How to Recognize Roofing Damage In Tulsa From Heat

There is a lot to love about the summer months. We’ve finally made it through the cold days of winter and the unpredictable highs and lows of the spring. Summer provides a great chance to enjoy all the benefits of warm weather and bright sunlight In Tulsa Oklahoma. However, the hot summer months can pose different risk factors to your home, especially your roof.

It is important to take the time this summer to check for any signs of roof damage. You might also want to consider some ways to protect your roof from the damage of high summer heat.

UV Light and Blinding Sunlight

The most serious summer damage can be caused by UV light. The sun’s energy is distributed in three main categories:

• UV light. This light is non-visible, and we also don’t feel it. However, it can cause damage to skin, furniture, roof, and siding.
• Infrared light. This type of light is also not visible, but it produces the majority of heat we experience.
• Visible light. This is the light that we see from the sun.

UV light can pose the greatest risk to your roofing depending on your roofing material. In the height of summer temperatures, the sunlight strikes the roof with the least atmospheric interference, even on cloudy days. This can cause damage such as wood roofing material to bleach and crack, or shingles to become wilted, split, or cup. It is important to consider what roofing material you have and how it can be negatively impacted by UV light.

Metal roofing is one of the best roofing materials when it comes to beating the Tulsa summer heat. Metal roofing continues to prove itself as one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials. Even with the known energy efficiency, many homeowners have a false misconception that metal roofing and the sun’s rays are a bad mix. There is a misguided fear that metal roofing will be highly reflective, essentially blinding the neighbors in the summer months.

While basic, unpainted metal roofing does reflect more solar light than other materials, it is rare for homeowners to go with this option. Metal roofing is available in a variety of different styles, finishes, colors, and coatings. This allows homeowners to get creative with their style and select the best option for protecting their home through all the different seasons. Low-glare metal roofing materials reflect infrared and UV rays which are responsible for the most heat gain and damage.

Metal roofing can reflect infrared and UV rays better than other roofing material options. That means metal roofing is ideal for helping to keep your home cool during the hot summer months. It also helps to keep your home warmer in the winter. With a metal roof, you’ll find yourself needing to rely less on your AC in the summer and the heat in the winter. Even a dark metal roof can emit up to 85% of the heat generated by the sun without any glare or risk of increased temperatures in your home.

High Temperatures

In addition to the harm that can be created by UV rays, the heat of the sun itself can be a risk factor for roof damage. This is especially true for homes with little or no shade provided by trees or other buildings. Persistent high temperatures can cause significant damage, especially if you have a darker roofing material that is prone to absorb heat rather than reflect it. Excessive high temperatures can cause different roofing materials to break down rapidly. If you don’t have proper insulation, this can cause the interior of the house to heat up. High temperatures can also cause caulking to dry out, shortening its lifespan. You should regularly check the caulking around any venting, chimney, or flashing on the surface of your roof.

If you have metal roofing, the risks associated with high temperatures are significantly reduced. This is due to how highly reflective this material is. Instead of absorbing the heat, metal roofing reflects it. Metal roofing is also designed to be more durable, outlasting competing materials when it comes to withstanding heat damage.

Summer Storms

While summer is often associated with sun and fun, the summer months can still provide significant storms that can result in potential damage. Tulsa summer storms can involve hail, heavy rain, and extreme winds. All of these conditions can impact the health of your roof. High winds can cause certain materials such as tiles or shingles to become loose. Hail can also cause punctures or dents in your roofing material.

Metal roofing is designed to withstand winds over 100 mph. Metal is also lightweight, but it is still durable enough to withstand damage that can be created by hail or dislodged branches. No matter what roofing material you have, it is beneficial to inspect the surface of your roof following any major storm. You can check for damage from your attic by looking for any sunlight sneaking inside, or for signs of water damage such as discoloration or mildew.

Keep Your Roofing Cool

Intense summer heat can pose a real threat to the condition and longevity of your roof. Fortunately, there are a few different ways you can help protect your roof:

• Roof color. If you are shopping around for a new roof, you may want to consider a lighter color when selecting your roofing material. Lighter colors such as white or gray absorb less heat when compared to darker roofing colors.
• Finishes and coatings. There are a variety of different finishes and coatings that are designed to reflect sunlight which helps to keep your roofing cool. If you are concerned about summer temperatures and UV rays, you can discuss your different options with a professional roofer.
• Insulation and ventilation. There are several reasons to make sure your roof provides the right amount of both insulation and ventilation. One reason is that it allows air to circulate out of the attic, helping to cool your home and preventing mold or mildew from forming.

Make Sure Your Roof Is Summer Ready

If you are worried about your roof’s ability to withstand summer heat, a professional roofer can guide you through all your roofing options. They can also provide tips on keeping your roof protected from the extremes of summer.