Can Asphalt Roofing Sustain Heat Damage?

Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials on the market. While they offer decent protection and longevity, they are prone to heat damage that can weaken them as the years go by. Even in The Midwest, which is more known for its winters than its summer, asphalt shingles that are constantly exposed to high temperatures and direct sunlight will degrade over time. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your roof as it ages. 

While extreme heat won’t literally melt your roof, there are some telltale signs of heat damage you should look out for. 

Blistering Shingles

When exposed to constant sunlight and high temperatures/humidity over the years, asphalt shingles can begin to blister. These blisters look like small holes in your asphalt shingles, and they can begin to bubble. If left untreated, these blisters will degrade your roofing shingles and lead to damaged decking as well as potential leaks. 

Curling Asphalt Shingles

Extreme heat can also cause shingles to curl at their edges. This can lead to lifting and buckling, as well. When this happens, all it takes is one good windy day to lift the shingles off the roof and send them flying off into the yard, leaving your roof exposed to the elements. Shingle curling is especially noticeable at the edges of your roof and in places where flashing is present (around chimneys, etc.), so it should be easy to spot even if you are standing in your yard. 

Faded Shingles

Prolonged exposure to sunlight tends to fade asphalt shingles over time. This fading can be uniform across your entire roof, but it can be worse in certain areas depending on how the sunlight hits your roof during certain parts of the day. If you have trees in your yard that shade your roof, you may only spot this difference in color on certain areas, leading to a patchy look. While this may only seem like an aesthetic problem, there’s more to faded shingles than simply their color. Shingle fading tends to go hand-in-hand with old, brittle shingles. These shingles are more prone to breaking under heavy winds, hail, and other damage caused by storms.  

Look for faded shingles as a sign that your roof needs to be replaced. 

How to Prevent Sunlight and Heat Damage

There really isn’t a way to prevent this type of damage to your roof. Years of exposure will eventually degrade asphalt shingles as well as many other types of roofing materials. The best thing you as a homeowner can do is keep an eye out for potential aging and replace your roof when necessary. If you are concerned about heat damage, exposure to sunlight, or the overall longevity of your roof, consider investing in metal roofing. Metal is the most durable roofing solution that lasts longer than most other materials. And it’s not just for commercial buildings. Many homeowners are now enjoying the benefits of metal roofing on top of its wide range of color options. 

However, if you simply want to stick with the more affordable asphalt shingles, we are happy to help you with all your roofing replacement needs. Get in touch with Schmidt Roofing today for a free estimate on your next roofing project. 

 

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