Summer break is over, the kids are back to school, and… we’re expecting triple-digit temps today & tomorrow! We know there’s joy for many in hot weather— squeezing the last out of summer with blissful picnics, pool trips, and barbecues. But have you ever paused to consider how these hot and sunny days affect your home, especially your roofing and siding? Today, let’s delve into this important subject. After all, your home deserves the attention!
The Ventilation Quandary
First up, let’s talk ventilation. A well-ventilated roof is like a well-oiled machine. It works smoothly and lasts longer. On hot days, poor ventilation can cause a buildup of heat and moisture in your attic, which can make your entire home uncomfortable. Not only does this mean your air conditioning has to work harder (hello, higher energy bills!), but it also puts undue stress on your roofing materials.
Imagine what happens to a chocolate bar left in a car under the sun—it melts, right? While your shingles won’t exactly melt, high temperatures can make them more pliable and vulnerable, eventually affecting their structural integrity. A well-ventilated roof can help in dissipating this accumulated heat, thereby prolonging the life of your roofing materials. Here is an example of a project we did in Lake Zurich, where we added ventilation and opened the roof to lower heat retention:
What does poor ventilation look like? First we look for sparse or altogether absence of soffit vents. These vents run along the underside of the overhang of your roof, and help to increase the flow of fresh air through the attic and ridge vent. And while we’re on this topic, we’ll want to make sure that ridge vent is present and clear. Additional ventilation can be added in the form of electric fans, as well, moving hot air out of attic spaces through the roof. The job below required both improved ventilation and the repositioning of bathroom fan exhaust:
Hot Weather Woes: Damage and What to Look Out For
Roofing:
Curling or Blistering Shingles: Due to the extreme heat, you may notice your shingles starting to curl or blister. This not only affects the aesthetics but can also compromise the water-tightness of your home.
Fading Colors: UV rays are notorious for making colors fade, and your roofing is no exception. While this is more of a cosmetic issue, who wouldn’t want their home to look its best?
Siding:
- Warping and Melting: Extreme heat can make your vinyl siding soft and malleable. If exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, the siding can even start to melt or warp.
Paint Peeling: Wooden siding may face paint peeling due to the expansion and contraction caused by fluctuating temperatures
In a Nutshell
Hot weather, while wonderful for outdoor activities, can take a toll on the very things that provide us shelter and comfort. It’s our responsibility to look out for signs of wear and tear and take necessary precautions to keep our homes in top shape. If you notice any of the issues mentioned above or are concerned about your home’s readiness for the summer, feel free to get in touch with us.
At Holda Construction, we treat your home as if it were our own—carefully, respectfully, and professionally. We’re just a call or email away!
Wishing you an end-of-summer full of sunshine and peace of mind.
