As Spring winds down there are a few thing to think about with the hot summer weather looming.
First, if your roof is 17+ years old, you may be in need of a re-roof. The summer time is perfect to have your replacement project done. The most common roofing material used on residential properties are asphalt shingles. The make up of these shingles are a petroleum base with a granular surface. There are different styles and sizes such as “three tab” or “architectural ” shingles as well as higher end lifetime warranted shingles such as “Grand Manor” among others.
One thing that all these asphalt shingles have in common are the way they adhere to one another. They all have a tar line attached to the facing of the shingle just above the reveal. Tar lines adhere to one another once they are exposed to radiant heat. While these tar lines will all eventually adhere, the high summer sun will heat these shingles making a very tight, almost immediate seal. This is very good for the longevity of the shingle , especially areas of the roof not in direct sunlight.
Another very important and energy saving aspect to consider with the hot weather constantly beating down on your roof is proper ventilation. Have you suddenly noticed on a particularly warm day that the upstairs floor is unusually warm or downright hot? This could be due to extreme temperatures in the attic part of your home. There are a few things you can do to reduce this heat, making it more comfortable and saving you money on the AC bill.
Make sure you have proper insulation in the attic. This is a basic problem that can be easily dealt with. But, if your attic is not properly ventilated, you will have a hard time cooling the upstairs with just insulation.
There are three typical types if ventilation. A power fan can suck the hot air straight out of the roof and is run by temperature control.The gauge is set to about 85-90 degrees on average and will automatically turn on and off. The last system is common in older homes and consist of simple gable vents at either end of the attic. This system is the least effective for large areas and sometimes require a fan at one end to force air.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to check your roof for leaking and storm damage. Please see our blog on “common leak areas” to see suggestions on where to look for leaks inside as well as commonly prone areas.
