Imagine a hot summer day and just how brutal it can be to spend a few hours outdoors in the sweltering heat. Now add 50 degrees to that and you’re beginning to simulate the plight of the traditional black colored roof. According to the United States Department of Energy, the average roof can absorb so much heat that it maintains a temperature 50 degrees Fahrenheit above the air temperature.
Now you may be thinking that it doesn’t really impact you, but the hotter your roof gets the hotter your home gets. Some of that heat is transferred inside, which raises your costs for air conditioning or makes you less comfortable if you don’t crank up the air conditioner.
You should start the process of maintaining your roof during the spring, though, because there’s more than just heat to worry about. You’ve also got to deal with the increased amount of rain that can pour down upon your home during the spring and summer. Depending on where you live, you could have severe thunderstorms or even tornados to deal with in the summer or tropical storms or hurricanes in the late summer and early fall. With years of experience and expertise, the team at Lowcountry Roofing and Exteriors know how to prep roofs for all sorts of weather; be sure to check them out.
Clean Your Gutters and Trim Your Trees
Gutters can be easily clogged up with leaves, branches, dirt and various debris from storms. That can lead to clogs in your gutters, which are bad news for your roof. When your gutter isn’t draining properly, rain water can build up and seep underneath your shingles or roof surface. That can cause damage to your home and necessitate costly repairs.
In addition, if any trees are close to encroaching upon your roof or hanging over it, you should trim them back. They could snap off during a storm and damage your roof or clog your gutters. In addition, if the tree grows enough to lean against the roof surface, damage could be caused.
Roof-Cooling Options
If you are noticing that heat from your roof is causing your interior temperature to rise too much, there are a number of options that you could use in order to keep it cooler. One of the basic options is to get a roof misting system. This will occasionally spray a thin layer of water on your roof, which will cool the roof off when it evaporates. An alternative is to spray your roof down manually with a hose, but this can be difficult and time consuming.
Other options include adding a coating onto your existing roof, which will help to resist the absorption of so much heat. If your roof is in good condition and made of the proper materials, this can be a great option.
If your roof is already deteriorating or is not made up of a surface material that will react well with the coating, you may be better off opting for a new roof all together.
There are various materials that are now used that are specifically designed to provide a cool roof. In general, you’re looking for a reflective color such as a white or light colored roof. Dark colors like black and gray tend to absorb a lot more heat from the sun, whereas lighter colors reflect sunlight.
You may also consider a rooftop garden if you have a flat roof in a city setting, as the vegetation can block some of the sunlight from hitting the roof. In addition, the moisture released from plants will evaporate and cause a cooling effect. Rooftop gardens have been known to keep the surface of the rooftop cooler than the surrounding air temperature.
Author Bio – Frank has been working in the roofing industry for the last few years. He has been helping new recruits and has been writing/ sharing information regarding roof maintenance and other related services.
