Keeping your roof in good condition should be a priority for the safety and peace of mind of you and your entire family. No matter what time of year you are, each season brings with it several factors that can affect the condition of your roof.
Sunlight, for example, is one of the elements that can do the most damage to your roof structure. Therefore, you must learn what to do to protect it during heat seasons. Continue reading and discover how summer and heat affect your roof and what you can do to avoid it.
Main causes of summertime roof damage
Roof repair is not always a big concern. But as the summer months approach, you have to pay attention to the conditions the roof is in. In summer there are no problems with ice and snow, gutters damaged by fallen leaves or strong winter storms. However, it is important to maintain and monitor roofs during the warmer months of the year.
Roofing damage during the summer can be caused by a variety of factors. The structure and materials of your roof can take a lot of pain during this hot season of the year. Knowing what to do is essential if you want to avoid future problems. Continue reading and find out in detail the elements that affect your roof in the summer season:
High Temperatures
Roofs that are not protected by shade or that are directly exposed to the outdoors are the most likely to suffer severe damage from the sun’s rays. Every roof can reach temperatures of over 150 degrees on a hot day, especially if it’s made of dark and heat-absorbing material.
Thermal shock
The temperature on your roof soars throughout the daytime in the summer and drops as swiftly at night. This abrupt change in temperature causes the roof to expand and shrink, which puts stress on the materials and shortens their lifespan. Over time, these abrupt shifts cause the roof structure’s general integrity to deteriorate, which may lead to a warped or split roof.
Humidity
Increases and temperature changes can generate some degree of moisture on the roof surface. Condensation produced by humid air frequently accumulates under the tiles. This accumulation of water can lead to problematic leaks and water damage to the roof. Additionally, moisture can lead to mould growth, which can pose a health risk.
UV Light
Your roof can be damaged by ultraviolet radiation, particularly in the summer when the light can irradiate surfaces with full force. In the summer, no roof is completely immune to UV exposure as its intensity is much higher during this season.
UV light is a natural element that can significantly affect the structure of your roof. Damage caused by sunlight can accelerate the decomposition of materials and also affect their useful life.
How Can The Roof Be Protected From Summer Heat?
Your roof can be damaged by ultraviolet radiation, particularly in the summer when the light can irradiate surfaces with full force. In the summer, no roof is completely immune to UV exposure as its intensity is much higher during this season.
UV light is a natural element that can significantly affect the structure of your roof. Damage caused by sunlight can accelerate the decomposition of materials and also affect their useful life.
Add waterproof material
A good idea to protect your roof from the sun and make it waterproof is to put polyurethane foam on top. This task should preferably be completed with the help of a contractor to ensure the job is done right.
Cover up to block the sun's rays
Increase insulation
Planting large, leafy trees close to your roof is also a great idea. Trees can provide shade for your roof to protect it from the sun and keep it cool. Although shading from trees doesn’t completely block the sun’s rays, they do reduce the amount of sunlight your roof is exposed to.
Use roofing materials in light colours.
Darker-coloured roofs absorb more heat than lighter-coloured ones. Instead of absorbing sunlight, white or silver reflects it.
So, if you want a cooler home and a longer life from your roof, you should consider using roofing materials in light colours.
Air out your roof
A good idea to get rid of the summer heat is to add an intake and exhaust vents system. These vents protect against moisture, mould and stored heat. Plus, they protect your roof from summer heat-related damage.
Use roofs with steeper slopes
Houses with a lower slope have a roof that is completely exposed to the intense heat of the sun. This not only shortens the life of your roof but also speeds up the onset of heat damage. This happens because your roof spends a significant amount of time in the sun. However, a roof with a higher pitch might be a better option. Although the slope of your current roof cannot be changed, it is important to keep it in mind for any future roofing projects you may have.
How to Prevent Damage
Heat damage can be avoided by selecting the proper roofing materials. In a cool environment, asphalt shingles are a wise choice. Metal, clay tiles, or even concrete are the best materials to utilize in warm regions. Additionally, your roof will stay cooler by reflecting heat if you choose a light colour for it.
In addition to the above, to maintain properly your roof is recommended to complete these actions each year:
- Place vapour barriers on the roof to reduce humidity.
- Cover the roof and put some sealing material on it to protect it from ultraviolet radiation.
- Choose an asphalt roof with shingles to get a cooler and more reflective roof.
- Regularly apply acrylic coatings to the roof to protect it from heat.
- Perform preventative maintenance to keep up with the roof and prepare it for the summer heat.
- Cover or paint the roof white to keep the surface cool.
Protect your Flat Roof from Summer and Heat
Thanks to the recommendations presented above, you now know how summer and heat affect your roof. Heat is the enemy of your roof. It is capable of generating severe damage and reducing its useful life. But by following the tips presented on how to protect your roof from the summer heat and prevent damage, you can extend the life of your roof.
