3 Ways Summer Weather Affects Your Roof

Summer is here and so is the heat.  Now is the time to cool off by the pool or in the house with the HVAC on high.  But if you forgot to do your spring roof inspection, prepare to check your roof for any potential damages so that your roof can beat the heat!

Roofing material is built to last and withstand possible damages during the roof’s lifespan.  But the summer climate in Central Texas can expose your roof to 3 major threats: heat, humidity and summer storms.  You can’t change the climate but you can prepare your roof for these potential climate dangers.

1. Heat

As the days get longer in the summer, your roof will have more sun exposure.  Extended sun exposure will weaken your roof, especially if it is older than 10 years.  

Thermal shock is a common issue for roofs in hot climates.  Roofing systems will expand during longer, hotter days and contract in the cooler evenings.  The constant change of your roof will physically strain and decrease the lifespan of your roof over time.  

Heat will affect roofing materials differently.  Asphalt shingles are the most common and are built to be durable but they have the most visibly apparent signs of damage. Asphalt shingles will crack, buckle and possibly shrink.  Shingle damage will expose wood to sun and rain which leads to more damage to your roof home.  

Clay and concrete shingles are designed to resist high temperatures.  Lengthy exposure to the sun will make these shingles brittle and begin to fade.  

Metal shingles do exceptionally well in high heat climates as they reflect UV rays. But if metal roofs are not installed correctly, oil canning can occur when metal panels are visibly wavy. 

If you think your roof has been compromised by the heat, inspect your roof from the ground and look for balding, any signs of buckling or peeling shingles or warped metal shingles.  And if you are able to access your home’s attic or crawl space, inspect for any cracks or damage and ensure it is properly ventilated.  

2. Humidity

Temperatures increase during the summer and so does your HVAC use.  Humidity can damage roofs when the water vapor turns into condensation that can collect in your home’s attic or on shingles. While humidity cannot be stopped, you can take steps to avoid any damages it can do to your roof and home.  

Water vapors collecting and getting trapped under shingles and in your home’s attic on hot days are a recipe for mold and mildew.  Mold spores contribute to wood and plywood sheathing rotting and splitting.  Mold damage is not only dangerous for your home because if it becomes a severe enough concern, mold can jeopardize the health of your family.  

In climates with high humidity levels, roofing systems are more likely to have moisture issues, especially while your HVAC is used more than normal.  As humidity and water condensation weakens roofing materials, your roof can become more prone to water damage and leaks.  

Inspect your roof and attic for damp spots, rotting and mold.  If you notice any signs of humidity damage, do not wait to contact a roofing contractor. Roofing contractors can offer mold treatments or roofing repairs.  Talk with a contractor to find out what kind of roofing ventilation works for your home and if weatherproof roofing materials can be beneficial.

3. Summer storms

It is nice to get a break from the heat every once and a while but even though summer storms in Central Texas can be short, they can be intense.  And these quick summer storms can be harsh on your roof.

The added moisture that summer storms bring are potential threats to your roof.  Sometimes these storms bring strong winds that can tear shingles off of roofs.  Now the exposed wood will be more prone to warp, bend or rot when exposed to water. 

Roofs that are over a decade old should be inspected monthly to identify if there are any weakened spots that may be in danger during the summer.  As roofing materials become weaker, summer storms will have a higher chance of creating rot and leaks.  

If you are looking for an experienced roofer in San Antonio, contact Norwest Roofing.  We will provide you with a free roofing estimate to inspect any compromised parts of your roof.  We are ready to protect your family and your home this summer!