After the harshness of winter, do yourself and your roof a great service and prepare it for the summer scorcher for several reasons. Winter snow and spring rains could have easily left your roof with some weakness that will be exasperated by the summer heat. The dry warm weather and longer hours of sunlight are excellent times for roof work to be completed. Now is a great time to invest in a roof inspection and maintenance plan for your roof. A full roof replacement can range from over $5,000 to $12,000. A small preventive cost associated with maintenance can save you big in the long run. Taking steps to protect your roof from the harsh heat will extend the life of your roof and protect your home from structural damage and water problems.
UV rays hit your roof all year long even on the cloudy cold days of winter. With constant UV rays hitting your roof, the natural oils of asphalt shingles will dry out. Additionally UV rays can weaken the integrity of the wood that supports your roof. It stands to reason, that your roof absorbs the bulk of the sun exposure that hits your house.
With the excessive heat, your roof is even more vulnerable to the intense summer UV rays which hasten damage.
Decay
If you discover granules in your downspouts, it's a sign that your older shingles are starting to degrade from exposure to the sun.
Warping
Asphalt shingles can curl and distort over time as a result of high temperatures and continuous sunlight, and the problem will only get worse.
Cracks
If ignored, warped shingles will lead to cracked shingles and severe roof damage.
Coating Damage
Direct sunlight will cause the coating to become brittle and dry over time, leaving your roof vulnerable to wind, rain, and other severe weather.
Bleaching
Darker shingles can be bleached out by the sun and fade over time. Although this isn't a structural problem, it will make your roof appear to be in need of repair and maintenance.
Thermal Shock
Due to the intense heat and rapid evening cooling of your roof, the materials expand and contract rapidly, weakening and warping the material's integrity.
Fortunately, there are actions you can take to protect your roof from the heat throughout the summer.
The first priority should be to schedule a professional roof inspection to identify and repair any issues before the summer heat can exacerbate any damage. Upon an inspection, a roofing expert will make professional advice for summer roof protection. This could involve things like shingle replacement, crack sealing, and more. Any missing shingles or tiles, in particular, should be replaced as soon as possible.
In addition, a roof with a lighter color will reduce UV ray absorption and minimize rooftop temperatures.
Deflect heat and protect your roof, with a UV-resistant coating.
However, you may take extra precautions to protect and maintain your roof before the hot season starts.
With the humid climate, of North Carolina in the summer, consider talking to your roofer about waterproof protection. This preventative step stops moisture buildup and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew on your roof.
Don't overlook your gutters after a spring of storms and debris. Bird’s nests, leaves, sticks, and other debris can clog gutters, causing water to accumulate. Gutters that don't drain damage your roof and foundational damage.
Inspect the ventilation in your attic. Internal inconsistencies in heating and cooling might worsen the consequences of thermal shock.
Check for any evidence of deterioration on skylights. If the sides of a skylight aren't correctly sealed, it might be a major cause of roof leaks.
When it comes to absorbing heat and keeping your home cool during the summer, not all roofs are made equal. Certain materials, such as asphalt, don't fare well in direct sunshine. Because of the dark hue and texture, sunlight is absorbed, which heats up your roof and home.
For North Carolina, one of the best roofs you can have is a metal roof. Check out our article about the metal roofing trend in North Carolina.
Don’t allow roofing concerns to derail your fun in the sun this summer.
Summertime roof maintenance will help repair damage caused by spring and winter weather and can include taking precautions to ensure that your roof is ready to endure the summer heat. To learn more about our roofing services or to discover more roof maintenance recommendations to protect your property, contact us today. We also provide low-cost roof financing, making it simple for any household to obtain the roof repairs they require.