Summer in the Southern US is known for it’s hot, sticky temperatures and as we head toward August, it’s only going to get hotter.
On days where the temperatures flirt with the 100 degree mark, the most common way to beat the heat is to get inside and crank the AC up! Unfortunately, your roof doesn’t have the option of going into a cooler environment when the temperatures rise and must be ready to take the onslaught of high temps and humidity that inevitably comes every year.
What Your Roof Has To Deal With
- UV Rays
Your roof is constantly hammered with UV rays from the sun, even on cloudy days and during the summer when days are considerably longer, this exposure is constant. These rays damage your roof materials by drying out the oils they are made of. This causes wood (especially untreated wood) to weaken, become bleached and crack. Asphalt shingles typically buckle and split. - Heat
Your roof is your front line of defense when it comes to protecting your home from the elements and is exposed to a lot of constant heat during the summer. Roof temperatures can exceed 160 degrees in the summer, even on days where the air temperature is barely in the 90’s. This constant barrage speeds up the damaging effects of UV rays and can cause other problems. If your home isn’t properly ventilated this heat can build up in your attic, raising temperatures in your home and causing condensation. - Thermal Shock
Temperature changes can swing wildly from day to night. This sudden heating and cooling of your roof cause materials to expand and contract relatively quickly. This weakens them over time.
There Is Good News
Fortunately, roof damage from heat is cumulative, the damage it causes builds up over time so you don’t need to worry about your roof suddenly collapsing because temperatures hit 100 degrees for a couple of weeks.
For well maintained, new roofs (under 10 years old) , chances are you don’t need to worry about it at all! Well maintained being the key here.
For older roofs, knowing what to look out for, having regular maintenance performed (at least once yearly for residential, twice yearly for commercial) and addressing any signs of problems immediately can save your roof and your wallet for years to come.
Prevention is key when it comes to protecting your roof from summer heat, nothing is more important to the health of your roof than proper, professional roof maintenance. In Metro Atlanta, call Atlanta Roofing Specialists at (770) 419–2222 for a free estimate and roof maintenance plan to help ensure your roof lasts for many summers to come!