The summer heat in Charlotte, NC can take a much bigger toll on a roof than many people realize. In fact, heat is so damaging to a roof that it’s the main reason why roofs tend not to last as long in hot climates as they do in cooler areas. Heat is much less of a problem if you have a metal roof, but it is a serious concern for shingle roofs. In this article, we’ll look at the different ways heat can damage a roof and discuss the ways you can help protect your roof during the summer.
Shingle Damage and Degradation
The combination of hot air and the sun continually beating down on the roof causes shingles to become extremely hot. Charlotte regularly experiences summer days when the temperature reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. When it’s that hot, the temperature of your roof can surpass a sizzling 140 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoon. When shingles get that hot, they can quickly start to dry out and become more brittle. This makes them more susceptible to damage.
As shingles dry out, they can then begin to shrink as well. This is concerning since it can result in the shingles losing many of the protective granules, leaving the underlying material exposed and more likely to get damaged. The asphalt in the shingles can also start melting, further reducing their structural integrity. Constant exposure to strong UV rays during the summer is another issue that results in shingles deteriorating more quickly.
Extreme heat is generally the number one reason why shingles fail prematurely. This is primarily why experts recommend always choosing lighter-colored shingles if you live in a place with hot summers. Dark colors absorb sunlight, resulting in the roof getting extremely hot. Light-colored shingles reflect a substantial percentage of sunlight and don’t get nearly as hot.
Some shingles also have special coatings and granules that increase their reflectivity so that the roof stays substantially cooler. While these shingles typically cost more, they also tend to last longer. Another advantage is that you can then opt for a darker color without your roof heating up as much.
Thermal Shock and Cracking
Thermal shock is yet another common summertime issue that can result in damage to your roof. The term refers to the contraction that happens when a hot object quickly cools down. Shingles always expand to some degree as the roof heats up during the day and then contract as they begin to cool down after the sun sets. Thermal shock occurs when there’s a sudden and significant drop in temperature at night. Over time, this continual expansion and contraction can result in shingles cracking.
One concern when a roof has cracked shingles is that water can seep through the cracks instead of just flowing over the shingles. The roofing underlayment is designed to create a waterproof barrier between the shingles and the wooden roof deck. Nonetheless, water can sometimes still seep into the deck and result in the roof leaking or the wood starting to rot or crack, calling for prompt roof repair service.
The risk of these issues occurring is especially high if the roof has felt paper underlayment. Other types of underlayment are waterproof, but felt paper is only water resistant. That means it can still end up soaking through the paper and into the wooden deck sheets.
The other issue is that cracked shingles often end up breaking because of strong winds and then getting torn off the roof. That means you end up with a bare spot where the underlayment is fully exposed, further increasing the chances of the roof leaking or the wooden sheets getting damaged.
Wood Damage and Dry Rot
Proper roof ventilation is one of the biggest keys to protecting the underlying parts of a roof and preventing them from being damaged. The purpose of roof vents is to ensure that air constantly flows through the attic to prevent it from getting too hot and too humid.
Most roofs are passively ventilated, but some also have attic fans that provide manual ventilation. With passive ventilation, there are always vents in the soffit panels underneath the eaves or right at the edges of the roof as well as additional vents higher up on the ridge or at the top of the gables. The hot air in the attic naturally rises and flows out of the upper vents, which results in cooler air getting drawn in through the lower vents.
If the roof is properly ventilated, the attic should remain no more than 10 to 20 degrees hotter than the air outside. If the roof doesn’t have sufficient insulation, the temperature in the attic can easily be more than 50 degrees hotter than the air outside. One issue when an attic gets this hot is that it results in the roof deck heating up much more, which essentially heats the shingles from the underside and causes them to deteriorate faster.
An even bigger issue is that the extreme heat can dry out the wooden deck and the trusses or rafters, resulting in the wood warping and cracking. This sort of issue can be extremely serious, as it can make the roof structurally unsound and potentially lead to part of it collapsing.
If the roof isn’t properly ventilated, the attic can also become extremely humid. One issue with high humidity in an attic is that it can result in condensation forming, creating ideal conditions for mold growth or leading to the wooden parts of the roof rotting. High heat and humidity also often lead to dry rot, which is a type of fungus that feeds on wood and can eventually cause it to basically start falling apart.
Protect Your Roof From Damage This Summer
Other than ensuring that your roof is sufficiently ventilated, there’s not a sure method to prevent the roof from being damaged by extreme heat and thermal shock. This is why regular roof inspections and maintenance are so critical, as they can help catch and prevent certain issues before they lead to a much more serious problem.
A professional roofer will easily be able to identify any shingles that are cracked or otherwise damaged during a roof inspection. That way, you can then get your roof repaired before major damage occurs. Replacing damaged shingles is relatively easy and inexpensive.
If you just ignore the issue or aren’t aware of it because you never have your roof inspected, you can expect to pay for a full roof replacement much sooner than you’d planned. Another concern is that the roof deck could get damaged, resulting in the cost of replacing your roof increasing.
Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations is a local, family-owned company that’s been serving Charlotte and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years. We’re dedicated to providing the best roofing services available and bringing an unmatched level of honesty, integrity, and professionalism to every project. Whether you have a shingle roof or a metal roof, you can count on us for expert repair and replacement services.
If you want to make sure that your roof remains in good shape and is ready to withstand the heat this summer, contact Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations in Charlotte today to schedule an inspection.
