Heat-Related Roofing Issues and How to Prevent Them
Although the sun is about 93 million miles from Earth, its impact on our planet is undeniable. This 4.5-billion-year-old star is essential to all life forms, making it possible for plants to grow and for animals and humans to get food and oxygen. However, when the air temperature heats up, especially during the summer months, the sun can have a negative impact on both living things and inanimate objects, like your commercial roofing system.
Heat-related issues with your commercial roof can significantly impact the integrity, performance, and lifespan of the roofing system. To prevent heat-related roofing problems before they start, you should be familiar with what issues can occur and how to prevent them.
UV Radiation Degradation & Heat-Related Aging
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can degrade roofing materials. This results in fading, chalking, brittleness, and the overall weakening of the roofing membrane which can result in cracks that could eventually cause water leaks.
Elevated temperatures can also accelerate the aging process of roofing materials. This effect can reduce the lifespan of the roofing system, necessitating more frequent roof repairs or the need for replacement. To prevent this from occurring, consider installing a commercial cool roof. A cool roof should be made of a material or have a commercial roof coating that can lower the roof surface temperature, decreasing the amount of heat transferred into your commercial building.
Blistering
Blistering occurs when trapped moisture or air beneath the roofing membrane expands from solar heat resulting in raised areas on a roof’s surface that can pop, leading to leaks, further deterioration, and other issues.
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
Roofing materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. This constant movement can cause stress and damage over time. As a result, roofing materials can crack, split, or become loose, especially in the seams and joints. This problem is especially prevalent with brittle or older roofing systems.
Membrane Shrinkage
Certain roofing membranes, especially single-ply membranes, can shrink due to prolonged heat exposure. Membrane shrinkage can result in stress on the fasteners, seams, and flashings, which can potentially lead to roof failure. Frequent expansion and contraction can also cause long-term structural issues that may need to be addressed to preserve the integrity of the roof and all its components.
Sealant and Adhesive Deterioration
Heat can also cause roofing sealants and adhesives to degrade, dry out, or lose their effectiveness. Compromised seals at joints, seams, and around penetrations can result in water infiltration and a potential emergency roofing repair.
Insulation Damage
Excessive heat can degrade roofing insulation materials, resulting in reduced thermal performance and the potential for mold to grow if moisture is present.
Roof Deck Warping
Hot temperatures can cause wooden roof decks to warp, resulting in uneven roofing surfaces. This problem can then allow water to collect and lead to ponding. Warping also places additional stress on the roofing membrane.
Increased Energy Costs
Poorly insulated or heat-absorbing roofing materials can increase cooling costs in a facility resulting in higher energy bills and an increased strain on the building’s HVAC systems. If you want to ensure your roof will be energy efficient, choose a roofing material with high reflectivity and insulation properties to reduce cooling and heating costs.
Conclusion
Once you are aware of the potential problems heat-related issues can have on a commercial roof, it’s a good idea to come up with a game plan to mitigate these issues.
We recommend the following: (1) use a roofing material that reflects heat rather than absorbing it, (2) ensure your commercial roof has proper ventilation. Ensuring adequate ventilation will help manage heat build-up, (3) be sure to use high-quality insulation to protect against temperature extremes, and (4) it is imperative to conduct regular roof maintenance. By conducting commercial roof inspections and routine maintenance, you will be able to identify and address heat-related issues before they start.
Understanding and addressing heat-related roofing issues can help extend the life of your commercial roof and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs or replacements. If you don’t currently have a commercial roof maintenance plan in place, contact Capital Roof Care. Our trained technicians can help to develop a roof maintenance plan that’s right for your company.
Sources: