Because your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, it is subjected to all the adverse effects that nature can throw at it. Whether your roof is covered in asphalt shingles, wood shakes or metal, it will be adversely affected by the environment around it and the passage of time. Have a professional Austin residential roofing contractor perform a thorough inspection at least twice a year, and after any severe weather conditions have occurred.
What the Austin Summers Can Do to Your Roof
What Damage Does the Sun Do to Your Roof?
Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays causes asphalt and wood shingles to age and deteriorate over time. Both types will continuously lose their essential moisture content and become rigid. This will eventually cause cracking and curling of the individual shingles, resulting in their inability to waterproof your home properly. Without professional inspections, the sun’s deteriorating effects may not become obvious for many years, so you may be unaware of an issue until a leak penetrates to the interior of the structure.
Light-colored roofs reflect heat from the sun better than darker ones. Dark roofs absorb heat from the sun and can cause your attic to be hotter. The hotter your attic is, the more uncomfortable the interior of your home will be. Thicker insulation between the attic and ceiling can help alleviate this problem.
The drying effects of the sun can accelerate the loss of the protective granules covering the surface of asphalt shingles. Once the shingles lose their granules, the asphalt coating the core of the shingle is exposed. The asphalt will become dry, brittle, and cracked. The shingles can crumble or break, making them more likely to be blown off by the wind. Damaged or missing shingles can easily cause a roof to develop a leak.
Adequate ventilation within the attic is essential to help eliminate excess heat and moisture from the air. Moisture trapped within the attic can condense, promoting the growth of mold and mildew on the roof decking, rafters and other supporting structures made from wood. Call your roof contractor immediately if you notice any sagging or low spots on your roof structure.
What Do Summer Storms Do to Your Roof?
Spring and summer storms can bring heavy rains and hail into Austin, and hail can damage virtually any type of roof to at least some degree. Asphalt shingles and wood shakes can be severely damaged if the hail is large enough to crack or break them. Once the damage is done, a roof leak is virtually inevitable. It may take several years of accumulated damage before a leak penetrates to the interior, but a heavy rain with driving winds can blow shingles off a roof and cause immediate water penetration.
Trees can shade your roof and help keep it cool, but do not let their branches extend over the roof. Broken limbs, common during storms, could damage the roof. Some trees grow rapidly, so trim them before they begin their summer growth. Check your gutters often if you have trees close to your house; they can become clogged with needles, seeds, twigs or leaves if not cleaned out once or twice a year. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up under the edge of the roof.
Get the Type of Roof Inspection Austin Property Owners Need
A thorough, professional roof inspection can help you combat the damage that Austin summers can inflict. Spotting and repairing issues quickly can be a critical part of avoiding costly remediation later. At Alpha Roofing, we offer roof inspections, preventive maintenance plans, emergency roof repairs, asphalt shingle replacement, flashing installation and repair, flat roof replacement, metal roofing systems, skylight installation, chimney repair, roof replacement, and siding installation. We have an impeccable reputation for delivering high-quality results at competitive prices. Call our office in Round Rock at 512-777-1086 to request a free quote or submit the online form.