How the Sun & Heat Impact Your Roof
Living in Arizona, we know what hot is. With temperatures often reaching triple digits, we have become experts on staying cool. But, can you say the same thing for your roof? In the summer months, your roof takes a beating from both the heat and the sun's rays. Over time, both can degrade your roofing materials, lead to more repair issues, and even reduce the roof's lifespan.
The sun and heat can cause the following roofing problems:
- Cracked and warped shingles
- Discoloration and fading
- Deteriorated materials, including underlayment and coatings
- Reduced overall integrity of your roofing system
If damage from the sun and heat goes unchecked, you may find yourself dealing with more repair problems, such as leaks, broken shingles, loosened flashing, and more. Further, a storm is more likely to cause significant damage when it comes through. All of these contribute to the premature aging of your roof. If your roof ages too quickly, you may find that you have to replace it sooner. Between excessive repairs and premature replacements, heat and sun damage can cost you hundreds.
So, what can you do? Below we offer a few helpful tips for protecting your roof from the summer heat.
#1: Improve Your Attic & Roof Ventilation
Not just the temperature outside is of concern when it comes to your roof. The interior temperature in your attic is also a major concern. Did you know that the air in your attic or crawlspace can reach up to 160°? When this happens, your roof becomes superheated. This extreme heat degrades your roofing materials, speeding up the wear and tear on your roofing system.
Additionally, as the roof heats, the materials expand quickly. Then, when things cool down in the evening, they contract quickly. Regular expansion and contracting like this can cause your roofing materials to crack and break. An easy way to fix this problem is to ensure that your roof is properly ventilated.
While your roof should have built-in ventilation, many Arizona residents find that they need to boost their ventilation to help combat the extreme summer temperatures. A good way to do this is by installing a solar attic fan. These fans improve the airflow in your attic/crawlspace, and because they are solar powered, they will not increase your electric bill. It's a win-win!
Read our blog, "Why Attic Ventilation Matters," to learn more.
#2: Select a Light-Colored Roofing Shingle or Tile
If you are installing a new roof or replacing your old roof and you live in Arizona, you should consider selecting a roofing tile or shingle that is a light color. Lighter roofing shingles will help reflect the sun's rays and absorb less heat.
Relatedly, you can take it a step further and install a cool roof. A cool roof is a roof that is designed to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. A cool roof can be up to 50° cooler than a standard roof. A new cool roof can also support your HVAC system and help you see a reduction in your monthly cooling costs.
Review our blog here to learn more about cool roofs.
#3: Improve Your Insulation
Did you know that insulation can help keep your home cool during the summer, just as it helps keep your home warm in the winter? While insulation will help make your AC more efficient, it will also help protect your roof from becoming superheated. It is not uncommon for unfinished attics and crawlspaces to lack insulation or to be only minimally insulated. If you are struggling to keep the temperature down on your roof and have already ensured that you have adequate ventilation, you should consider whether improving your insulation will help.
Protecting your roof from the damaging rays and heat of the sun doesn't have to be hard. Reach out to Lyons Roofing for help.
