With temperatures reaching 120 degrees in the Valley of the sun, it’s no secret that the heat brings its own unique challenges to surviving desert summers. While most Phoenicians spend their time going from one air conditioned space to another, the roofs over their heads take the brunt of the sun. Even on a 90 degree day, shingle roofs can hit up to 160 degrees at peak sun exposure times – leading to damage caused by the sizzling sun that homeowners may not notice until they see water damage.
It’s important to have roofing professionals inspect and maintain your roof so that you can avoid costly projects down the road. Here are three tips on how to maintain your roof during the warm months so you can enjoy staying cool underneath it.
Add a layer of spray foam roofing to your flat roof for better insulation
A foam roof is a fantastic and economically smart choice for both homes and commercial buildings. The polyurethane foam is sprayed directly onto flat roofs, resulting in a seamless layer of protection that seals the home from inclement weather. Phoenix foam roofing systems pay for themselves with an average insulation value of R-6.5 per inch of thickness, which translates into money savings in heating and cooling costs.
Homeowners with preexisting foam roofs can add an additional one to two inches (or more!) of foam to their roofs and see the benefits in their electric bill. According to Energy studies performed by Texas A & M on their own roofs, the college saw significant energy cost reductions by applying spray polyurethane foam to more than 8 million square feet of roofing – saving as much on their energy bill as the cost of the retrofit in a little over three years.
Temperature fluctuation impacts roofs of all kinds
Whether your roof is tile, shingle or foam, temperature fluctuation can impact the integrity of your roofing system. With cool temperatures, roofing materials (like wood) contract, and with warm temperatures they expand. Homes are designed to withstand these temperature fluctuations, but over time they can impact the integrity of the structure.
While it might seem insignificant because we can’t see these shifts, temperature fluctuation impacts roofs of all materials. Seams in the underlayment underneath tile roofs can split, joints can crack, and shingles can become brittle and curl or even break. It’s important to have your roof inspected by a licensed roofing company to ensure that your roof is in top shape to prevent future issues like water damage.
Here’s What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Roofing Company
Ensure proper ventilation to let hot air out and cool air in
Proper attic ventilation is important during the summer because it helps dissipate excess heat, making it easier and more cost-efficient to cool a home. Proper ventilation also mitigates moisture damage, and prevents humidity from building up and causing mold damage that requires remediation and repair. Think your attic might need a little extra ventilation? Consider adding both intake vents as well as exhaust vents when you redo your roof, to ensure proper air flow both into and out of your home. Your house (and your wallet) will thank you.
We’re here to help you stay cool this summer
Arizona’s climate brings many unique factors when choosing the right roofing system for your house. Our team at RENCO Roofing is ready to help you tackle your next roofing project – whether it’s big or small, we cover it all. Get in touch with one of our experts for a roofing consultation to see how we can be of service to you.
