Month: June 2023

How to Prevent Common Asphalt Shingle Roof Problems in Summer

Introduction

Your home's roof is a critical part of its defense against the elements. When it comes to asphalt shingle roof maintenance, it's vital to understand the potential problems, especially those that occur during the summer months. Asphalt shingles can be particularly susceptible to summer's heat and prolonged sunlight exposure. Knowing how to prevent common summer issues can save you time, money, and hassle.

Common Asphalt Shingle Roof Problems in Summer

A variety of problems can beset asphalt shingles in the summer. Thermal splitting or cracking is a common issue. The extreme summer heat causes shingles to expand and contract, leading to cracks. This could potentially cause water leaks, compromising the integrity of your roof.

Curling or cupping shingles are also common. Heat exposure can cause the shingles to distort and curl up at the edges, making them vulnerable to wind and rain. Similarly, granule loss is a prevalent issue. As shingles age, they lose their protective granule layer, particularly under intense summer heat. This accelerates their aging process and makes them more susceptible to damage.

Finally, mold and algae growth is a common summer problem. Hot, humid conditions are perfect for these organisms, leading to unsightly streaks on your roof and potential damage over time.

Preventive Measures for Asphalt Shingle Roofs

To minimize the risk of these problems, regular inspection is paramount. This includes looking for visible damage, such as missing shingles or granule loss. However, some issues might not be evident to the untrained eye. Hence, professional asphalt shingle roof maintenance is crucial. Professional inspectors can identify early signs of damage and suggest necessary repairs.

Proper ventilation and insulation are also key preventive measures. Ventilation prevents heat buildup in your attic, which can warp and damage your shingles. Insulation, on the other hand, reduces thermal cycling—where your shingles expand and contract due to temperature changes—prolonging their lifespan.

Gutter maintenance should not be overlooked in asphalt shingle roof maintenance. Ensuring your gutters are clear and correctly installed helps water flow away from your roof, reducing the risk of water damage.

Finally, keep nearby trees and foliage under control. While they might provide welcome shade, they can also create an environment conducive to mold and algae. Moreover, falling leaves can block your gutters and retain moisture on your roof.

The Role of Professional Roofing Services

While DIY measures can help, the importance of professional maintenance should not be underestimated. Trained asphalt shingle roof contractors can identify and address potential issues before they become costly repairs. They can also advise on the best preventive measures tailored to your local climate and roof condition.

When choosing asphalt shingle roof contractors, ensure they have a strong reputation, proper licensing, and insurance. A high-quality contractor will provide a comprehensive service, from inspection and maintenance to repairs and even asphalt shingle roof installation if required.

Conclusion

Asphalt shingle roof maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your roof, especially in the sweltering summer months. By understanding common summer problems and adopting preventive measures, you can protect your roof and ensure it continues to protect your home.

Investing in professional asphalt shingle roof maintenance, including regular inspections and appropriate care, can be invaluable. The right asphalt shingle roof contractors can provide expert guidance and services, from routine maintenance to complete asphalt shingle roof installation.

Remember, your roof is a vital part of your home's defense against the elements. By taking care of it, especially in the summer months, you're ensuring it can continue to take care of you and your family, no matter what the weather brings.

How Do UV Rays Cause Damage to Ashalt Shingles?

Asphalt shingle roofing is among the most popular roofing used throughout the country for its many favorable qualities and relatively affordable cost.
As such, it is installed by shingle roof services in all climates, from the coldest regions in the north and east to the hottest ones in the south and west.
For those installed in hotter climates, UV damage is a significant concern that homeowners should be aware of so they choose the right asphalt shingle product.

How Do UV Rays Damage Asphalt Shingles?

Ultraviolet sun rays in various wavelengths that shine down from the sun cause damage to different materials in similar ways to how they can damage a person’s skin and ultimately cause skin cancer.In terms of asphalt shingle roofing, these ultraviolet rays penetrate the material and interact with its chemical makeup, causing chemical interactions that change the stability of those substances. It also penetrates through the shingles to a degree and creates heat under the roof, resulting in a hotter house, and higher utility costs.

Over time, this UV reaction with roofing materials results in the dry rotting and cracking that shingle roofing contractors see happening to old shingle installations. The less flexible, and more dried-out asphalt shingle roofing becomes, the higher the likelihood is that shingles will start to chip, crack, and break. Dry, brittle shingles are also less able to withstand wind, hail, and other severe weather, frequently leading to leaks and other damage when they start to crack and break off. 

What is done to reduce UV damage to asphalt shingle roofing? Today, asphalt shingles are produced with a protective, reflective granule coating that covers the exposed part of the shingles. This coating is designed to reflect UV rays off the shingles, preventing ultraviolet light from penetrating the matting beneath and slowly deteriorating them. The coating, itself, can be damaged, however, such as when hail stones hit the roof, causing granules to break off and leaving parts of the shingle unprotected. Shingle roof services see more UV damage on installations that have widespread thinning of the granules, or many bare spots where granule loss has occurred. 

What can homeowners do to prevent UV damage to their asphalt shingle roofing? Those living in hotter climates where good UV protection is essential can invest in UV-resistant shingles. Some premium materials installed by shingle roofing contractors are produced with thicker, more resilient granule coatings that provide greater UV protection, preventing heat damage throughout the years. And, if necessary, shingle roof services can also apply a protective sealant coating to prevent UV damage and help homeowners effectively maintain their expensive roofing installations.