Hot, sunny Orlando summers can impact your roofing structure as well as its materials. Some top issues that can impact your roof during the summer include high temperatures, humidity, UV light, and thermal shock.
Cracked Shingles
Exposure to excessive heat can lead to cracked shingles. When asphalt shingles are newly installed, they are flexible which allows them to be placed on the roof with ease. However, when a roof is exposed to excessive heat year after year, the shingles can lose their flexibility and dry out. As a result, they become brittle and cracked. Cracked shingles make the roof vulnerable to leaks and can mean you need to get a roof replacement sooner.
Discoloration
During the hottest parts of the day, the sun’s UV rays are powerful. This can cause your roofing material to become discolored. The discoloration is not only unattractive, but it also impacts your roof’s ability to work as it is designed. Lighter colors have often been selected when constructing roofs to help deflect the sun’s light. It keeps powerful, harmful rays from the sun from damaging your roof surface, and the lighter colors are designed to help keep the interior of your home cool during the summer.
Additionally, when exposed to too much heat and water, the metal components of your roof can start to rust. The rust leads to weakness over time decreasing the durability of your roof.
Blistering
Asphalt shingles have a bottom layer made of fiberglass. When the shingles are manufactured, this bottom section is soaked in asphalt. While this process occurs, moisture pockets may be trapped inside the asphalt because of humidity and temperature variations in the manufacturing plant.
The second layer of an asphalt shingle is made of granules. These minerals and crushed stones determine the color of the shingles and provide protection from the strong UV rays of the sun. Unfortunately, various problems can lead to asphalt shingles blistering and deteriorating.
When temperatures increase outside, the temperature in a home’s attic will also increase. The shingles may overheat if hot air in the attic becomes stagnant. Moisture that is trapped inside the shingles may start to expand and the asphalt can begin to soften. On hot days, homeowners may start seeing the shingles’ granules begin to pop off. This leaves the shingle’s bottom layer exposed to the sun’s direct light and its intense UV rays.
Blistering will not get better on its own. The blisters will grow and negatively affect the shingles which will, in turn, threaten the integrity of your roof. At this point, your roof will be susceptible to problems such as leaks and buckling.
Shrinkage
Heat can cause asphalt shingles to shrink. As this happens, the nails that keep the shingles on the roof pop out causing shrunken shingles to fall off and increasing the chance of further damage to your roof.
Damaged Flashing
Metal flashing is exceptionally durable. However, plastic flashing may stretch, pull away or break as the roof joists expand with the heat. Damaged flashing creates openings for water penetration, leaks, mildew, and mold growth.
Thermal Shock
Summer temperatures in Orlando can get above 90°F in the afternoon and drop by the evening into the mid-60s. These significant temperature changes that take place in a short amount of time can lead to a phenomenon called thermal shock. Thermal shock describes the damage to roof materials as buildings expand and contract relatively quickly in response to rising or falling temperatures.
Since different roofing components are made from different materials, they do not all have the same expansion and contraction rates. This can weaken roofing material and affect the roof’s overall integrity and structure. In the worst-case scenario, excessive heat can lead to a roof becoming warped or split.
The downspouts and gutters that are connected to the roof are also susceptible to thermal shock. With time, the expansion and contraction of the roof can cause these fixtures to separate from the roof leaving the roof susceptible to water damage.
UV Light
Along with the summer heat comes harsh ultraviolet rays that can harm your roof. During the summer, UV light can hit your roof’s surface with its fullest impact. It may even be able to penetrate clouds on slightly overcast days.
UV light impacts the quality of your roof, accelerating the decay rates of various materials. Wood can crack and bleach, shingles can peel and buckle, and the protective oils that are essential to many roofing materials can dry out causing them to become brittle.
UV rays will affect your asphalt shingles down to their chemical compounds. As the materials break down, the oily protective covering of the shingles evaporates leaving them unprotected. As they dry out, they start to crack.
Summer Storms
Summer heat is a key factor in summer thunderstorms that can result in heavy winds and other elements that damage your roof. Summer storms are known for hail and excessive rain that can dent metal roofs, cause tiles to become loose, damage the gutters and lead to missing shingles.
Curling Shingles
Shingles that are curling around the edges are a significant indicator of poor ventilation inside a home. The hot, moist air naturally present inside homes due to daily activities, such as cooking and showering, can contribute to this issue. Pets and plants in the home can also increase the moisture levels that are exacerbated by the heat.
To prevent damage caused by excessive moisture, homes need to have adequate ventilation that allows hot air to escape. Modern homes typically have several roof vents, allowing air to escape through the attic. The soffit, which is the overhang area between the roof and the house, is also ventilated to facilitate air circulation.
Pests and Rodents
When outdoor temperatures increase, the heat affects rodents and other pests. These creatures will seek out any available shelter to avoid the heat, and your roof often becomes their preferred location. Once they gain access, they may create nests or burrows in various parts of your roof which can compromise its structural integrity and require premature replacement.
The Slow Burn of Heat Damage
Much of the damage caused by heat is not apparent immediately, as it can accumulate over months or years. It is essential to know what to look for and to have your roof periodically inspected by roofing technicians. They can help you identify and repair problems before they become emergencies. Newer roofs that are well-maintained will likely have fewer heat-related problems. Older roofs that are poorly maintained will not fare well during hotter temperatures.
Working With Orlando Roofers Who Care
At Quality Roofing, we proudly set the standard for roofing companies in our area. Our customers appreciate our clear communication, attention to detail, and industry-specific knowledge. We are pleased to be members of the National Roofing Contractors Association, have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and boast a five-star Google rating.
Our services include storm damage installation and repair as well as maintaining metal roofing and architectural shingles. We also offer roof inspections, roofing replacements, and guttering and can work with you to create custom roof designs. Contact Quality Roofing today.
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