How Does Summer Affect Your Roof and What Can You Do About It?

For a lot of people, summer is the best time of the year. Longer days, plenty of sunshine, warm weather, and vacation time. And, of course, you probably know how to take care of yourself and your family during those hot and sunny days – usually by staying hydrated, finding shade, and using sunscreen. 

But did you know that the summer weather can also have some negative effects on your roof? And that the roof, too, should be properly protected?

Well, it’s true. There are some risks that the summertime entails, and that could lead to some roof damage and ruin your summer fun if you don’t act in time.

So, in what ways can summer affect your roof, and what can you do about it? Read on to find out more.

Sunlight and UV Rays

Summertime means longer days, more hours of daylight, and more sunlight. Along with that, there is increased exposure to UV rays from the sun, which can cause damage to your property – more specifically, the roof. 

When it comes to that UV exposure, your roof shingles are especially at risk. Asphalt shingles may buckle and split from excessive exposure to UV rays, while the oils in your roofing materials can dissipate, especially when the roof is an older one. Wood is also prone to damage as it can bleach under the influence of UV rays.

Extreme Temperatures

High temperatures accelerate the aging process of your roof, breaking down its construction materials. If there are no trees close to your house to provide shade, your roof will be constantly exposed to extreme temperatures during those long summer days. 

If your roof is made from dark materials, this effect will be even stronger. Dark materials tend to absorb heat rapidly and to a greater extent. What does this mean? On a hot day, the temperature of your roof could build up to twice the current outdoor temperature. If your roof is not adequately insulated, the excessive heat will seep into the inside of your house.

Thermal Shock

While days are longer and hotter, summer nights can get colder. Not too cold but refreshing, especially when compared to daytime temperatures. Although this cooling down period after the sunset and into the night feels good to you, your roof would disagree. 

Great differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures cause construction materials to expand and contract, and this thermal shock weakens the structural integrity of your roof. If this process is repeated over a certain period of time, roofing materials will become deformed, and this can lead to cracks in your roof, leaks, and ventilation problems.

Summer Storms

As the song says, in the summertime, the weather is fine, but it’s not so great all the time. 

Let’s not forget another integral part of summertime – summer storms. They can happen in a flash and surprise us with their intensity. The temperature drops down quickly, and heavy gusts of wind rise, followed by heavy rainfall. Hailstorms are also common during summertime in some areas. That is a lot for your roof to endure. 

Wind, rain, and hail can hit your home hard and do serious harm to your roof. Shingles and tiles can loosen, crack or break off. After a storm, your roof could be covered in debris – branches, leaves, and dirt. Your gutters might become blocked. If parts of the roof crack, there could be holes in it that you don’t become aware of immediately. You’re more likely to notice them once the sun comes back and you see light sneaking through those nasty cracks. 

What Can You Do About It?

Prevention is always the best option, and the best thing to do is to call the professionals. Contact your local roofing company for a roof inspection, so you can get a general idea of the state of your roof. If you call them just before summer goes into full effect with its high temperatures and excessive UV rays, repairs and adaptations might prevent any unnecessary harm to your roof. 

There are preventive measures that you can take that will take care of the major issues we listed. It is always important to stay diligent and monitor the state of your roof because not all damage happens quickly and noticeably. A lot of it will occur over time, and you will become aware of it only after the situation has escalated. 

Now, let’s take a look at some of the steps you can take to ensure the quality and longevity of your roof, as well as the safety of your family and the value of your home. 

Insulation

Proper insulation will protect your home from excessive heat and help it maintain a manageable indoor temperature. When we talk about insulation, we usually refer to keeping the heat inside during winter. But, insulation plays an important role during hot summer months as well, as it prevents too much heat from coming inside. 

Shading

A tried and tested method, shading protects your roof from too much sun. Trees, especially if they have thick branches, can cover parts of your roof and help block UV rays. Of course, too many branches over your roof might become a risk during storms, but when it comes to sunlight, they can prevent damage. 

Make sure your roof is clean from debris during summer. Consult with roofing professionals about how to add shading to your roof and the benefits of installing polyurethane foam, as it can protect it both from water and sun damage.

Ventilation

People will often say that you “need to let the house breathe,” and while this may seem like just another colloquial saying, it’s actually quite true. Without air flowing through the house, heat can become locked in, turning your home into a sauna. Moisture can accumulate, and damp conditions lead to mold and mildew forming. 

Sure, you could just leave a couple of windows open, but in the summertime, this will allow the heat to enter your home and if you try to counter it by turning up the AC, all you will do is increase your electricity bill. Having a high-quality ventilation system can help you out.

The wise thing to do is install exhaust vents. You can still keep the inside of the house cool with your AC system, while the house won’t be completely locked and sealed. Reach out to a trusted and reliable roofing contractor in your area and ask for advice about this issue.

Lighter-Colored Materials

As we have previously mentioned, and this is a well-known fact, darker colors are better at absorbing heat, while lighter colors are better at reflecting heat and light. So, if you pick light-colored shingles, you will discover their benefits during summertime, as they are more likely to reflect excessive sunlight and heat rather than absorb them. 

Rest Easy During Summertime With a Reputable Roofing Company

As you can see, while summertime usually implies vacations, fun, and nice warm weather, your roof can actually be at risk. Extreme heat, UV rays, and sudden storms can cause damage that can only be taken care of by a professional roofing company. 

Your best option is to be prepared. Contact your trusted local roofing company Hamilton NJ and ask for a roof inspection. If there are signs of damage and potential risks, our experienced roofers will know how to take care of any issue.

So, give us a call, and we’ll help you stay free of broken and missing shingles, leaky roofs, and clogged gutters, and most importantly – you will be stress-free, which is what summer should be all about.