How to Protect Your Roof from the Heat in the Summer

Canada is known for its cold weather and every homeowner knows how harmful hail storms and heavy snow can harm their roofs. But did you know that hot and sunny weather can be equally dangerous to your roof? What’s worse is that in a cold place like Canada, an extreme temperature fluctuation can cause more harm. So, you must protect your roof from the heat in summer.

It is essential to protect your roof from the harsh effects of direct sunlight, heat, and exposure to constant changes in temperature levels. Otherwise, there may be cracks, weaknesses, and more. Using the right roofing material, applying required protective products, and proper ventilation is mandatory for preventing roof damage.

Let’s take a look at why you need to protect your roof from heat and how it can be done. Keep reading!

Why You Should Protect Your Roof from Heat

Here’s why you need to take special steps to protect your property’s roof from the summer heat.

a) Sudden Rise in Temperature

During long summer days, the heat levels rise, and the temperature of the roof surface can go as high as 170 degrees. While most roofs are designed to withstand high heat, a flat roof on your house will heat up quickly when it does not have sufficient shade. This can cause more wear and tear to your roof surface.

b) Dryness from UV Radiation

UV radiations from the sun can cause severe damage to your roof. They can lead to dehydration of the roof structure by reducing the oil content. This type of dryness is harmful to the roof. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can continue to weaken, dehydrate, crack, and bleach wood, asphalt, and other materials.

c) Expansion and Contraction

The rapid changes in temperature levels throughout the day and the year means your roof will undergo expansion and contraction within a short time. Cool roofs will rapidly expand when exposed to heat. And a hot roof will shrink in low temperatures. Such cycles of thermal shocks can lead to cracking and warping.

Clearly, massive changes in heat levels in summer, along with rapid changes in temperature and heat, can cause tremendous harm to the roof. They can lead to dryness, cracks, deformity, curving, and more. As a result, your roof will end up with leakage, dampness, and more.

How to Protect Your Roof from the Heat in the Summer

One of the most popular ways of reducing exposure to sunlight is having sloped roofs. But what will you do if you have a flat roof that exposes the full roof to sunlight? You need to take the necessary steps to protect your roof. These include the following –

Maintaining the Temperature of the Attic

Ventilated attics ensure that heat levels do not damage your roof. Poor ventilation can prevent the release of heat and lead to roof problems caused by stored heat. For adequate ventilation in the attic, you can install an AC. You can also ensure that the attic doesn’t capture heat by insulating it properly.

Picking the Right Roofing Materials

One of the best ways to protect your roof from the scorching summer heat is a roof replacement. You must choose high-quality roofing materials. A metal roof is a popular choice as it can reflect heat and light. Plus, metal is resistant to the damaging effects of heat as it does not crack due to heat and cold.

Cool Roof Coating

It is not enough to install a metal roof. It is also essential to have a cool coating on the surface. This includes lighter colours that ward off the sun’s rays and absorb less heat. You can also consider applying a reflective coating on the roof surface. It works exceptionally well when you want to cool sloped roofs.

Tiles and Sheets

Covering the surface of the roof with tiles and metal sheets can be a great way to protect your roof from damage caused by sun rays. Make sure to pick the right materials that don’t store heat or undergo cracks due to expansion and reduction. Such materials reflect sunlight and heat and protect your roof.

Solar Panel

Another popular method of protecting a standard roof from heat is the installation of solar panels so that you can put solar energy to good use. These panels are also helpful in reducing overall energy bills. They cover large areas of the roof and keep them shielded from heat to provide a long-term protective solution.

Many people use other short-term methods of protecting the roof from heat and direct sunlight. If the roof is flat, covering it with gravel and building a garden for a green roof are conventional roof protection means. If you have a steep roof, you can keep your roof cool with the help of reflective membranes like polyurethane foam.

Get Expert Advice at Country Towne

To extend the lifespan of your roof, it is essential to find ways to keep away heat in the summer months from causing expansion and contraction of the material and the deterioration of the roofing materials. And, to get the best roofing solutions, get in touch with Country Towne today.

Our roofing contractor team provides solutions custom tailored for every individual home. That’s because we understand that no two homes are the same. So contact us and help us cater to the needs of your home – so you never have to worry about the roof over your head again!