Does Heat Affect Your Roof?

August marks the last - and usually the hottest - full month of summer. It’s commonly known that severe weather, such as heavy rain or snow, can impact your roof. Installing gutters in your home are critical to preventing water damage. Read about gutter problems and solutions here.

But what about the heat? There’s no precipitation, so no issue, right? That’s where you’re mistaken. The short answer is: heat does affect your roof. All forms of extreme weather impact your roof, including heat. In fact, extreme heat can cause some noticeable damage.

How Does Heat Affect My Roof?

The summer humidity and sunlight can decrease the longevity of your roof. What your roof is made from can play a role in its durability. UV Rays from the sun can age shingles. However, tile roofs allow heat to “bounce” off the house because it does not absorb heat as well.

The slope of your home can also play a role in how heat affects your roof. In this case, a higher slope is better because a lower slope exposes your roof to the sun for longer periods of time.

Heat can cause both aesthetic and structural problems for your roof. Some signs of roofing heat damage include peeling, buckling, and erosion. Take a close look at your shingles too. Shingles may start to curl, peel, or bald due to high heat exposure.

If you’re seeing any of these signs, get in touch with a professional roofing contractor, such as Tarheel Roofing and Construction in Akron, Ohio.

What is Thermal Shock?

Thermal shock details the expansion and contraction of your roofing system as a result of constant heating and cooling. This can lead to physical strain and damage on the roof, reducing its longevity. Thermal shock may even cause older roofing systems to crack or split.

Should I worry about my roof in the humidity?

You should also pay attention to the summer humidity levels in your area, as this may exacerbate your problems. Hot and humid air can lead to condensation underneath the roofing systems, namely in its shingles. This can start to cause water damage.

Signs of humidity damage include cracks, splits, leaks, or water damage to the ceiling.

Protect Your Roof from Heat & Humidity

• Utilize Shade: A professional roofing company can install polyurethane foam atop your roof for heat and water protection. Planting trees nearby your roof will also give some shade to help limit sun exposure.

• Get Roofing Insulation: Although insulation is mostly associated with winter, it can help keep your roof safe from heat too. Just like how it keeps the heat in, it helps retain the warmth outside the roof.

• Opt for Light Colors: Light colors reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it. Opt for white or silver over dark grays or black for a cooler home and longer life for your roof.

• Ventilate Your Roof: Intake and exhaust vents prevent heat damage as well as mold and moisture.

• Get Higher Slopes: The higher the slope, the less exposure to sunlight!

Do Solar Panels Offer Heat Protection for My Roof?

Yes! Because solar panels create a barrier between your roof and the sun, solar panels block heat from being absorbed by your roof by turning it into a clean form of energy. It then prevents extra heat from being generated.

If you’re looking for solar panel installation services, feel free to reach out to a professional roofing contractor such as Tarheel Roofing and Construction!

Contact Our Roofing Contractor Today

Expert installation plus proper maintenance are the keys to a successful, long-lasting roof. Get in touch with Tarheel Roofing and Construction for professional single ply roofing installation within 50 miles of Akron, Ohio.

Call 330-678-9000 or email us at tarheelinc.ford@gmail.com to get a quote today!