How The Summer Heat Can Affect Shingles

As summer presses on, so do the scorching temperatures, which means that your roof may be at risk of heat damage. After years of exposure to the elements it’s likely your roofing materials will deteriorate and heat actually plays a role in the degradation of your roof system. Typically this type of deterioration will takes years to occur, however it’s important to address any damage as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs down the line.

 

Unless proper precautions are taken, heat is likely to cause roof materials to change their structure. Asphalt shingles, which are one of the most popular roofing materials, can begin to degrade after they are repeatedly exposed to constantly high temperatures. This causes the material to lose many of the qualities that make it ideal for use on the roof. It becomes hard, inflexible and brittle. It may begin to crack, which would allow moisture to pass through the roof and into the wooden structures of the home.

 

Learning the signs of roofing heat damage can help you catch a problem before it escalates. When looking at your shingles, examine them closely for bubbles, cracking and lost granules. When viewed from the ground during wind, if you can see the granules blowing off, your roof may have been damaged by the heat.

 

To prevent your roofing material from degrading due to summer weather, give us a call. It’s important to have a professional inspect the roof to ensure that it has been installed properly and the attic is structured to allow heat to escape without building up and causing damage from within. Choosing light colored shingles can also help reduce the amount of radiation the roof absorbs which helps prolong its life.

 

Some may say that asphalt shingles are more susceptible to heat damage. However, with a properly vented attic, asphalt shingle roofs are ideal for use on many homes. Any roofing product has an associated lifetime, and when maintained well, these shingles can outlast any homeowner’s expectations.

 

For a roof inspection, replacement or installation give us a call at Exterior Home Services or click here for a quote!