Summer is just around the corner and Calgarians are becoming more concerned about the rising temperature with each passing spring. The temperature in May 2023 will reach an average of 20 degrees Celsius. The warm temperature may seem like a well-deserved blessing to some people, but it comes with consequences in exchange.
Outside workers are succumbing to fatigue faster due to the harsh sunlight and homes are overheating due to improper roofing insulation. Simply being indoors and having a nice cold beverage won’t be enough to cool you down when the scorching heat hits. The root of this issue lies in your roof. Neglecting to prepare your roof for hot temperatures can lead to many problems, including damage to your shingles, increased energy bills, and even potential health risks.
To prepare yourself and your home against the long months of uncomfortable warmth, here are 6 things you should do to prepare for excessively high temperatures.
Install Reflective Roof Coating
You don’t even need to be outdoors to be affected by the heat. Even without strenuous activity, the inside of your home can cause dehydration due to constant sweating brought upon by the high temperature.
The temperature situation is getting slightly too problematic in Calgary. Heatstroke is becoming more common in Alberta, even Alberta Health Services issued a warning for the oncoming heat.
To prevent heat-related issues, installing a reflective roof coating can reduce up to 35 percent of heat absorption in your home. You can enjoy your time at home and even get some sleep without being disturbed from the heat.
Roofing Maintenance
Your roof is meant to protect you and your home from harsh weather conditions such as hail, snow, and rain, but it won’t shield you from rising temperatures. To ensure extra safety, make sure to properly perform roofing maintenance at least twice a year. Excessive heat can cause shingles to crack, and metal roofing to absorb the warmth allowing the inside of your home to get hot.
Additionally, the UV rays from the sun can cause the protective coating on your shingles to weaken, which can shorten their lifespan. By taking steps to prepare your roof for high temperatures, you can ensure that your shingles remain in good condition and continue to protect your home for years to come.
Inspect Harmful Organisms
High temperatures and humidity create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow on your roof. Mold and mildew can damage your roof and create an unhealthy environment in your home. This can be particularly problematic if you have a flat roof or a roof with low-pitched areas that don't drain well. By taking steps to prepare your roof for hot temperatures, make sure to properly inspect your attic, underlayment and eavestroughs for potential growth of harmful organisms.
Check Proper Ventilation
An insufficient ventilation system installed in your home invites heat without any hindrance. The heat trapped inside your ventilation can accelerate the deterioration of roofing materials and increase the risk of structural damage. Maintaining optimal airflow in the attic or roof space is essential to addressing inadequate ventilation and the issues it causes. This can be accomplished by installing intake vents, such as soffit vents, exhaust vents, powered attic fans or ridge vents. With the help of these vents, air can circulate easily, warm air can depart, and cooler air can come in. This entire system prevents heat buildup, keeping temperatures stable and your home comfortable.
Green Roofing
According to Stats Canada, under 20 percent of Calgarians had air-conditioning in their home in the early 2000s. In 2017, the percentage went up to 24 percent due to the rise of warm weather. Bedrooms are becoming hotter causing many Calgarians difficulty falling asleep. However, keeping the AC on during the night to combat the heat can increase your electricity bill up to 46 percent.
To conserve energy, consider green roofs or solar panels. If budget or space allows, green roofs incorporate vegetation which provide additional insulation and reduces heat transfer. Solar panels can generate renewable energy.
Choose the Right Roofing Material
Several roofing materials are known for their excellent performance in hot weather conditions.
Metal Roofing
Strong and capable of reflecting sunlight are metal roofs made of steel or aluminum. Due to their low thermal mass, they do not retain heat as effectively as other materials. A building's interior heat transfer is decreased by a metal roof's excellent ventilation.
Slate Roofing
Slate is a type of natural stone that is incredibly strong and heat resistant. It helps control temperature because of its low water absorption and high thermal mass. Slate roofs offer good insulation and can tolerate intense heat with ease.
Membrane Roofing
To increase their ability to reflect sunlight, roof membranes like PVC or EPDM can be produced in white or other light colours. With less heat accumulation and less need for cooling, light-coloured roofing materials reflect more sunlight.
Heat roofing related problems can be encountered by any Calgarians. Not everyone can install reflective coating, perform maintenance, or inspect damage to your roof. For fast and effective roofing service to combat the heat, give Superior Roofing a call. Our professional roofing services and 25 years of experience is the perfect solution to all your roofing needs.