Your roof survived rain, snow, winter storms, or spring hail, but that doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe. For commercial roofs, extreme heat, and humid air during summer can bring serious problems like a strain on the roof structure and material.
Leaks and cracks caused by extreme weather can be identified easily but it’s really hard to identify the damage caused by heat. To avoid any problems or major repairing costs, it’s important to get your roof inspected by a professional roofing company or you can perform a self-inspection during summer.
Let’s discuss how high temperatures can damage your roof and cause it to deteriorate, as well as how you can avoid this!
Commercial Roof and UV Light
As UV rays are harmful to your skin, they can also damage your roof. The sun degrades materials used on the roof, if not treated properly on time.
Ultraviolet radiation can damage the roof regardless of the season, so damage by UV light is always possible. This is noticeable in the summer especially, when the rays hit your roof with full force.
Roofing materials can become dull and discolored. This is not just a problem when the roof is directly exposed to sunlight, UV rays can also penetrate on cloudy days. Wood and shingles are prone to damage
Thermal Shock
Commercial roofs are exposed to sun during the daytime and the temperature on a hot summer day can reach more than 180 degrees. In the evening when the sun goes down, the roof temperature decreases. This quick and daily temperature change can cause problems with roof materials as they quickly expand during the day and contract at night. This is known as thermal shock and can cause the roof to create gaps over time.
High Temperature:
Summer is extremely hot in southern states, putting a strain on roofing structures. Due to extreme heat roof linings or structural materials get dry, and they become soft and weak. Roof heating can also dry out the protective oils used on the roof which impacts the quality of your roof and causes cracks. If left untreated for a long time, it can cause leaks and damage to the structural integrity of the roof.
High Humidity and Rust:
Humid air is one of the biggest risks to a commercial roof. Due to high heat, the roof expands and can absorb moisture. The moisture weakens the building material, water patches can cause leaks and if left unfixed can lead to roof collapse. Moisture is destructive for wooden material and shortens a roof’s life span.
Heat does not always cause rust, but it does accelerate oxidation. This gets worse in humid environments. Rust can do a lot of damage to your metal roof, but when combined with high temperatures and humid air the problem gets worse.
Prevention of Commerical Roof Damage:
As you don’t have control over several factors that cause damage to commercial roofs like Humid air, rapid temperature changes, hot sunny days, or rainy days, you can only take preventive measures to protect your roof before any major damage occurs. Taking good care of your roof and resolving issues as they arise will help to prevent further damage.
You can do this by hiring a professional roofing company like James Kate Roofing & Solar that can do regular roof maintenance. This includes cleaning any debris on the roof and repairing any damage.
You can also ensure proper rooftop ventilation to combat the heat. This will keep the building cool and prevent condensation and moisture issues.
Finally, you can self-inspect your roof regularly or get it inspected by a professional. A professional will easily notice any sun damage, rust, and affected areas and can provide you with a proper solution.
If you have any questions, please visit Big G Roofing & More online or call us at (786)-442-2842
