Summer Heat And Your Older Roof
When summer arrives and the temperatures start to rise, the heat can have a negative effect on your roof. The problem is generally more prevalent with older roofs. To guard against damage to your older roof from the excessive summer heat, you need to be armed with as much knowledge as possible about how heat affects a roof. The following article takes a look at this important issue for homeowners.
Damage
Heat can damage a roof in several ways. Exposure to high temperatures in the summer can cause asphalt shingles to degrade over time. Your shingles might begin to curl up, which allows rainwater to get under the shingles and damages your roof's underlayment. Excessive heat can lead to the shingles of your older roof buckling and warping as well.
The hot weather of summer can damage other components of your roof besides the shingle and underlayment. When the humidity is high, excessive moisture can potentially permeate weakened shingles and cause harm to the wood sheathing or decking. In some cases, this can lead to wood rot and you will need to make expensive repairs to the roof.
Thermal Shock
If you live in an area where the daytime temperatures are high but fall significantly during the night, you should be aware of a phenomenon known as thermal shock. This event occurs when the roofing material in question, such as asphalt shingles, contracts and expands due to fluctuating temperatures.
Thermal shock weakens roofing materials and can cause damage to your asphalt shingles. Also, your roof flashing, which is the metal strips that surround roof vents and secure roof valleys, can be loosened by thermal shock as can any roof fasteners. New roofs are not especially susceptible to this phenomenon but older roofs are vulnerable.
Roof Vents
One thing you can do to help your older roof during the summer is to ensure that it has enough ventilation. If a roof is not properly vented, then the high attic temperatures in your home can harm your roof. Venting minimizes this issue by allowing hot air to flow through the attic and be released outdoors.
A good rule of thumb is to have one square foot of venting for every 300 feet of attic floor. An added bonus of ensuring that your roof has adequate ventilation is that it will also improve your home's indoor air quality.
Your older roof is vulnerable to the summer heat. To avoid potential problems have your roof inspected by a qualified roofing company. For more information, contact a roofing company near you.