Can Extreme Heat Damage Your Asphalt Shingle Roof?

While many Midwestern homeowners worry about thunderstorms in the summertime, excessive heat is often overlooked. Years of excessive heat and UV exposure can take a toll on your roof and its materials. While your asphalt roofing materials are designed to withstand the harsh elements each season, summer heat can affect the lifespan and performance of your roofing materials. 

In this blog, we’re sharing how prolonged heat can damage asphalt shingles and other roofing materials and what you should look out for.

Why does heat affect your asphalt shingles?

Your asphalt shingles are exposed to direct sunlight daily. Over time, prolonged heat and UV exposure can contribute to the natural aging and wear of your shingles. When your roof is exposed to direct sunlight, its surface temperature can easily exceed 100°F, even when the outside temperature is only around 90°F.

Excessive heat for long periods can break down materials and, in some extreme cases, lead to more significant problems over time. One of the biggest concerns in the summertime is fluctuating temperatures. Hot temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures in the evening create a cycle where heat causes your roofing materials to expand and contract once the surface of your roof cools down. This happens constantly throughout the summer season, adding additional stress to joints, seams, and other vulnerable areas of your roof. 

Another concern in the summertime is poor attic ventilation. In the summertime, your attic can reach extremely high temperatures when solar heat and warm air are trapped. When high roof temperatures are combined with excessive attic heat, it adds additional stress to your roof. 

While your asphalt shingles are built for conditions like this, prolonged sun exposure can affect your roof more than you know. 

What are common signs of heat-related damage to asphalt shingles?

While some roofing issues are difficult to see from the ground, homeowners may still be able to spot a few visible signs of heat-related wear. Here are some of the most common signs to look for on asphalt shingles:

• Blistering

• Curling

• Cracking

• Granular loss

• Discoloration or fading

Blistering

Shingles that have small, raised bumps or craters are common signs of blistering. This may happen when prolonged heat and direct sunlight cause trapped moisture or air under the shingle to expand. Excess sun exposure and poor ventilation in your attic are the most common causes of blistering. 

Curling

When your shingles begin to curl, you may notice the edges are bent or lifted. High temperatures, combined with poor attic ventilation and UV exposure, can cause asphalt shingles to dry out over time, which may contribute to curling.

Cracking

Cracking is similar to blistering. Stress from excessive heat, UV exposure, and poor ventilation can dry out and weaken shingles, making them more brittle and prone to cracking. 

Granular loss

Long periods of heat and UV exposure can gradually wear the protective granules on shingles. When you lose granules, it exposes the asphalt underneath to the elements. Over time, wear and tear may become more noticeable.

Discoloration or fading

Years of UV exposure can cause asphalt shingles to become faded or discolored. Extremely hot surface temperatures can cause the granules to dull or fade. 

Being aware of how heat can contribute to wear on your asphalt shingles can help you catch issues before you need costly repairs or replacements. 

How can I help protect my roof and shingles from the summer heat?

While you can’t prevent hot weather, routine roof maintenance and inspections can help extend the lifespan of your roofing materials. One of the best things you can do is schedule annual roof inspections with a reputable and trusted roofing company like Ken-Z Roofing. 

At Ken-Z Roofing, we offer a comprehensive 12-Point Inspection to assess the overall condition of your roof. We take a close look at your shingles to see if there are any signs of cracking, blistering, or discoloration that may be associated with heat-related damage. 

We also check your ventilation to ensure that heat is escaping properly. Proper ventilation plays a vital role in regulating temperatures in your attic, reducing stress placed on your roofing materials.

Addressing roofing problems early on can help prevent more extensive issues since prolonged UV exposure and heat can worsen existing roofing issues. 

Be worry-free with Ken-Z Roofing! 

As a homeowner, you may find it overwhelming to find the right licensed and insured roofing contractor for the job. At Ken-Z Roofing, we’re here to offer peace of mind through the entire roofing process. With over 30 years of experience serving homeowners in Northern Illinois, we can help you with your next roof repair or replacement. We even help homeowners with insurance claims, so they don’t have to navigate the difficult process alone.

Our team is CertainTeed Shingle Master Certified, meaning we have the knowledge and skill to properly install CertainTeed shingles. This recognition demonstrates our dedication to providing our homeowners with the highest-quality workmanship using the best materials in the industry.

Call us today at 815-395-8244 to schedule your 12-Point Inspection.

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