How Iowa’s Summer Heat and Humidity Can Quietly Damage Your Roof

Central Iowa summers aren’t just hot and humid; they can also be destructive. While you’re inside enjoying the air conditioning, your roof silently takes the heat as it protects your home year round. Without proper care and attention, your roof can deteriorate in the summer heat, leaving your home vulnerable to wider damage. The good news is there are steps you can take now to prevent roof damage and the need for costly repairs. Here’s what Midwest homeowners should know about protecting their roof from summertime’s intense heat, light, and humidity.

Midwest Heat Waves = Roof Damage Waiting to Happen

Asphalt shingles are durable, but they’re not invincible. The EPA reports that typical roofs in the U.S. can reach 150°F–185°F in summer. Choosing cooler roofing materials, however, can mitigate this problem, reducing these peak temperatures by 50°F– 60°F, cutting energy usage and strain on air conditioners while also helping to extend the roof’s lifespan.

When your roof is exposed to excess heat and humidity, you may notice these signs:

• Shingles may blister and crack as a result of trapped air or moisture expanding as it’s heated.
• Repeated heating and cooling as well as high humidity can cause shingles to warp and curl.
• You might notice bald spots where granules have worn away from the shingles or find large amounts of granules in your gutters.
• Your attic may become very hot and humid and lack airflow.
• Areas of your roof may feel soft underfoot or appear sunken due to rot, which can develop as a result of trapped moisture.
• As the heat transfers to your living spaces, you may notice higher than usual summertime energy bills or that your air conditioner seems to be constantly running.

These signs are red flags that your roof is losing its integrity and leaving your home more susceptible to the elements. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to extend the life of your roof and keep your home protected this summer.

Summer Roof Care Checklist

• Keep your gutters clean. Clogged gutters trap moisture near the roofline, which can accelerate damage.
• Have your attic inspected for insulation and ventilation In the absence of adequate attic ventilation, hot, humid air becomes trapped in the attic, condensing into liquid as the space cools and promoting mold growth and rot. Without proper insulation, that hot, humid air is better able to work its way into your home, impacting indoor comfort and putting strain on the cooling system.
• Trim overhanging branches. Shade helps keep your roof cooler, but you don’t want branches hanging directly over the roof, where they could fall and damage it. Additionally, too much shade makes an inviting environment for moss, which also damages shingles. It’s generally recommended to keep branches trimmed back to leave at least six feet of clearance between them and the house.
• Check your shingles for wear. You can use binoculars or a camera zoom to safely check for cracking, curling, or bald spots from the ground.
• Schedule regular professional inspections. Doing this every two years will ensure you don’t overlook issues that are invisible from the ground.

Attic Ventilation for a Cooler Roof

Attic ventilation is important year round. In winter, it’s critical for preventing ice dams, which result from water melting on the roof and refreezing at its edges. While large icicles hanging from your roof may give your home a magical winter wonderland look, they can severely damage your gutters, shingles, and even roof underlayment, setting your home up for moisture infiltration (as well as posing a danger to anyone below). In summer, attic ventilation is essential for allowing hot air to escape so your shingles as well as your home’s interior spaces can stay cooler.

Summer Is a Great Time for Roof Inspection

Summer is the ideal time for roof maintenance and inspections. Scheduling your inspection in summer lets you address heat-related issues as they arise and ensure your home is adequately protected from the high winds, driving rain, and hail that Iowa storms can often bring.

Hedrick Construction is a local, family-owned roofing and exterior contractor that has been serving central Iowa homeowners with integrity and quality work since 2002. Our customers know they can call on us year round, whether they need assistance with emergencies or a preventive maintenance plan to keep their homes in top shape. When you need expert advice on attic ventilation, a mid-summer inspection, or a full roof replacement, we’re here to help.