Summer heat in Oklahoma City can be quite brutal, and the extreme heat waves are not just tough on us—they take a toll on our homes, too. Your roof, in particular, directly experiences the high temperatures and extreme heat of the sun on a daily basis. At Roof Pro Local, we’ve seen how heat can wear down even the best roofs over time. That’s why it’s incredibly important to understand the signs of heat damage on your roofing and construction materials, how to protect them from roof damage, and how to prepare for those scorching OKC summers.
Ready to get into it? Let’s start!
How Heatwaves Affect Your Roof
Oklahoma City’s climate is no stranger to extremes. When it comes to hot weather, hot OKC summers usually climb past 100°F. These heat waves can be especially hard on your roofing system because they’re constantly exposed to direct sunlight and UV rays, high temperatures, and thermal shock. Let’s talk about it!
UV Exposure
The sun’s UV radiation can break down roofing materials, weakening shingles and causing them to crack or curl. In turn, this affects your roof’s lifespan and can eventually compromise your roof’s structural integrity if left unaddressed.
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
Roofing materials expand due to sun exposure and heat and contract when they cool down at night. When this keeps happening again and again over an extended period, the constant movement can cause cracks, gaps, and leaks, which could then lead to water damage.
Heat Buildup or Retention
Roofs with dark colors absorb more heat, especially in extreme temperatures. Not only does this raise the temperature inside your house, but it also speeds up the wear and tear of your roof materials.
Signs of Heat Damage on Your Roofing Materials
How can you tell if your roof has been affected by the heat? Look out for these common signs:
1. Curling or Warped Shingles
If your shingles are curling at the edges or appear warped, it’s often a sign of prolonged heat exposure. This can weaken your roof’s ability to protect your home from heavy rain, high winds, and other elements.
2. Blistering Shingles
Blisters or bubbles on shingles occur when heat causes trapped moisture within the shingle to expand. In turn, these weakened areas can eventually pop, leaving your roof vulnerable to extreme weather.
3. Fading or Discoloration
Heat and UV rays can fade the color of your shingles, which may seem like just a cosmetic issue at first, but it could actually indicate that the protective granules on your shingles are wearing away. This is bad news for your roofing system as this makes the materials prone to even more roof damage.
4. Cracks in Roofing Materials
Heat causes roofing materials to expand, and over time, this can lead to cracking. Cracks open the door for water damage, leaks, and more extensive damage
5. Sagging Areas
Extreme heat can cause damage to the underlying structures of your roof, and this can then lead to noticeable sagging on the roof surface. Sagging could also signal trapped moisture or structural issues that definitely need to be checked.
Here’s How You Can Protect Your Roof From the Heat
To prevent roof damage caused by the sun’s rays, you have to focus on preparation and maintenance. Some of our tips include:
1. Invest in a Proper Ventilation System
Good attic and roof ventilation goes a long way in reducing heat buildup under your roof. Without adequate ventilation, the trapped hot air can accelerate wear and tear on your roof materials and make your home unbearably warm. A proper ventilation system helps regulate temperature and protects your roof over the long term.
2. Arrange a Regular Roof Inspection
Make it a habit to check your roof twice a year—ideally before and after the summer season. Look for curling shingles, cracks, or any other signs of wear. If climbing onto your roof isn’t your thing, call a professional like Roof Pro Local for an expert roof inspection.
3. Trim Overhanging Branches
Trees provide shade, which can help protect your roof from direct sunlight. But overhanging branches can also drop leaves and debris onto your roof, trapping moisture and creating a perfect environment for damage. Always keep those branches trimmed back to a safe distance.
4. Upgrade to Reflective Roofing Materials
If you’ve got an older roof and you’re considering a roof replacement, think about using light-colored or reflective roofing materials like metal roofing. These materials reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, which promotes energy efficiency by keeping your roof (and house interior) cool.
5. Apply Protective Coatings
There are heat-reflective coatings available that can be applied to your asphalt shingles and other roofing materials. These help reduce overall heat absorption, which maintains your roof’s temperatures and extends the life of your shingles.
Are Oklahoma City Roofs Built for Heat?
The good news is that most modern roofs are designed to handle extreme weather conditions, including intense heat. However, not all roofing materials perform the same under these conditions.
While extremely popular and cost-effective, asphalt shingles are more prone to heat damage, such as curling and cracking, especially in heat waves that take place for an extended period.
Metal roofing reflects sunlight and is highly sturdy in extreme temperatures, making it an excellent option for heat resistance.
On the other hand, clay and concrete tiles are fantastic at resisting heat and keeping a house cool. However, note that they’re heavier and may require additional structural support.
Long-Term Benefits of Having Heat-Resistant Roofing
What exactly are the benefits of heat-resistant roofing? To name a few:
Lower Energy Costs: If your roof absorbs less heat, that means your house automatically stays cooler. As a result, you’ll rely less on air conditioning, saving on your energy bills.
Fewer Repairs: Heat-resistant materials are less likely to crack, curl, or warp, meaning fewer repairs over the years.
Extended Roof Lifespan: A roof that can withstand OKC’s intense heat will last longer. This delays the need for an expensive replacement.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Regular Roof Maintenance
It’s easy to overlook regular roof inspections and maintenance, but these small steps can actually make a huge difference in protecting your roof.
To start, you want to regularly clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling and additional heat-related stress on your roof. You should also check for roof leaks. Heat can cause cracks that lead to leaks, so keep an eye out for any signs of water damage in your attic. Finally, we recommend that you schedule professional inspections. Roofing experts like Roof Pro Local can catch issues right away and come up with solutions to get everything back to normal.
Let Roof Pro Local Help Keep Your Roof Cool
Dealing with Oklahoma City’s heat waves doesn’t have to mean your roof also suffers. At Roof Pro Local, we specialize in helping owners protect their roofs from the elements, whether it’s heat damage, storms, or anything else OKC weather throws at us with our roof protection plan.
Contact Roof Pro Local today for a professional inspection or to discuss heat-resistant roofing options!
Preserving Historic Homes: Roofing Solutions for Heritage Properties
Preserving the grandeur of historic homes while respecting their structural integrity is a delicate balance. At Roof Pro Local, we understand the unique challenges posed
Shielding Your Roof from Electrical Damage: Why a Roof Protection Plan Matters
Your roof is a vital part of your home’s defense system, but it’s also vulnerable to electrical damage, especially during severe weather events. Lightning strikes,
A House Without Downspouts in OKC: Risks and Solutions
Living in Oklahoma City, we know that storms and rain are just part of the deal. But have you ever thought about just how much
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Commercial Roof?
We at Roof Pro Local know that replacing a commercial roof comes with a lot of questions. Rest assured that we will help you through
Roof Pro Local Roofing Maintenance Checklist for Spring
Oklahomans, we know the weather out here can get wild. Spring might bring a sigh of relief from winter’s chill, but it’s also the perfect
Navigating Weather Extremes: A Guide to Oklahoma Roofing
Oklahoma’s weather can be unpredictable and extreme. The elements put constant pressure on roofing systems, from blazing summer heat to chilling winter snowstorms. Not only
