How the Summer Heat Affects Roof Shingles
Summer is heating things up, and roof shingles are no exception! Keep reading to learn a few ways to protect your roof shingles from those scorching rays.
How Heat Affects Your Roof
If you live in El Paso, you don’t need anyone to tell you how uncomfortably hot it gets in the summertime. The air is humid, the sun is blazing, and it seems impossible to escape the intense heat. Because the sun can cause intense skin burns, dermatologists recommend that everyone wear sunscreen when they go outdoors during the summer. This sunscreen provides a layer of protection between our skin and damaging UV rays.
Unlike our skin, however, roof shingles take a little more effort to protect from the sun. Around the middle of the afternoon – think 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – the intensity of the sun peaks. While a properly ventilated roof can withstand surprising temperatures, roof shingles that are installed on an improperly ventilated roof deck will eventually curl when they are consistently exposed to critical temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Taking Proper Precautions
Unless homeowners take the necessary precautions, El Paso’s heat can cause roof materials to degrade and lose their quality. They will eventually become inflexible and brittle, causing them to crack, curl, and allow moisture into the home. One way to avoid this unfortunate scenario is to learn the signs of roofing heat damage early. Hiring a contractor to inspect your shingles can be incredibly helpful. It is better to fix the problem early than to have to replace your entire roof system later!
Time for a New Roof?
If your roof has not been replaced for quite some time and you are in need of a new roof, there are some choices you can make to protect your future roof from heat damage. Choosing light-colored shingles instead of dark-colored shingles, for example, can help reduce the amount of UV rays that the roof absorbs over time. When it comes to roofing materials, a contractor can help you make the best decision for your home. Some people suggest that asphalt shingles are more likely to acquire heat damage, but this is not true if you have a properly vented attic.
Roof Shingles and More
If you want to protect your roof from the summer heat, it is time to be proactive! Temperatures are only going to rise from here, and an unprepared roof is a financial risk. At El Paso Roofing, we gear up in the summer time to help as many El Paso homeowners as possible. Give us a call today to get your roofing questions answered!