How The Sun’s Heat Affects Your Roof & Home

While it’s recently cooled down a little, the summer of 2022 has been generally hot and dry in Toronto and the GTA. While that may be great for enjoying the outdoors, it can put added stress on your roof, its support systems and, in turn, your home.

The sun rays are notorious destroyers of almost everything they strike. From burning your skin, to drying out wood products and bleaching fabrics, the sun damage can be devastating.

When you consider how destructive it can be, the asphalt shingles on your roof do a great job of holding up against the sun, lasting at least a couple of decades and more.

But that doesn’t mean a particularly hot summer like the one we’re having can’t accelerate or do some damage on its own. So, in the face of all the heat, you need to keep an eye on your roof for signs of damage.

1. Warped Shingles

While they are protected from the sun’s rays by an embedded layer of gravel, asphalt shingles can still dry out somewhat during extended heat waves and dry spells. When they do, they can warp, particularly on the corners. Warped shingles are also susceptible to being raised in high winds. When rain accompanies the winds, it can get underneath the raised shingle and into your home.

2. Cracked Shingles

Some shingles will crack in summer’s heat, either from the heat itself or, after warping in the heat, being cracked by strong winds or debris. Cracked shingles can also let moisture get below the shingle. But, potentially worse, a cracked shingle can easily become a broken shingle leaving parts of your roof exposed.

3. Higher AC Costs

If your roof and attic are not properly insulated and vented, the heat that builds up in your attic from the sun beating down on your roof can easily get into your home. When it does, you’ll be paying for the extra energy it takes to keep you home cool.

Summer or winter, it pays to keep an eye on your roof to identify signs of damage as soon as possible. The best way to avoid any unpleasant surprises is to get a roof inspection done by a trusted roofing company (Chouinard Bros.!!!) twice a year.