How Does Intense Heat Affect My Home?

The sun can become a relentless force in the summer, causing temperatures to soar. For most of us, this means cranking up the air conditioner and enjoying a cold drink underneath the protection of our home. However, the homes we live in don’t have the same luxury of being able to hide away from the harsh conditions. In fact, during the summer the prolonged heat can cause a variety of exterior damages that a homeowner should be aware of and have an action plan to deal with.

Thermal Shock

Many of the of the major exterior problems that a roof can face during the summer can be brought back to thermal shocks. But what exactly is a thermal shock? A Thermal shock is a process where materials are subject to fast and drastic temperature changes. When thinking of a home, thermal shock occurs during the summertime when the weather heats up the shingles on a roof during the day, and rapidly cools them off at night. This instability can cause stress on the roof and lead to the formation of cracks, buckling, and warping along the shingles that are supposed to keep the home safe. In extreme cases, if these problems stack up over time the roof can begin to leak or deteriorate lowering the value of your home.

Extreme Humidity

Most people know the impacts that humidity can have on their lives whether it’s the feeling they get from walking outside or noticing the excess water that can build up after a hot shower. However, did you know that humidity can also damage your roof in a negative way? When the air becomes exceedingly humid it can begin to cause water molecules to settle on the wood and shingles that make up your roof causing it to rot and decay over time. On top of that, this condensation can sneak into the cracks and creases caused by the heat resulting in potential leakage and other problems. That is why it is important to be aware of this potential hazard before it happens.

Direct Sunlight Rays

Another powerful force that can hurt the condition of your roof is the direct rays emitted from the sun. Like the skin on humans, the shingles on top of your roof can become irritated from the high exposure of ultraviolet rays which can cause problems over time. First of all, the shingles can begin to expand and contract from absorbing the heat from the rays over time. Secondly, the shingles can begin to crack and show signs of decay. If all of these things occur, the roof can begin to lose its value and cause hazards down the road. 

What Can You Do As a Homeowner?

There are many easy steps you can take as a homeowner to keep your roof safe during the harsh summer weather. 

• The first thing that you can do is complete routine maintenance on your roof to monitor the condition. Doing this allows you to determine whether or not your roof might need a repair or a replacement. 

• Another thing that you can do is consider installing a lighter shingle color to allow sunrays to reflect off the roof better and minimize damage. 

• Finally, you can receive an expert opinion of your roof’s condition through the inspection process.

See What Superstorm Restoration Can Do For You!

Our team of experts at Superstorm Restoration are here to help monitor and protect your roof during the harsh summer weather. We provide free property and drone evaluations to provide the most accurate information of your home. Contact us today to learn more about our process and what we do for our neighboring communities.