Trusted Home Improvement Expert

 A one-stop blog guide for homeowners covering home repair, cleaning, painting, roofing, and more

THE EFFECTS OF WEATHER ON YOUR ROOF

1. EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION

Temperature extremes can have long-term effects on roofing materials. In general, cool temperatures cause a roof to contract, whereas hotter temperatures will make it expand. The heat of the sun causes your roof to stretch. This expansion can result in cracks and fissures forming in the roof’s surface, flashing. window trims, gutters or siding

2. COLOR AND SHADE

The roof color you choose could mean the difference between an en- joyable summer and a tough one. Although black may look sleek and modern, it is not the best color for a roof in hot temperatures. Black roofs are hotter than white roofs. Darker roof tiles absorb more heat, thereby requiring more use of your air conditioner and, consequently, higher energy bills.

3. EXPANSION JOINTS

Temperature expansion is a serious problem that needs to be ad- dressed regularly to prevent the need to replace your existing roof in the future.

Every homeowner should be aware of the short and long-term effects of temperature fluctuations and the need for effective expansion joints; a lack of expansion joints is a disaster waiting to happen.

4. OTHER SEASONAL CHANGES

Melbourne’s weather changes constantly. It certainly is the city of Your seasons in one day. Extremes of temperature can result in your roof aging much faster than it would in more temperate climates. Thermal shock is the cause of this damage. Temperature fluctuations can affect your roof’s overall health and longevity because the roofing materials behave differently during warmer and colder months. This pressure placed on your roof is called thermal stress.

THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT

If you live in an area with warm summers and cold winters, your property’s roof will continually expand and con- tract. This movement may result in failing nails, loose brackets and warped or cracked flashing and roof materials.

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