Summers in Lancaster, PA are hot and extremely humid. With August temperatures often reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above, residential roofs take a beating. Local weather can have a big impact on roofing, often leading to a premature need for replacement. Knowing how the Eastern PA climate affects your roof is an important step in extending its lifespan.
How August’s Heat and Humidity Affects Your Roof
When temperatures soar, asphalt shingles can expand. When temperatures drop at night, they contract. These movements test shingle adhesion and make shingles vulnerable to strong winds and moisture intrusion. They can also force roof nails out of position.
Heat-damaged shingles can experience several changes in their look and integrity, including:
- Widespread granule loss
- Curling
- Buckling
- Decreased moisture and flexibility
- Cracking
Heat isn’t the only challenge that your roof faces during August. Local humidity can rise as high as 99%. Wet, heavy air further decreases shingle adhesion and could cause shingles to fall off. Perpetually wet air also creates perfect conditions for the growth of algae, mildew, and mold.
Hot, Humid Weather and Underlayment
Your roof’s underlayment is the water-resistant barrier that sits between your shingles and your roof’s decking. When shingles lose their integrity, underlayment becomes vulnerable to moisture and heat damage, too. Loss of shingle adhesion can compromise waterproof seals and affect the underlayment’s ability to adhere to roof decks. This sets the stage for future roof leaks.
Visual Signs of Weather-Related Issues
By regularly assessing the look and cohesiveness of your roof, you can implement timely interventions to keep late-summer problems from spiraling out of control.
Sun Damage
Shingle granules offer protection from UV rays. When shingles lose their granules, they often lose their moisture and flexibility as well. Widespread shingle granule loss could be an indication of advanced, age-related wear. If your roof takes a summertime beating, you might find large quantities of shingle granules in your gutters or at the base of your downspouts.
Sun damage can also cause shingles to blister, crack, or curl. If all your shingles are curling at their edges, are faded, or are warped, you may need a roof replacement.
Algae Growth and Accumulation
Algal blooms leave dark streaks on roofs that are often visible from the curb. Algae spores land on roofs in summertime and thrive in the prevalent heat and moisture. In addition to causing discoloration and diminishing your home’s curbside appeal, algae can weaken your roof’s shingles, accelerate curling, undermine adhesion, and cause shingle granule loss.
The Growth of Mold
Mold discolors roofs and creates visible streaks or patches. It also causes unpleasant, musty odors that are most noticeable on the top floors of your home. If left unaddressed, mold can spread to a building’s interior and decrease your home’s indoor air quality. Like algae, mold weakens shingles and sets the stage for water intrusion.
Softening and Sagging
If the local climate undermines the integrity of your roof’s underlayment, moisture will permeate your roof’s decking. With humidity as high as 99%, problems like wood rot can abound even without heavy rain. This can cause roofing to feel soft or springy underfoot. It can also create deformed or sagging sections. When moisture damage impacts roof eaves and fascia boards, gutters might detach.
The Benefits of Mid-Season Roof Maintenance
Summer roof maintenance allows roofers to catch and resolve heat- and humidity-related issues early on. Timely interventions could keep your roof repair costs to a minimum, protect your roof’s lifespan, and prevent moisture damage indoors. We can clear off roof debris, clean your gutters, replace missing or damaged shingles, and more.
During these visits, we’ll check for:
- Loose flashing
- Leaks
- Pests
- Nail pops
- Sufficient attic ventilation
- Adequate insulation
By taking care of problems now, you can get your roof ready for the ravages of winter.
Cooling Strategies to Protect Your Roof
In addition to scheduling mid-season roof maintenance, you can also leverage cooling strategies to minimize summer’s impact. Making sure that your roof has adequate ventilation will allow hot air to escape and limit attic humidity. You can add attic insulation to tighten your home envelope and boost the efficacy of your HVAC system. You can also install an attic fan or radiant attic barriers.
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider replacing it with light-colored or reflective roofing materials. Roof replacement is also an excellent time to add additional soffit and ridge vents.
We help homeowners in Lancaster protect their roofs from the ravages of Eastern PA’s humid, continental climate. As a trusted, local roofing company, we offer expert roof maintenance, inspection, repair, and replacement services. For help extending the lifespan of your roof, get in touch with The Exterior Company today.
