Summer’s coming quickly, and if you’ve been in Texas for even a short time, you know to expect sweltering temperatures sitting in the triple-digit range for days at a time. Of course, any good roof is going to be built to take on the more extreme weather that we face here, but over time, the intense rays of the sun and the blistering heat result in all kinds of frustrating problems for homeowners.
When left without maintenance for long enough, a heat-damaged roof can need replacing even years before the end of its otherwise long lifespan. Shingle roofing, in particular, is at-risk under these egregious temperatures; let’s look at some of the most serious causes for concern for your roof when the thermometer starts rising past the top of the scale.
UV Rays
The hole in the ozone layer doesn’t just affect our personal health; it can even affect the health of your home! UV radiation can slowly deteriorate the quality of your roofing materials, particularly if they’re cheap and low-quality. Untreated or unfinished wood can dry out and weaken. Shingles can begin to buckle under pressure as they weaken, as well. And once the shingles go, the wood beneath becomes exposed. Once this happens, you’re going to need a roof repair. If you need roof repair in North Richland Hills, TX, or the surrounding area, be sure to contact Gotcha Covered Contracting!
The best solution to fight harmful UV rays is to employ a strong and well-maintained ventilation system through your attic. This will control temperatures on the roof (and the attic itself), helping to quell the effects of the rays. Of course, this is most useful when combined with UV-resistant shingling.
Humidity
The humidity in Texas can be painfully unforgiving; this goes for us and for our homes. Humidity, of course, refers to the moisture hanging around in the air that leaves us feeling sweaty and uncomfortable after even a few moments out in the sun. During the most humid days, your roof can take quite a beating; if your roof is at a lower temperature than the air around it, water vapor will condense.
This moisture has a similar effect on the wooden panels in your roof as the sun’s UV rays, but it works much faster. It leads to decay, which weakens the wood and ultimately leads to a less safe and stable structure. And once the inner part of your roof goes, there’s little than can be done except to replace the roof.
Quality roofing contractors like Gotcha Covered Contracting, will install your roof using waterproof materials designed to take on the humidity. Additionally, this is another problem that can be mitigated with effective attic ventilation.
Roof Heat Damage
The heat itself, of course, is one of the main culprits that makes necessary a midsummer roof repair. Long summer days under the sun result in hours and hours of direct heat exposure for your roof. If heat builds up in the attic, the roof temperature will spike even higher.
When your shingles become saturated with heat and there’s nowhere for that heat to discharge, they’ll begin to lose their shape. They may begin to blister or warp; you’ll see the edges of the shingles starting to curl up slowly. They’ll often begin to crack, and eventually, they’ll decay. This is even more of an issue when there are several sweltering days in a row with no rainfall. The roof dries up, stays hot, and doesn’t gather any moisture at all. Cracked shingles and decaying roofing material need to be addressed right away.
If you notice any of these issues, you’ll want get in touch right away to schedule a roof repair. Be sure to call our roofing contractors in Southlake, TX for help! We service the entire DFW area. It’s important to fix this kind of damage quickly to prevent further damage to your roof under the shingles.
Storm Damage
Just as in any season, stormy weather can take a toll on your roof in the summer. While Texas summers often see some long dry spells, when it rains, it pours. If you’ve already got any of the previously-mentioned issues plaguing your roof, these storms will result in leaks that can cause much more serious damage to the interior of your home.
If part of your roofing is warped, it’s possible that water could be pooling on top of the roof. This sort of damage needs to be addressed right away, since pools of sitting water can slowly seep through roofing materials and make its way into the home, as well.
Storms are also going to put your gutters to work; you’ll want to make sure that you routinely clear your gutters of debris to prevent damage along the edges of your roof, as well.
Not entirely sure if your roof is heat-safe? Give us a call and we’ll make sure your roof is ready to fight the Texas sun.
