Hard Work & Innovation: The Job of a Roofer

The summer heat has been breaking records in many areas all over the country. Extreme temperatures aren't just bad for humans; they can damage building structures and, specifically, roofs. Here are two ways the roof on your home may be suffering under the heat and how to deal with the problem.

Decay from UV Damage

Although the ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun are good for plants, they're not very kind to roofing materials. Over time, UV cause the natural oils in your roof shingles to dry out, destroying their integrity and leading to bleaching, cracking, and decay. Unfortunately, heat only speeds up the deterioration, which means the extreme summer temperatures will significantly reduce your roof's lifespan.

There are a few things you can do to protect your roof from the effects of the UV and heat combo. Applying a UV coating to your roof will slow down the damage. Oftentimes heat from the attic will contribute to the issue, so properly ventilating the space and installing a fan or air conditioner to keep things cool will also help.

If you notice signs of deterioration, such as granules falling off or discoloration, contact a roofing company as soon as possible. The company can make the necessary repairs and advise you on preventative steps you can take to preserve your roof until it's time to officially replace it.

Warping from Thermal Shock

Another thing that could be destroying your roof is thermal shock. This is when your roof flips between being extremely hot during the day to rapidly cooling down at night. This is a problem because the constant back and forth causes the roofing material to expand and contract in an unhealthy way, eventually leading to warping and other structural damage.

Mitigating thermal shock can be challenging. One option is to paint your roof a color—such as white—that will reflect the sun's rays rather than absorb them. If you don't want to do anything permanent, you can install temporary reflective tarps that will accomplish the same thing.

A long-term option is to plant trees around your home to help block the sun and to install roofing materials that can better withstand the heat, such as clay tiles, when it comes time to replace your roof.

Taking steps to protect your roof during extreme heat is critical to the long-term safety of your home. Contact a roofer near you to learn more.