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Your roof protects your house from the elements, from rain to heat. Yet, it sometimes takes a beating of its own while doing so. While most people are aware that they have to replace their roof every decade or two, you may not be aware of the toll heat and humidity can take on the materials covering your home.
Heat can cause damage to your roof in myriad ways, including through causing support beams, rafters and decking to stretch and expand. This can become an issue because this expansion can lead to cracks in the roof that can allow water to seep in. This, in turn, can cause mold and mildew to grow in the roof before you even know there is an issue.
Additionally, heat collecting under the roof in the attic can cause weak spots in the wood to form or nails to pop in the shingles.
The biggest danger from humidity around the roof is the collection of moisture in the materials and within the structure of the roof. If moisture from too much humidity becomes trapped in the attic or crawl space or if condensation accumulates, this can also cause mold and mildew growth.
This may lead to wood rot and weaken the structure of the roof, which may eventually cause the plywood to cave in entirely.
The best way to mitigate roof damage from heat and humidity is to properly care for it. To start, schedule a routine roof inspection at least once a year to ensure that everything is working as it should. While you can inspect it yourself, it is best to have a professional do it. They know will know exactly what to look for when it comes to potential issues with your roof.
If there are any potential problem areas, have them taken care of immediately instead of waiting. It is easy for small problems to grow out of control quickly when it comes to your roof given its exposure to heat, humidity and the elements. Look out for any shingles that might be loose or broken and have them repaired immediately, so that water does not leak into the attic or crawlspace.
Trim branches hanging over the roof and clean the gutters often to avoid any build-up. The more proactive you are about roof care, the better its condition will be despite the wear and tear from the heat and exposure. Roof repair and replacement can be complex, so taking care of your roof will save you from unexpected expenses down the road.
Learn more about how to properly take care of your roof and protect it as best you can from the rigors of heat, humidity and the elements.
