IL License Number: 104.017181

Heat Advisory! Why Your Roof & Siding Might Be in Trouble (And What Two Clients Did to Fix It)

2025 June Heat Wave

Summer has begun with a bang —school’s out, the sun is blazing, and triple-digit temperatures are already rolling in. While it’s the season for BBQs, pool parties, and family vacations, it’s also the time when your home’s exterior takes a beating.

At Holda Roofing & Siding, we often hear from homeowners during this season with concerns like:
  • “Why are my upstairs rooms always hot?”
  • “Why is my A/C constantly running but not keeping up?”
  • “What’s causing my siding to warp or paint to peel?”

The answer? Trapped heat, poor ventilation, and long-term UV exposure. Let’s walk through what’s really going on—and how we’ve helped real customers fix it.

The Hidden Problem: Attic Heat and Poor Ventilation

During hot weather, your roof can reach 150°F or more. Without proper attic ventilation, that heat radiates downward into your home, making upper floors miserable and overworking your HVAC system.

Common issues caused by poor airflow:

  • Hot, humid upstairs rooms
  • Soaring energy bills
  • Premature wear on roofing and shingles
  • Moisture buildup and risk of mold
  • Curling shingles and siding damage

The fix? Not just better insulation—but the right balance of intake and exhaust ventilation through soffit vents, ridge vents, and airflow channels.

Case Study #1: Dave Beischer’s Overheated Upstairs

Longtime client Dave Beischer reached out with a familiar frustration:

“The A/C’s set to 65°F and still the upstairs feels like a sauna.”

Dave assumed he needed better insulation. But after our thorough inspection, we uncovered the real issue—his attic had zero ventilation. The soffits were solid wood with no vents, meaning no fresh air was entering and no heat was escaping.

Our Fix:

  • Cut open the soffits to create intake vents
  • Installed rafter channels to guide airflow to the ridge
  • Upgraded to LP SmartSide vented soffits—durable, efficient, and visually consistent with his cedar exterior

The Results:

  • Upstairs became significantly cooler, even on hot days
  • Humidity dropped dramatically
  • HVAC system finally got relief, reducing energy costs
  • Exterior received a clean, professional finish upgrade
“The venting looks great and adds a ton of much-needed attic airflow. And he saved me money by not needing to insulate. Couldn’t be happier.”
Dave Beischer
Client of 20+ years

Case Study #2: Immediate Relief in Lake Zurich

Shortly after, we tackled a similar issue for a homeowner in Lake Zurich. His upstairs was unbearably hot, and his A/C could barely keep up. Energy bills were skyrocketing, and frustration was building.

Upon inspection, we found two main issues:
  • No soffit vents—so there was no airflow entering the attic
  • A sealed roof deck trapping intense summer heat

Our Solution:

  • Opened the soffit area to allow intake airflow
  • Carefully opened portions of the roof deck to allow hot air to escape
This two-pronged approach transformed the home overnight. The upstairs cooled significantly, energy usage dropped, and the homeowner was thrilled.

Heat Damage to Watch For

Even if you don’t feel it inside yet, your roof and siding could already be showing signs of summer strain:

On the Roof:

  • Curling or blistering shingles from prolonged heat
  • Fading shingles due to strong UV rays

On the Siding:

  • Vinyl warping or melting, especially on sun-facing walls
  • Paint peeling on wood siding from temperature swings

These issues can lead to leaks, energy inefficiency, and costly repairs if not addressed.

Paint Peeling from Wood Siding Due to Temperature Changes

What We’ve Learned: Smart Ventilation = Long-Term Comfort

Both Dave’s and the Lake Zurich projects prove one thing: you can’t rely on insulation alone.

Proper ventilation is essential for:
  • Reducing attic and upstairs heat
  • Preventing mold and moisture damage
  • Lowering energy bills
  • Extending the life of your roof and siding

And the materials matter. We use high-performance vented soffits, like LP SmartSide, that offer both durability and a clean, attractive appearance.

Ready to Stay Cool This Summer?

Whether you’re dealing with hot upstairs rooms, warping siding, or a roof that’s seen better days, Holda Roofing & Siding is here to help—with smart solutions that last.

FREE Consultations – Call or Text: 847.847.2883 or fill out our contact form to schedule your inspection today.

We’re proud to treat every home like our own—and even prouder that clients like Dave keep calling us back after 20 years.

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