How Summer Heat Affects Your Roof

As we head into the summer months, roof maintenance isn’t always a top priority. There are no leaves falling into gutters, ice and snow damage, or heavy winter storms. However, roofs still require upkeep and observation during this season, especially once the temperature heats up.

Some of the top factors in roof damage during summer include issues from UV light, high temperatures, high humidity and thermal shock. This hot portion of the year can take a heavy toll on your roofing structure and materials. It’s important to know what to look for so that you can prevent problems down the road.

UV Light

Ultraviolet light can cause damage to your roof, especially in the summer when the light is able to hit surfaces at full impact. It can even penetrate during overcast days, which means no roof is entirely safe from UV exposure during the summer.

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 can cause your roof’s materials to break down at a fast rate.

High Humidity

Rises in temperature can often bring uncomfortable humid weather. Humid air creates condensation that often collects underneath shingles. This water collection can cause problematic water damage and leaks. Because moisture can also cause mold to develop, this may become a health hazard, too.

Thermal Shock

In the summer months, temperatures on your roof skyrocket during the day and then cool down quickly at night. This sudden flux in temperature causes roof expansion and contraction, creating tension and 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.

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.

• Attic Ventilation: 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.
• Regular Maintenance: 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.
• Inspections: 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 Enterprise Roofing are always prepared to answer your call. Check out our roof replacement calculator for an estimate or contact us at 937-298-8664 for a free roof evaluation!