The spring showers have arrived in Texas which means that summer, with its blazing heat, is right around the corner.
Heat can be extremely damaging to roofing, deteriorating it and making it more susceptible to leaks and other common problems.
Texas roofers find heat and UV damage to be prime factors in the deterioration of roofing materials of all kinds and in multiple ways.
Learn here how heat can affect a Texas roof and what roof companies recommend for reducing the damage that can result!
How Does Heat Damage Texas Roofing?
Extreme heat can destroy roofing materials by speeding up the natural degradation process.
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun affects different materials by heating them up, causing reactions within them.
Asphalt shingles, wood, rubber, and other materials installed by roof companies can be affected to varying degrees, usually by drying out and becoming more brittle.
High heat can also affect other parts of a roof, regardless of the exterior materials, when attic ventilation is inadequate and overheating results.
Roofers often see overheated attics affected by condensation, which leads to several moisture-related problems, or overheated roof decks, which can quickly destroy asphalt shingle roofing installations.
What Type of Heat-Related Problems Do Roofers Often See?
In regions such as Texas that experience high heat for much of the year, roofers commonly see heat-related problems that include:
- Damaged Shingles - Heat damage makes shingles drier and more brittle, predisposing them to breakage due to high winds, impacts, and simple wear and tear. Shingles can also warp, curl, or blister when an attic with poor ventilation becomes overheated, passing that heat upward through the decking to affect the shingles.
- Leaks - As roofing materials dry out and become brittle or adhesion becomes compromised, leaks become more common.
- Structural Damage - Wood rot caused by hidden leaks or from high condensation in poorly ventilated attics can attack the decking, rafters, trusses, and other weight-bearing components, causing structural damage to the roof.
- Mold Growth - Another secondary problem that roofers often connect to leaks and condensation that results from heat damage is mold growth, which can cause indoor air quality problems and health issues in the home.
What Is Recommended To Protect Roofing From Heat Damage?
Preventing the roofing problems that result from heat damage involves protecting against that damage in various ways.
Although a roofing company cannot prevent the natural, slow aging that happens to all roofs over their expected lifespan, they can help homeowners prevent accelerated deterioration due to heat damage with these recommendations:
- High-Quality Materials - Choose roofing materials designed to be more energy-efficient and UV-resistant, as these will stay protective longer without drying out and becoming brittle when receiving proper maintenance. Materials with high reflectiveness like coated shingles, metal, and clay or concrete tile are recommended for their ability to combat the Texas heat.
- Assess Roof Ventilation - Prevent overheating by having attic ventilation assessed and additional vents installed if necessary to keep the attic space cool and dry.
- Keep The Roof Clean - Have mold, mildew, and other growth periodically washed off, as these often start the process of materials drying out and becoming brittle, which will worsen with exposure to high heat.
- Have Regular Inspections - Routine roofing inspections can detect heat-related damage and developing problems so repairs can be made before the entire roof is lost.
Prepare For Summer With The Help of A Texas Roofer
Summertime in Texas brings extreme heat that can cause major damage to roofing.
While it is impossible to stop the heat, homeowners partnering with professional roofers can take steps to minimize the damage it has on their roofs.
Consult with an experienced Texas roof company today and start with a thorough roofing inspection!
