Do you feel like the summers are getting way hotter with each passing year? Well, you are not alone! We all are experiencing tremendous heat this year as warm air from the Pacific makes its way over the country. This change in climate is responsible for the unusual heat. It makes the weather harsher and more impactful on our lives as well as the durability and lifespan of a roof.
Like with previous years, you may be wondering how hot roofs will get in the summer and how you can make your life easy during this season. In this blog post, we’ll explore the impact of summer heat on various roofing materials and potential solutions to protect your roof from the scorching sun.
Roof Surface Temperature In Summer
There is no set temperature range for how hot roofs will get in the summer. It completely depends on the geographical location, roofing materials you have installed on your home, and to what extent they are exposed to the sunlight. However, there is no doubt in saying that roofs get exceptionally hot in summer and that they can also be damaged due to high heat absorption.
Since roofs in Ohio experience a tremendous amount of heat in summer, and now due to climate change, the roof’s surface temperature can get up to around 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Asphalt shingles, because they can absorb more heat, can reach 170 degrees Fahrenheit, while metal roofs, which are misinterpreted as naturally hot roofs, can get as hot as 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
If we look into roofing materials more closely, we find different roofing materials vary in how they absorb heat, or if they’re more likely to reflect it.
For instance, black or dark-colored roofs are known for their ability to absorb and retain heat, while cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, helping to keep the roof and the home cooler.
Summer Heat and Roofing Materials: What to Expect
The following section depicts the impact of high heat absorption on different roofing materials.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are quite popular among homeowners, but they are also more susceptible to heat damage than other roofing materials, such as metal, tile, and wood shakes. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause asphalt shingles to become brittle, lose their protective granules, and even crack or warp.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs, on the other hand, are highly resistant to heat and can withstand extreme temperatures for many years without sustaining significant damage.
For their low thermal emissivity and energy efficiency, metal roofs can radiate the absorbed heat without transferring it down the roof, which keeps the home interior cooler, even if it is extremely hot outside. This, however, may not be the case with improperly installed metal roofs.
Tile Roofs
Tile roofs are known for their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. However, like other roofing materials, tiles can crack or break under extreme heat if they are not properly installed or maintained. Additionally, if the underlying roofing structure is not adequately insulated, heat can easily pass through into the home, affecting the overall energy efficiency.
Wood Shakes and Shingles
Wood shakes and shingles can become damaged due to heat if they are not treated with proper coatings. Wood shakes and shingles are generally made of cedar, which is a natural wood found all over the world. Cedar wood contains an oil that maintains its natural beauty for centuries.
However, when exposed to high levels of heat over the years, wood shingles and shakes begin to dry out and lose their natural oil, leading to cracks and warping.
Rubber Roofing Materials For Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are made of rubber roofing materials, such as TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen. Since the large surface area of flat roofs are exposed to the sun throughout the day, these roofing materials become susceptible to a shortened lifespan.
In addition, constant exposure to summer heat causes these materials to develop creases and cracks and lose their protective abilities over time.
Solutions for Protecting Your Roof from Summer Heat
1. Cool Roofs
If you want to reduce the major impact of heat on your roof and the home inside, cool roofing materials are one of the options you should look for. Cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional roofs. This not only helps to reduce roof temperature but also keeps your home cooler and more energy-efficient.
2. Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is the key to maintaining a cool and harmonious atmosphere in your home. Despite how hot the atmosphere is outside, roof vents help make the thermal equilibrium inside the building. They exhaust the hot and warm air from the building and bring in fresh and cool air. This cycle continues until the thermal equilibrium is maintained inside the attic and below.
Roof vents are primarily divided into two types: intake and exhaust. Intake vents, such as soffit vents, bring in the cool and fresh air, while the exhaust vents, such as ridge vents, vent out the hot air inside the attic.
3. Insulation
Insulation, installed on roofs or attics, is like a heat barrier that absorbs heat and thus stops it from passing through the attic into the home. Properly installed insulation not only halts the penetration of heat but also protects the roof from being damaged due to heat exposure.
Make sure your attic and walls are well-insulated to prevent heat from entering your home and causing your air conditioning system to work overtime.
4. Roof Coatings
Applying a heat-reflective roof coating or layer of insulation can help reduce heat absorption and prevent damage to your roofing materials. This is particularly important for flat roofs, which are more susceptible to heat-related damage due to their design.
5. Regular Maintenance and Inspections
It will be really hard to get on the roof and maintain it in the scorching summer heat, but it becomes a necessity when your priority is to keep your home cool and roof damage-free.
One of the best ways to protect your roof from the summer heat is by conducting regular maintenance and inspections. This will allow you to identify and address any potential issues before they become significant problems. Hiring a professional roofing contractor to conduct these inspections can ensure that your roof is in the best possible condition to withstand the summer heat.
Contact Us to Inspect and Repair Your Roof If The Heat Has Caused Damage
A hot roof can lead to a host of problems for homeowners, from damaged roofing materials to increased energy bills and discomfort inside the home. By understanding the impact of summer heat on various roofing materials and taking proactive steps to protect your roof, you can help ensure the longevity and efficiency of your home.
If you’re a homeowner in Ohio, consider working with local roofing professionals to inspect your roof and keep your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. Contact All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters today at (937)-902-2839 to speak with one of our professional team members. As a local roofing contractor, we pride ourselves on helping members of our community like you.
