When it comes to roofs, most homeowners focus on the issues caused by winter weather, and most don’t even know enough about the damage caused by warmer temperatures when it is heating up. Unfortunately, what you don’t know can hurt your wallet regarding home maintenance. However, you don’t have to be an expert- keep these tips in mind to learn what to expect from warmer temperatures and how to select a roof that can handle them.
How Do Warmer Temps Affect Your Roof?
You know what winter temps and weather conditions can do to your roof. However, warmer temps can also affect your roof. Here are a few ways that your roof can be affected by heat.
Rapid Temperature Fluctuations
If there are many potential issues on your roof maintenance checklist, including curling/cracked shingles, winter may not be the only season to blame. Rapid temperature changes, such as the warm days and cool nights of spring, can cause the components of your roof to expand and contract. You will have a tight seal that keeps wind and rain out of your home when properly installed. However, when expansion and contraction happen due to temperature fluctuations, the seal is no longer functional.
Humidity
Many times, people focus mostly on heat causing damage to roofs. However, humidity can also cause damage equal to or worse than the heat. There are many benefits to using your air conditioner during the warmer months, especially since it can pull the humidity out of your home. According to the experts, indoor humidity should be kept around 30 to 50%. Of course, the air conditioner can’t do much about moisture getting trapped under your shingles, which can cause algae to grow. While it’s true that winterizing your roof can help with this, it’s still something you need to be aware of as you move into the warmer months.
Energy Efficiency
Heat on your roof does much more than put your roof at risk for damage, and it can also reduce the energy efficiency of your home. When your vehicle’s roof warms up, it takes longer to cool off- your home has the same issue. A hot roof puts pressure on your cooling system, which causes it to work harder and wear out sooner. You’ll want to take steps to increase the energy efficiency of your roof.
Does Your Roof Absorb Heat?
Your roof is just like any other surface- it does absorb heat. Of course, the absorption is dependent on several factors, including the type of roof you have and the color. For example, if you have a dark asphalt roof, it is like an asphalt road- it absorbs a lot of heat. Ideally, you want to select a material and color that will reflect heat instead of absorbing it to increase your home’s energy efficiency and the lifespan of your roof.
Protecting Your Roof From Heat
You can’t just pick up your house and carry it somewhere with no climate issues. Therefore, you want to take steps to protect it as much as possible. The best thing to do is start with making the right choice of material and color and support to minimize absorption of heat. When considering the benefits of replacing your roof in New York or New Jersey, you’ll want to keep the following in mind:
Consider a Different Roof Design
Changing your roof design isn’t always the easiest thing to do- but the style of your roof does affect your ability to manage the heat. For example, if your roof has a high pitch, ventilation becomes an issue, which increases your risk of experiencing hot roof issues. If possible, go with a more moderate pitch. If you have an older home, you may want to install an attic fan and choose a roofing material that is energy efficient.
Contemplate Various Roofing Materials
The most popular roofing material is asphalt shingles. It offers many benefits: adaptable, weather-resistant, and so much more. If you’re considering replacing your roof, you may consider the many benefits of asphalt shingles. On the other hand, this is not your only option.
- Slate shingles are the longest-lasting material, and if you plan to be in your home for a long time, it’s a great return on your investment.
- Another option for a long-lasting roof is copper- it looks great, and the life expectancy on a copper roof is hundreds of years.
- A clay roof is also durable and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, it’s low maintenance and regulates temperatures well.
Select Light Colors
Choosing your roof’s color is about more than aesthetics, and the color will substantially impact whether your roof absorbs or reflects heat.
Conclusion
Roofing damage caused by warmer weather can be just as concerning as winter conditions. Materials, design, and color all play a vital role in protecting your roof from hot conditions. If you’re having a hard time deciding on what is the best option for your situation, the experts at A&J Reliable will be more than happy to help. We have many years of experience and knowledge about these matters. Contact us today for a free estimate and roof inspection.