As summer months are right around the corner and many homeowners will be spending more time inside their homes. We have decided to take a look at what extreme heat does to your roof. A recent study found that there are large homes in Pennsylvania are vulnerable to extreme heat due to continuous climate change.
Extreme Heat Can Damage A Roof
The first thing you should know is that extreme heat can cause damage to your roof. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, it could crack or peel off of the roof because of extreme heat. This is why it’s important to check on your roof before extreme heat hits so you can make sure it doesn’t get damaged.
The following is an overview of some of the most common problems that occur during (and after) extreme heat:
1) Dry Rot – Dry rot happens when moisture builds up under the shingles. Because of this, the wood underneath the shingles begins to decay. The result is dry rot which causes the shingles to fall off of the roof.
2) Moisture Damage – When the temperature rises above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, water evaporates from the ground. This means that there is less water for plants and trees to absorb. In turn, they begin to wilt and die. This leads to a buildup of moisture in the air which eventually gets into the attic space. Once there, it drips down onto the roof causing leaks.
3) Hail Damage – Hail storms are very dangerous for roofs. They can cause major damage if not taken care of immediately. Hail storms often produce large hailstones which can easily penetrate through the roof. These hailstones can also break apart pieces of shingles.
4) Insect Damage – Insects love warm weather and they are attracted to the warmth of your home. During hot days, they find shelter in the attic where they multiply quickly. This leads to insect infestations which can lead to mold growth. Mold can grow in the walls and ceilings of your house as well as the insulation. It can also spread throughout your entire home.
5) Fire Damage – Fires are always a concern, especially during the summer. Not only do fires destroy property but they can also cause serious health issues. For example, carbon monoxide poisoning can happen when a fire destroys a chimney or flue system. Carbon monoxide is produced by burning materials such as coal, charcoal, gas, oil, etc.
6) Water Damage – One of the biggest concerns with extreme heat is water damage. Heat makes water expand and become much hotter than normal temperatures. This means that it expands faster and penetrates deeper than usual. This can cause severe damage to your ceiling and walls.
7) Electrical Issues – Electricity is another issue that occurs during extreme heat. When electricity travels through metal pipes, it becomes extremely hot. This can lead to electrical shorts that can burn holes in your wiring.
8) Structural Damage – Another problem with extreme heat is structural damage. As mentioned earlier, heat expands things like water and metals. This can cause the structure of your building to weaken. This can lead to cracks in the foundation or walls.
9) Air Conditioner Problems – A lot of people don’t realize how important their air conditioners are during the summer months. When the temperature outside reaches 100 degrees, many homeowners will leave their windows open. This allows all sorts of insects and pests to enter their homes. To prevent these types of problems, you should make sure that your AC unit has proper ventilation.
10) Increased Energy Costs – If you have an older home, then chances are that it doesn’t have any energy-efficient features. Most newer homes have better insulation and more efficient heating systems. However, even new homes can use some help. You can install window film on your windows to block out the sun and keep your home cooler.
Protecting Your Roof The Right Way
Heat makes roofing materials expand. The expansion causes the roof to sag over time. And sagging roofing material can be repaired, but it may require replacing the entire roof.
Extremely hot weather can do more harm than good to your roof. While it might seem like a great idea to open up the windows and let the fresh air come in, this could actually have a negative impact on your roof.
And one of the best solutions to protect your home from extreme heat is by hiring a professional to maintain your roof by having it inspected regularly. A professional roof inspection should be performed every year. They will check for any signs of damage and make sure all repairs are up to code. If you notice any problems with your roof, contact them immediately. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late.
Remember that your roof is exposed to many other things including rain, snow, wind, and sunlight. It needs to be protected from these elements so that it doesn’t get damaged.
Contact The Grace Family Roofing Company!
If you’re looking for a company that offers quality workmanship at affordable rates, look no further than The Grace Family Roofing Company. We guarantee our work by ensuring that strategic planning is done before executing the job. Contact us today for a free estimate!
