Your entire house depends on the integrity of your roof. However, a roof tends to endure a lot. It tends to be affected by different weather conditions including storms, snow, or heat, particularly during summer.
Although some roof types are able to withstand a lot, certain weather conditions can severely damage your roof. For instance, flat roofs made of traditional materials like bitumen and felt, are particularly very sensitive to summer or hot weather.
In fact, the stress subjected to your flat roof by hot weather could be the reason it cannot withstand rainy days. With that being said, weather can greatly influence the structure and functionality of your building.
In this article, we will focus on the effects of warm weather on flat roofs.
How Hot Weather Affects Flat Roofs
- Thermal Movement
During summer, temperature tends to go through a continuous cycle of heating and cooling. As a result, flat roofs tend to expand and contract, and eventually crack, thus causing leaks.
However, you can prevent your flat roof from thermal cycle problems by using breathable waterproof materials such as single-ply PVC. Not only is single-ply PVC 100% watertight, but it can also withstand condensation.
- Blistering
When water penetrates your felt roof, it tends to heat and expand. What’s more, the water expansion lifts the felt from your roof, which leads to the formation of blisters and bubbles.
Adddressing the blistering issue immediately it occurs can save you the trouble of having to repair or replace the entire roof. With that being said, you can avoid bigger roofing problems by immediately repairing the affected areas of felt.
- Moisture Damage
Flash damage is imminent due to moisture build up and fungal growth. Fungi or mold tends to grow faster during summer due to the high levels of heat. Damaged flashing tends to compromise your roof’s draining capacity.
Therefore, to ensure that your roof lasts, it is important that you have it inspected regularly and repaired immediately.
- Faulty Installation
Failing to install your flat roof properly can result to heat-related damage. What’s more, installing a flat roof too flat or using poor quality materials can cause the roof to sag in the middle, which allows rainwater to accumulate and create a pool.
Eventually, the accumulated water tends to find its way into the cracks or holes caused by thermal movement. With that being said, it is important that you use the services of licensed roofers, which will help to ensure your flat roof is installed right the first time. Be sure to use top-grade materials.
- Standing Water
Standing water is a primary cause for flat roof leakages. If water does not evaporate from your flat roof within 72 hours, it is important that you drain it manually. Letting water stay on your roof beyond that time can damage your roof.
Issues of standing water are common on roofs that are too flat or where there’s insufficient drainage. Although it might take years for your roof’s damage to become a problem, regular inspections are necessary.
Regular inspections, particularly during spring or winter, help to ensure that leaks and other minor problems are addressed before they get worse.
Conclusion
Make a call to Gary Fox Roofing to have your flat roof issues addressed before they become major issues.