The effects of heat on a shingle roof can be quite devastating and leave you with a hefty repair bill if the shingle has acquired damage from high temperatures and prolonged exposure to the sun. Across Texas people are getting ready for summer.
Months and months of temperatures well in the 90s and 100s can create havoc on your roofing shingles. It might be time to do a brief inspection of your roof both from the attic and the ground. We recommend that homeowners check their roof at least twice per year, making sure one of those inspections comes before the start of the hot summer temperatures. We also recommend one in the fall that allows an assessment of the hottest season’s effects on your shingles, and before the fall and winter rains.
The hot and humid weather here in Texas can responsible for the growth of mold on your roof or inside your home due to a leaky roof. Without proper attic ventilation moisture can build up inside your attic and the heat can also cause shingles to curl or blister. The temperature in your attic will affect how long your shingles last. It is best if the heat is forced up and out of the attic through attic vents on the roof. If your roof has them, the temperature can be reduced as much as 20 degrees or more. In addition, there will be less strain on your air conditioner and a lower cooling bill if, in addition to the vents, your home has the proper amount of ceiling insulation. While in the attic, look for leaking or damp places along walls, seams, skylights & chimneys. In hot, sunny regions such as Texas you should also take the color of your shingles into consideration. The temperature on your roof with light colored shingles can vary 20-40 degrees compared dark colored shingles. Lighter colored shingles will reflect more of the heat whereas darker colored shingles absorb more of the heat. Be sure to ask the experts at J-Conn Roofing to help you choose the best roofing color and manufacturer for your home.
When you check your roof from the ground, look for any ripples, dips, or dents in the layout of your roof – where the lines of the roof should be flat, and then check your shingles for curling edges. If you see anything like this, you should call a roofing expert to perform a more thorough inspection. At J-Conn Roofing we are experts in roof inspections, roof replacements, and roof repairs in the Austin area.
