The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
The summer months are synonymous with high temperatures and bright sunshine for many homeowners. While summer weather is great for travel and enjoying the outdoors, it can wreak havoc on the quality of your roof. Here are three types of roof damage that you should be watching for during the summer months to ensure your home stays watertight and properly ventilated.
1. Shingle Damage
The UV rays in sunlight have the potential to cause shingle damage if you have an asphalt shingle roof. UV rays are often at full strength during the summer months. This means that your shingles are exposed to more UV light during the summer. UV light can cause asphalt shingles to buckle, peel, or split. Direct exposure to UV rays in sunlight can also cause your shingles to weaken and fall apart. Be sure that you have your roof inspected by a professional contractor to determine if increased UV exposure during the summer months has compromised the quality of your shingles.
2. Thermal Shock
Thermal shock can be a major concern for homeowners when it comes to caring for a roof during the summer months. The ambient air temperature during the day can be much higher than the air temperature at night during the summer. These temperature fluctuations cause your roofing materials to expand and contract on a regular basis. Excessive expansion and compression create a lot of tension that can cause your roofing materials to warp or crack. A roofing contractor will be able to help you determine if thermal shock during the summertime has caused any damage that must be repaired to ensure your roof doesn't leak during the fall and winter months.
3. Mold Growth
Many parts of the country experience higher humidity levels during the summer months. An increase in humidity can lead to condensation beneath your shingles. This condensation collects and becomes trapped between your shingles and your roof decking. Over time, the moisture created by condensed humidity can lead to mold growth. Mold weakens the structural integrity of your roof and makes it more susceptible to leaking in the future.
You should take the time to have a roofing contractor evaluate the ventilation within your roofing system to prevent high summer humidity from causing mold issues in the future. Summer weather brings unique challenges to your home's roofing system. Work closely with a local roof repair contractor to identify and repair summer-related roofing damage.