CAN THE FLORIDA HEAT DAMAGE MY ROOF?

Summer is here, and with it comes the promise of backyard barbecues and pool parties, beach trips, and loads of fun in the Florida sun. But if you’re a new homeowner or you’re new to the area, you may be asking yourself: Can the Florida heat damage my roof?

Not to worry, kick back with a nice refreshing beverage and read our guide about the effects of Florida’s heat and humidity on your roof, and how you can prevent roof damage or get it repaired if you need it.

THE EFFECTS OF WEATHER AND CLIMATE ON ROOFING

It’s no secret that the lifespan of roofs in Florida can be less than in other states. We’ll take a look at the different weather and climate problems we tend to see in the Florida summer, and what roofing problems we can help prevent.

Some of these problems cause damage that gets worse over time or with a combination of these factors, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on your roofing inspections.

THE EFFECTS OF SUMMER HEAT

The main concern with the summer heat and roof damage is what can happen to your shingles and roof tiles.

When it gets up to 90 degrees or more every summer day, you can expect the temperature on your roof to be much higher- up to 170 degrees! At night, your roof can get down to a merciful 70 degrees. That ends up being a 90-100 degree difference in a single day. 

When objects heat up, they expand. When they cool down again, they contract. This goes for your shingles, metal roofs, and roofing tiles, too.

The wide shifts in temperature can cause serious damage to your roof as these materials crack or warp from the heat. Cracked shingles are also more susceptible to be blown away in a summer storm, causing even further problems.

With it being that hot outside, you may also have excess heat in your attic. This can cause additional problems for your home if your roof is not well-ventilated.

SUNLIGHT AND UV DAMAGE

Another cause of cracked shingles can be the sun itself. The sun emits UV rays, which are what cause sunburns, and that high-energy frequency of light can also cause your shingles to break down over time.

Tile roofs and metal roofs can resist this kind of damage more so than shingles, and so they can last longer.

SUMMER AFTERNOON STORMS

Here in Florida, those Summer thunderstorms seem to come by just about every afternoon. We know that lightning can damage your roof and other parts of the house. But the rain and the wind that come with these storms can cause serious damage, too.

Summer is the start of hurricane season, but even when there isn’t a hurricane or tropical storm on the horizon, the thunderstorms rage all through the state. Heavy winds during a storm can blow away cracked shingles and roof tiles, leaving parts of your roof exposed.

The rain can get into the base of your roof through any cracks or missing shingles you may have. Water damage can cause the wood to expand, warp, and rot.

This can be a serious problem, and it can be expensive to fix, so if you see missing or damaged shingles on your roof after a storm, you’ll definitely want to get it checked out right away.

HUMIDITY AND ROOF DAMAGE

With all that trouble caused by the heat, you may well also ask, can Florida humidity damage my roof? With summer storms and cracked shingles, moisture can get trapped in the different layers of your roof. The humid climate in Florida can prevent this moisture from being able to escape.

When this happens, mold and moss can grow in these trapped spaces, causing them to expand. Humidity can also cause the wood to rot, even from the inside, if the warm moist air stays trapped in your attic.

Water can also seep into the base of your roof or the roof decking, causing it to rot, and eventually leak water into your house. 

In the case of extensive water or mold damage, the structural integrity of your roof can be at risk, which might call for a roof replacement. Water damage can be very difficult and expensive to repair, so it’s best to try and prevent it from getting to that point by checking in on your roof often.

CAN THE FLORIDA HEAT DAMAGE MY ROOF?

Unfortunately, yes. The heat in Florida is more intense and lasts for longer than elsewhere in the country, thus exposing your roof to more potential damage.

Since Florida has more sunny days where the sun is out for longer, that ends up being a lot of sun exposure. With that comes the higher temperatures, which can last for months at a time, much longer than in other states.

Together, that means that you should be extra vigilant about checking for damage to your roof if you live in Florida, especially in the Summer months.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SEE ROOF DAMAGE?

If you see any damage to your roof, don’t wait. Ask a professional to come by and inspect your roof for any further damage, and get the repairs done right away.

Waiting on replacing broken shingles or cracked tiles can lead to more damage later on, so it’s best to take care of it before any further water damage can occur.

HOW CAN I PREVENT MAJOR ROOF DAMAGE?

Can the Florida heat damage my roof? The answer is a definite yes. But our experts can help you to prevent minor roof damage from becoming a major problem when we inspect and repair your roof.

It’s a good idea to get your roof checked out at least once a year and after any major storms. That way you can be sure that your roof stays strong and keeps you and your family safe and dry.

If you’re not sure whether your roof has sustained damage or needs maintenance, it’s best to get it checked out by a professional. Contact us online or call us at 844.784.7663 for a free quote today!