Roofing in the Summer? Here’s What You Need to Know

Roofs are a big investment. Understandably, homeowners want them to last, and therefore raise concerns ranging from the effect of insulation placement on shingle lifespans to the effect of the environment on roofing installations. The good news is, with the help of a good roofing contractor, roofs can withstand hot conditions.

The Effect of Insulation

Homeowners and roofing companies alike have raised concerns about how insulation placement affects roof heat. They worry that insulation placed along the roofline above the attic, rather than along the ceiling below the attic, will increase the effect of heat and decrease the shingle lifespan. In 2000, the Florida Solar Energy Center conducted a study to address these concerns. They found that in houses with insulation along the roofline, the shingles were warmer by two degrees Fahrenheit on average, with a maximum difference of nine degrees Fahrenheit at noon. These heat differences were too small to make much of a difference in shingle lifespan.

The Effect of Environment

Installing roofs in temperatures above eighty degrees Fahrenheit or environments with high humidity can lead to overly malleable shingles and dried out the adhesive. However, experienced roofing contractors should know how to work around these setbacks. For example, they can apply adhesive more quickly in warmer weather so it does not dry out.

While it’s preferable to only expose roofs to ideal weather conditions, this frequently isn’t an option. Rest assured that even in the heat, a quality roof can last for a long time.