It's no secret that Texas can get really hot in the summer. We'e talking triple digits for months. The heat can impact a home or commercial building in a lot of different ways, and one of the most susceptible parts of the structure is the roof.
How can the Texas heat impact your roof? What can you do to correct heat damage and make sure it's less of a problem in the future? Our expert Texas roofers have seen what the heat can do to a roof, and they're sharing their expertise so that property owners can avoid major issues.
How the Texas Heat Damages a Roof
Expansion and Contraction That Causes Splits and Cracks
If the temperature spikes during the day then cools off at night the swings can cause some roofing materials to expand and contract. When this happens it increases the chance that the roof will get splits and cracks from the movement.
Making the Roof More Brittle in a Shorter Amount of Time
The high heat can cause many materials to become prematurely brittle. When roofing material is dried out and brittle it's more likely to crack, split, break, and tear.
Increases Warping and Cracking in Shingles
If you have an asphalt shingle roof, which most people in Texas do, then you have to watch out for warping and cracking when it's hot outside. Asphalt shingles can also lose their top coating when they happens.
Unsightly Blisters Can Pop Up
When some roofing materials are exposed to a lot of direct sunlight and heat blisters can form. Blisters are raised spots on the surface or coating of the roof shingles and panels. They aren't just unsightly. They can lead to leaks in the roofing or compromise protective coating.
Damaged Flashing That Doesn't Work Properly
Roof flashing serves a very important purpose. It's a sheet of metal that's installed under the edge of roofing to protect the most vulnerable parts of a structure from water damage. When the flashing is damaged and doesn't work properly it can quickly lead to other issues that are more serious and expensive.
The heat can damage flashing by:
- • Causing it to stretch
- • Allowing the flashing to pull away from the roof
- • Weakening it to the point it breaks
- • Causing water leaks
UV Damage That Causes Premature Wear and Tear
UV rays are another concern that comes along with the heat. It can be strong enough to break materials down over time. As you can imagine, the roof suffers the most UV damage on a home or commercial building. Roofs that receive a lot of direct sunlight throughout the long days of a hot summer are going to have premature wear and tear that can shorten the lifespan of a roof.
Roofing Energy Efficiency Concerns in the High Heat
The heat doesn't just degrade your roofing material. It can also make the home or building warmer inside, which leads to higher energy costs in an effort to keep things cool and comfortable inside.
The hotter it is outside the more you want your structure to insulate and reflect the heat. A correctly installed roof is going to be airtight so that the heat can't seep into the attic. The roofing material also matters. Some types of roofing are extremely good at reflecting the heat and insulating, and in turn, they improve energy efficiency in the summer and also the winter.
Roof maintenance is also key in maximizing energy efficiency. If heat has degraded the roof it needs to be repaired or you'll feel the effects inside.
Texas Roofing Repair for Heat Damage
So how has the heat impacted your roof? You can schedule a free roof inspection to find out! It's the best way to know exactly what kind of heat damage you're dealing with, how bad it is and the best solutions for repairing it.
Possible roofing repairs can include:
- • Replacing cracked, warped, or damaged shingles.
- • Replacing the flashing.
- • Using a special coat to flatten blisters.
- • Applying a cool roof coating or barrier to prevent heat damage.
- • Adding roof insulation.
You can't control the temperature, but you can at least repair heat damage on your roof. The repairs that are going to be recommended are going to depend on the issue at hand. However, home and commercial building owners may find that something more than repairs is needed.
Roofing Materials That Can Handle the Heat When You're Replacing a Roof in Texas
Are you replacing a roof in Texas soon? If so, roofing materials that can withstand high temperatures, reflect heat and resist contracting and expanding in different temperatures should be high on the list whether you need residential roofing or commercial roofing. Below are some of the top picks our Texas roofers would choose for their own property.
Metal Roofing
One of the best options if you're concerned about expansion and contracting is metal roofing. The material isn't going to shrink and expand, plus metal roofs will reflect the heat very well. Just make sure galvanized metal is used so that moisture and corrosion aren't an issue.
Clay Tile Roofing
Given that clay tiles are baked in a kiln at extremely hot temperatures it's safe to say they can handle the Texas heat. There are a few things to consider, however. Clay tiles have a certain aesthetic, they may require added reinforcement and the upfront cost is higher than most roofing options. But clay tile roofing can last 100+ years, so it's a great investment!
LOA is a roofing company in Texas that will always steer you in the right direction. Before you ever pay a dime you'll receive a free roof inspection, expert recommendations on the most cost-effective roofing solutions, get your questions answered and receive an itemized estimate. We provide all the information you need to make the best roofing decisions when you're ready.
Contact us to schedule a FREE roof inspection!
At our Austin roofing company, we prioritize quality in every project. For a same-day, stress-free inspection, contact our Central Texas roofers. Schedule your free inspection by calling 512-375-3654.