Tips for Protecting Your Roof From Summer Heat

On a typical sunny day, your roof gets quite hot. It could rise to
50 degrees hotter than your surrounding air. When this happens, your home’s
interior temperature is also affected. Regardless of how much air conditioning
you blast, your house might not cool down if your roof is hot.

What can be done to to cool your roof during summer?

Paint Your Roof a Lighter Color

According to the lessons on basic color theory, dark colors are said to absorb heat. On the other hand, the light colors can reflect it. Therefore, if you want your roof to absorb more heat, the secret is using dark concrete. When you switch to a lighter color, your roof will reduce the heat absorbed. You can paint over your roof or select several tiles and shingles for a lighter color.

Insulate Your Attic

A well-insulated attic makes a big difference in determining your roof’s temperatures. If you seek to protect your roof more, insulating the underside of your roof’s decking is advisable. You can spray foam for better results. This prevents heat from radiating through your roof’s decking. It also keeps your attic and house cooler. Just as insulation keeps your home water during winter, it can also cool it down during summer. If you struggle to cool your home, even with adequate ventilation, consider improving your insulation.

Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation

When cooling your roof, the temperature inside is as important as the exterior. The air in your attic can rise as high as 160 degrees. When this happens, your roof can be overheated, degrading your roofing materials. As the roof heats, the materials expand, they then contract when things cool down at night. This can reduce your roof’s lifespan. Therefore, ventilating it will help with cooling your home and increasing the durability of your roof.

Although some roofs have built-in ventilation, it might be necessary to
boost it sometimes. You can do this by installing a solar attic fan. These fans
improve your attic’s airflow without increasing your electricity bill. This is
because many are solar-powered.

These tips can go a long way in helping you keep your roof and home cool. If you need more help, don’t hesitate to contact Fargo Roofing & Siding today.