The heat is on: temperatures have officially hit the 100s in Virginia. All we can say at Noble Roofing is that it’s really hot out there! The dog days of summer are forcing us to take Alaskan cruises, have a siesta during peak hours, or laze by the pool during the day. If being outside during these heat spells isn’t pleasant for just a few minutes, just imagine how hot your roof gets as it absorbs all the intense rays of the sun! Though your roof was designed to withstand various weather conditions, it doesn’t mean that your shingles are invulnerable to heat damage. What can you do to keep your roof in great shape in the hottest time of the year?
What Can heat Do to Your Roof?
Residential roofing generally takes on more damage than commercial roofing. Heat can do the following things to residential shingles:
Curling
Discoloration
Cracks
Though discoloration isn’t a big deal because it’s just aesthetic, any curling or cracks can lead to leaks that can cause water damage. Water damage happens when there’s a breach in your roof that allows rainwater to seep in and cause wood rot in main components of your roof. Consider it the perfect storm when extreme heat wears away roof shingles then a summer storm sweeps in, bringing a flash flood that can exacerbate the situation.
How to Guard Your Roof Against Heat Damage
Get an Inspection
The #1 way to keep your roof safe from sun damage is to get regular roof inspections. There are things that only expert eyes can spot, and if they are noticed early, these problems can be resolved before they cause significant damage to your home. If any shingles are damaged, they can be repaired as soon as possible. You can also get other components of your roof checked like the soffit, fascia boards, and gutters to make sure they are all working properly.
Keep your Attic Well-Ventilated
You shouldn’t just be mindful of the top of your roof, but your attic plays a large role in the welfare of your home. When air is flowing properly through your attic, it will stay cool. However, if hot air is being trapped in it, this will ultimately damage your roof deck, which is expensive to repair. You must properly maintain your soffits and vents that keep the airflow in your attic healthy.
Upgrade Your Roof
Roofing technology has come a long way! If you have an old roof that is absorbing plenty of sun damage during the summer, you may consider upgrading to a new roof that can reflect more sun (and lower your energy bills to boot)! Cool Roofs can reflect more sun than non-reflective materials, which ultimately makes them more hardy against hot conditions. If more homes had energy-efficient roofs that naturally kept interiors cool, then overall energy usage would decrease in the summer. It’s well worth looking into!
Efficient Roof Repair in Northern VA
Trust the repair and restoration of your roof to the professionals at Noble Roofing. Call (703) 404-0505 for an estimate today or complete our online quote request form. In the case that your roof is too damaged, Noble Roofing also offers full Roof Replacements. Noble Roofing offers a 25-year roof protection warranty when purchasing GAF Roofing Systems.
