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

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.