With scorching temperatures and intense sunlight, summer in Arizona can take a toll on commercial roofing systems. As a business owner or property manager, protecting your roof from the summer heat is crucial to ensure its longevity and prevent costly repairs. In this blog post, we will provide some essential tips and information to safeguard your commercial roofing from the blistering summer heat.
Proper Roof Insulation Is a Must
Proper insulation is integral in protecting your commercial roof from extreme heat conditions. Insulation works by maintaining a consistent internal temperature, which mitigates the heat strain on the roof. Commercial roofs are primarily insulated using materials with high thermal resistance, such as polyurethane foam, fiberglass, and cellulose.
These materials are installed beneath the roof membrane, ensuring an effective barrier against heat transfer. Not only does this help keep your building cooler during the sweltering summer months, but it also significantly reduces energy costs, contributing to overall operational efficiency. Therefore, for optimal protection against summer heat, ensuring your roof is adequately insulated with high-quality, thermally resistant materials is of utmost importance.
If you are unsure whether your roof is properly insulated, or you suspect it is not, reach out to Lyons Roofing for a commercial roof inspection with one of our pros. We can help by assessing your current roofing setup and guide you in what repairs you should prioritize (if any are needed).
Adequate Ventilation: An Essential Factor for Heat Protection
As essential as proper insulation, suitable roof ventilation is pivotal in safeguarding your commercial roof from the sweltering summer heat. A well-ventilated roof facilitates sufficient airflow, helping disperse heat and inhibiting moisture accumulation. Without this, you risk mold growth and accelerated roof deterioration, which could lead to unnecessary expenses in the form of roof repairs or replacement.
Here are a few ways to enhance your commercial roof's ventilation:
- Install Ridge Vents: These are installed at the roof's peak, allowing warm air to escape while promoting cooler air intake, effectively maintaining a balanced roof temperature.
- Use Soffit Vents: Positioned under the roof’s eaves, soffit vents aid in drawing in cool air, further assisting in temperature regulation.
- Invest in Mechanical Exhaust Systems: These are active ventilation systems that use fans or blowers to extract warm air and push it out of the building. An example of this would be a solar attic fan.
Remember, an efficient ventilation system will not only extend the life of your commercial roofing but also contribute to an improved indoor environment, adding to the comfort of your building's occupants. As with insulation, if you're uncertain about your roof’s ventilation, don’t hesitate to get an expert opinion from the team at Lyons Roofing.
Consider a Cool Roof
A cool roof is an innovative solution specifically designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof. In the context of commercial roofing, this can be a game-changer. These roofs are made from materials with high solar reflectance and thermal emittance, such as white or light-colored coatings, greatly reducing surface temperature and minimizing heat transfer into the building.
In the blistering Arizona summer, a cool roof can create a significant difference in the overall temperature of your commercial building, leading to lower cooling costs and a more comfortable environment for building occupants.
Moreover, by reducing the heat strain on the roofing system, a cool roof can enhance the roof’s longevity and help avoid repair or replacement costs. Therefore, installing a cool roof could be an effective and efficient solution if you're considering ways to protect your commercial roof from the summer heat.
Get the Help of a Professional Roofer
The expertise of a professional roofer like Lyons Roofing can make a significant difference in preserving and protecting your commercial roof from the blazing Arizona sun. Our roofing professionals have in-depth knowledge about the nuances of various commercial roofing systems (including flat and pitched roofs) and understand the unique challenges that the harsh Arizona summer can pose.
We believe in proactive maintenance to ensure your roof's longevity. Regular inspections are pivotal to our maintenance strategy. We recommend scheduling professional inspections at least twice a year, one of them preferably before the summer season.
These inspections allow us to detect early signs of damage and potential hazards, such as:
- Cracks in the roofing material
- Evidence of leaks or water pooling
- Blistering caused by extreme heat
- Problems with roof drainage and downspouts, including clogs and leaks
- Overhanging tree branches posing a threat to the roof
Prompt detection and repair of these issues can prevent further damage, extending the lifespan of your roof. In addition to this, we offer advice on regular cleaning practices to keep your roof in optimal condition. In all, Lyons Roofing is your trustworthy partner in shielding your commercial roof from the unforgiving summer heat.
Please send us a message online to schedule an inspection.