Understanding the Relationship Between Roof Damage and Arizona’s Extreme Heat

In the hot climate of Arizona, one of the most overlooked challenges is the damage the desert sun can cause to the roofing systems. The extreme heat, soaring up to 100+ degrees Fahrenheit, can put a tremendous amount of strain on the roofing materials. This can eventually lead to severe roof damage, impacting not only the lifespan of your roof but also increasing utility costs and creating uncomfortable indoor living conditions. In this article, we explore the effects of Arizona’s intense heat on various roofing materials, preventive steps homeowners can take to protect their roofing system, and how to react to warning signs of heat-induced roof damage.

How Arizona’s Heat Effects Materials and Results in Roof Damage

Arizona’s extreme heat and sun exposure can cause various types of damage to roofing materials. The intense UV rays and high temperatures accelerate roof components’ aging and deterioration.

The extent of damage depends on factors like roof slope, exposure to sun, ventilation, and quality of materials. South/west-facing roofs and flat roofs receive more UV exposure. Proper installation and choosing durable, long-lasting materials are key.

TPO

TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a popular flat roofing membrane in hot climates. However, intense heat and UV light can gradually cause the material to become brittle and prone to cracks/tears. Blistering may occur as moisture becomes trapped between plies. TPO can also shrink over time, leading to loose lap joints and potential areas for leaks.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingle surfaces are covered in protective mineral granules. But Arizona’s extreme heat can cause accelerated granule loss, exposing the asphalt beneath to drying and UV damage. Cracking and curling of shingles are common as the asphalt shrinks. Blistering of exterior coatings also occurs as gases build up within the asphalt mat.

Metal Roofing

While the pros far outweigh the cons, the extreme temperature swings in Arizona can cause the expansion and contraction of metal roofing. This results in oil canning, ridges, and cracks in the panels. Heat also accelerates rust and corrosion. Standing seam metal roofs hold up better, but exposed fasteners can back out over time.

Slate

Slate is very durable, but the wide temperature fluctuations can cause thermal expansion/contraction. This results in cracks and delamination of poorly installed or thin slate tiles. Chips and cracks allow water intrusion that accelerates freeze-thaw damage. Slate color also fades over time in sunlight.

Tile

Clay and concrete tiles can crack, chip, and spall (flake) from Arizona’s heat and freeze-thaw cycles. Tiles also gradually fade and lose color when exposed to years of UV light. Mortar deterioration between tiles is another issue, allowing leaks, increased damage, and loose/broken tiles.

Curious about what the best types of roofing materials for Arizona homes and buildings are? Explore insights on the five best roofing types for residential and commercial purposes.

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Steps You Can Take to Protect Against Heat Damage and Prolong Your Roofing System

Proactively protecting your roof from heat damage helps avoid costly commercial or residential repairs or even replacements at your home or business. Let’s look at what you can do to prevent roof damage.

Routine Roof Maintenance

Regular maintenance of roof shingles, flashing, gutters, and vents allows for proper airflow and drainage, preventing moisture buildup and insulation degradation. Annual professional care paired with clearing debris helps maintain roof integrity, preventing leaks, mold growth, and interior damage from excessive heat.

Regular Roof Inspection

Inspect your roof 2-4 times per year and after major storms. Look for any cracked, missing, or damaged shingles or tiles, exposed nail heads, and other potential areas for leaks. Spotting and repairing minor damage early is much cheaper than replacing the entire roof later on.

Proper Ventilation

Good airflow under your roof helps moderate temperature swings and moisture buildup. Make sure your attic space has adequate intake and exhaust ventilation. You may need an HVAC professional to evaluate your home or business ventilation needs.

Choosing Heat-Resistant Materials

Selecting roofing components designed for hot, sunny climates will help maximize durability. Look for materials like reflective coatings, laminated shingles, and high-quality metal roofing. A reputable roofer can recommend the best options given your structure’s location and exposure.

Protecting Against UV Damage

Use reflective paint or elastomeric roof coatings to reduce UV damage, especially on flat sections. Trim tree branches to increase airflow and prevent debris-damaged shingles. Also, make sure your roof has adequate drip edge flashings for better runoff and waterproofing at the edges.

Warning Signs of and Appropriate Responses to Heat Damage

There are a few clear signs that indicate issues cause your roof issues:

Curled or buckled shingles: Heat causes the asphalt shingles to soften and deform. This worsens over time as sunlight further degrades and shrinks the shingles.
Granule loss: The colored mineral granules that protect the shingle’s asphalt core begin to fall off after prolonged heat exposure.
Leaks or water stains: Heat damage can cause the roof’s waterproofing to fail, allowing leaks that lead to interior water damage like stains or mold.
High cooling costs: If summer AC bills steadily increase yearly with no change in usage, the roof may not provide proper insulation anymore.

At the first sign of any heat damage, it is important to contact a professional roofing contractor right away. They can inspect for damage and advise if spot repairs, total replacement, or an intermediate solution like coating is best. The longer heat issues go left unaddressed, the worse and more expensive the problem becomes. For example, minor granule loss that leads to further degradation can eventually become necessary for complete roof replacement when restoration could have been a viable option. Catching problems early is critical.

A roofing contractor should check for the following during an inspection:

Pinpoint sources of leaks or moisture entry
Identify areas of curled, buckled, or missing shingles
Check flashings around roof penetrations like chimneys or vents for deterioration
Look for damage to critical components like the roof deck beneath the shingles
Assess the condition of the gutter and drainage systems
Check insulation/ventilation levels in the attic space

Based on the inspection’s findings, the contractor can advise if spot repairs, section replacements, coating, or full re-roofing is required. They can also provide recommendations on insulation upgrades or ventilation improvements to help mitigate heat damage going forward. Partial or complete roof replacement may be required for more severe heat damage.

Roof Damage Prevention Tips

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to heat damage. Some ways owners can proactively protect their roofs include:

Choosing reflective shingle colors like white or cool gray
Installing attic ventilation systems and insulation upgrades
Trimming back overhanging trees for airflow
Performing annual roof tune-ups to catch any issues early

Taking steps to mitigate heat damage prolongs the roof’s service life, maintains energy efficiency, and prevents uncomfortable living conditions during hot weather.

Looking To Avoid Or Repair Heat-Related Roof Damage? Turn To Paramount Kanga Roof

For 13+ years, we’ve served Arizona with industry-leading services that protect roofing systems from the damaging effects of the sun. Whether you’ve noticed signs of roof damage or how to protect your home or building from it proactively, we are here to help. Contact Paramount Kanga Roof today to schedule a free inspection as the first step in ensuring a high-performance, long-lasting roof.

Understanding the Relationship Between Roof Damage and Arizona’s Extreme Heat

How Arizona’s Heat Effects Materials and Results in Roof Damage

TPO

Asphalt Shingles

Metal Roofing

Slate

Tile

Steps You Can Take to Protect Against Heat Damage and Prolong Your Roofing System

Routine Roof Maintenance

Regular Roof Inspection

Proper Ventilation

Choosing Heat-Resistant Materials

Protecting Against UV Damage

Warning Signs of and Appropriate Responses to Heat Damage

Roof Damage Prevention Tips

Looking To Avoid Or Repair Heat-Related Roof Damage? Turn To Paramount Kanga Roof

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