roofing Color – Lighter colors generally help reflect the sun’s rays, while darker colors will absorb the heat. If you’re concerned about heat absorption in your roof, consider opting for a lighter shade during your roof replacement.
Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!
The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.