Does Extreme Heat Hurt Roofing?
This summer has been brutal throughout the country. The extreme heat started far earlier than normal, and temperatures aren’t dropping any time soon. This may have you wondering – does extreme heat hurt roofing? Let’s take a look at how this heat wave may impact your home.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Roofing
Roofing materials are made to be in constant contact with sunlight. As a result of this, they can withstand most summer temperatures. When the weather stays overly hot for an extended track of time though, that’s when issues occur.
The roof not only faces heat from the top surface, but it also deals with heat coming in through the attic. Attic temperatures can be 65% higher than outside temperatures, turning a 100-degree day into a 170-degree attic. This is essentially baking your roofing from all angles!
Asphalt expands as it heats up and shrinks when it cools back down. Thus when the temperature starts to drop again, you may notice cracking or shifting in your shingles. This is especially true for older shingles that have already gone through multiple climate cycles. They eventually lose their ability to bounce back, and the only option is to repair or replace them.
Should I Replace My Asphalt Shingles with a Different Material?
Asphalt is susceptible to damage during extreme heat waves, but it remains the most popular roofing material in America. In fact, 4 out of every 5 homes have an asphalt roof, largely because of how versatile and affordable this material is. There are pros and cons to every roofing option, so it’s not necessary to replace your current roof just because of one aggressive summer. If you’re in need of a new roof though, you may want to compare all your options to make the best overall investment for your home.
How to Minimize and Prevent Roof Damage in a Heat Wave
Insulating your attic can drastically reduce the heat under your roofing. This can also improve the energy efficiency of your home and lower your heating/cooling bill. If you have insufficient insulation at the moment, get that taken care of as quickly as possible.
Make sure the vents around your attic are working properly. They play a crucial role in getting warm air out of the attic to keep your roof and house cool. If you have an older home, you may need to add additional ventilation routes to your attic.
If you have cheap asphalt shingles on your roof, they’re going to be much more susceptible to sun damage than high-quality shingles. The installation also makes a difference in how well the roof can stand up to extreme temperatures. McLean Roofing and Siding offers dependable, premium roofing installation in Southeast Michigan.
To schedule a roof inspection or explore new roofing options, please give us a call at (248) 524-1111.