Effects of Summer Heat on Commercial Roofs: Protection Tips

Summer can be disastrous for commercial roofs, as severe heat and humidity strain the structure and materials. 

Unlike grave cracks or leaks produced by other forms of harsh weather, heat damage can be difficult to detect. 

To avoid long-term roof concerns, here is everything you should know.

6 Heat Affect On Commercial Roof Factors To Consider

If you own a commercial building, your summer vacation might be ruined if you neglect your roof during the hot months.

Here are 6 factors that can damage your commercial roof:

1. Thermal Shock

Commercial roofs are continually exposed to sunlight, with temperatures reaching over 180 degrees on hot summer days. When the sun goes down, the temperature on the roof drops significantly. 

This rapid temperature shift might cause issues since your roof materials expand during the day and shrink at night. 

This extreme temperature fluctuation is called a thermal shock. Over time, it can damage your roof by distorting or developing gaps.

2. Sun Damage

UV rays don't just harm your skin, but they also heavily damage your roof. If roof materials are not properly handled, the sun will damage them and bleach or blacken the roof. 

Wood and shingles are particularly susceptible to damage.

3. Drying

Roof heating can also dry up the oils in certain roofing materials. When roof linings or structural components dry, they become brittle and break. 

If left untreated, these cracks might impair the roof's structural integrity or weaken its waterproofing components, resulting in leaks.

4. Humidity

High heat paired with high humidity is one of the most serious threats to a commercial roof. When a roof expands owing to high temperatures, it might absorb more moisture. 

Commercial roofs are at significant risk of storing moisture in areas with humid summers, such as the Southeast. Water patches can create leaks and, if not repaired, lead to roof collapses.

5. Wear And Tear

Of course, your commercial roof might wear and tear from prolonged exposure to high temperatures throughout the summer. 

The higher the temperature, the greater your tilt and expansion. This process weakens your business roof's integrity and causes fractures.

6. Loose Screws And Popped Seams

High temperatures, intense UV radiation, and roof surface expansion and contraction can all result in ruptured seams and loose screws. 

Skylights and vents are particularly vulnerable to this sort of damage.

4 Ways To Combat Heat Affect On Commercial Roof

Now that we've covered how summer affects commercial roofing let's look at ways to mitigate the effects of the heat on your roof.

1. Use Reflective Coatings

Reflective coatings help deflect the sun's UV rays, decreasing the damage that the summer sun does to your commercial roof. 

If you cannot do it on your own, you may invite roof repair professionals to this service.

2. Take Care Of The Ventilation

Installing plenty of ventilation systems helps to keep the hot summer temperatures at bay. 

With enough vents, there will be enough air circulation to lessen the impact of the heat on your roofing system.

3. Plant Trees

Planting trees at a fair distance from a commercial property is another technique to lessen the impact of summer heat on your commercial roof. If you have a flat roof, you can grow a garden to provide shade.

4. Solar Panels

Solar panels may keep your commercial roof cool and function as a heat deflector. Photovoltaic solar panels use sunlight and generate electricity, whereas solar collectors heat water. 

5.  Spray Polyurethane Foam 

Alternatively, you can also consider a hot climate roofing system. It is not only economical and durable but also cost-effective in the long run. 

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a superior material for high-temperature roofing applications and an excellent choice for commercial projects.

3 Signs Of Heat Damage On Commercial Roof

Here are a few signs that reflect the effect of heat damage on your commercial roof:

1. Damaged Or Missing Shingles

Heat dries out asphalt shingles and makes them lose their initial suppleness, leaving them brittle and susceptible to breaking. 

Furthermore, shingles might become loose as a result of intense summer storms or be damaged by the summer heat.

2. Blistering And Shrinking

Asphalt shingles are sensitive to high temperatures, causing them to melt or blister. Furthermore, when the shingles dry out and shrink, they may collapse and lose form. 

This might make them seem unappealing and make you more vulnerable to damage.

3. Mold Damage

Statistics show that 85% of commercial buildings in the US experienced water damage. If your gutters don’t function correctly during hot weather, standing water can build up on your roof. This decays your commercial roof. Heat and humidity can also promote the growth of mold and mildew. 

Whether you want to prevent heat damage on your commercial roof or previous solutions didn’t help, then reach out to us right away at L.A Roofing Materials for advice and service. We have plenty of roofing options for you to choose from as per your requirements and convenience!