Homeowners in South Carolina are well aware that wind and water can cause serious damage to their roofs, especially during the Atlantic Hurricane Season. However, you may not think about the impact of heat and humidity even though our climate is humid and subtropical. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you need to know about avoiding roof damage even when the weather is warm and dry. You’ll also learn what to do if you see signs that your roof has been compromised. Both heat and humidity can lead to severe and lasting damage to your roof.
Heat makes roofing materials expand. If the sun beats down on your roof for an extended period, the decking, support beams, and joists are likely to expand. Shingles may shrink, bend or curl while flashing may crack and allow moisture and water to get in. In addition to the damage caused directly by the sun, you also need to be aware of the heat that will rise throughout your home.
This heat will go into the attic if you don’t have proper ventilation and this will post additional risks. When warm air is trapped in an attic with poor ventilation, asphalt roofing shingles can blister and crack. A Greenville roofing contractor at Lanier Roofing can inspect your roof and tell you if there’s damage that needs to be addressed.
Humidity reflects the amount of moisture in the air. When moisture is combined with excessive heat, you’re likely to get water damage even if it doesn’t rain. The moisture can compromise your shingles, decking, and wooden roofing components. Moisture can also get through the exterior roofing materials and become trapped in your crawl space or attic. This can result in the growth of mold which not only weakens plywood but puts the health of you and your family in jeopardy. An overly humid attic can also compromise the structure and stability of the entire roof.
There are other indicators that your roof has fallen victim to South Carolina’s high temperatures and moisture levels. For example, the roofing materials on older roofs may buckle, peel, or erode. Your shingles are also likely to fade or become discolored.
Contrary to what many people believe, this isn’t just an issue of aesthetics. While fade shingles will reduce your home’s curb appeal, they can also increase your energy costs. Manufacturers of fade shingles don’t take heat and humidity into account. The color affects the amount of heat your roof deflects. If the shingles lose their color, the temperature in your home could increase.
Another consideration is that roofs that constantly shrink and expand in response to temperature changes may experience thermal shock. If your roof is older, it will weaken and cracks may develop, allowing moisture, water, and debris to get inside.
You can’t change the climate or weather, but you can protect your roof from the heat and humidity. One of the first things you need to do is ensure your roof is adequately ventilated. When air is moving freely through the attic, the temperature in both the attic and the roof will be better regulated. As an added benefit, your air conditioner won’t need to work as hard to keep your home cool.
You can do a basic inspection from the ground but you still need to ensure a professional goes up and takes a closer look at least once per year. That way, problems can be identified and addressed when they’re still small. The longer you wait to repair roof damage, the more costly it will be.
If you believe your roof is suffering because of humidity and heat, you shouldn’t delay in getting it checked by a roofer in Greenville, SC. Not only do you need to get the problems fixed but you need to prevent them from re-occurring. Call the team at Lanier Roofing today and let one of our experts inspect your roof and give you peace of mind. If there’s damage, we’ll fix it and put measures in place to protect this vital component of your home.
In the event that your roof is so badly damaged that it can’t be repaired, we can replace it for you. We work with all the popular roofing materials and we can help you to come up with a solution that fits your preferences and your budget. Contact us today to discuss your roofing needs.
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