Many homeowners fear the winter when it comes to roofing damage and maintenance. Months of heavy snow followed by meltwater and spring rains can wreak havoc on an already vulnerable roof, leading to many potential issues. But, while winter's problems are dramatic, summer is not any better on your home's most exposed surface.
Understanding how the summer heat can impact your roof will help you prepare for the hot months ahead. You'll also be able to spot weak points before they become an issue, allowing you to repair these problems before the sun's relentless onslaught causes more damage. Keep reading to discover three ways that a harsh summer can damage your home's roof.
1. Unshaded UV Energy
The sun's most damaging radiation is invisible to the naked eye. Humans can see only a tiny portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and ultraviolet (UV) light occupies a larger share than the entire range of visible light. UV radiation can cause cancer and sunburn, and your roofing shingles are no more fond of it than your skin.
Your roof provides you with protection against these rains, but it doesn't have its own shade to stop them. During the summer, your roof receives more UV radiation for longer due to the sun's position in the sky, ultimately causing your roofing shingles to wear out and crack. If your shingles are already beginning to look worn, then a harsh summer may finish them off.
2. Heat Warping
Your roofing shingles can withstand extreme amounts of heat, but too much can cause them to distort and warp. This problem can be significant since bending around the edges of your tiles can allow moisture to infiltrate into your roofing sublayers, or it can provide a way for wind to pull the shingles from your roof. Warping may be more severe if you already have a moisture issue on your roof.
In many cases, heat warping is due to problems in your attic. As temperatures rise in the summer, your attic can become exceptionally hot. Without adequate venting for heat to escape, the exceptionally high temperatures can cause your shingles to bend and warp.
3. Mold or Moisture Problems
Summer can be both hot and humid. As a result, excess moisture in the air can exacerbate any existing problems with water on your roof. Mold can develop on roofing shingles or the wood sublayers below them. If water is entering your home through the roof, you may find moisture issues developing in your attic, as well.
The key to preventing the summer from bringing a premature end to your home's roof is preventative maintenance and inspections. If you're concerned about the state of your roof, reach out to a roofing contractor to evaluate it before the summer can reveal problems and give you time to repair them before they lead to expensive damage.
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