Depending on what kind of roof you have and how old it is, weather can affect your roof in different ways. To prioritize roof reliability, you must learn about the effects of thermal shock and how to prevent roof problems.
How Thermal Shock Impacts the Reliability of Your Roof
Your business’s roof has weathered many storms, and you’d like for it to continue to do so. Many of us use the expression that we’re “thankful for a roof over our head,” and we should be, considering all the elements it withstands, year after year. No matter what the weather brings, you expect for your roof to keep you and your employees safe and sheltered from season to season. However, during the harsh winters and blazing hot summers, your roof becomes susceptible to thermal shock, which is the constant expanding and contracting of your roof, caused by extreme temperatures over time. Â
The frequent expanding and contracting of your roof due to various elements is hard on your roof’s surface and causes degradation over time. Because of the natural potential of thermal shock, if your roof is more than ten years old, annual inspections are highly recommended. Allowing professionals to evaluate the quality of your roof once every year gives you the opportunity to catch issues as soon as they arise, and you can begin repairs before the damage is irreversible.Â
What Causes Roof Expansion in the Summer?
During the summertime, it is inevitable that your roof will begin to expand while experiencing extreme heat. A roof that is not shaded is, of course, sitting under direct sunlight. On a stifling 90-degree summer day, the dark color of your roof absorbs the heat, causing it to reach temperatures up to a scorching 160 degrees. At this point, your roof’s surface can begin to buckle and split under such high heat. With an increased heat index, in addition to relentless UV exposure, your roof begins to decay even further. However, proper ventilation of your roofing system should prevent it from overheating.Â
What Causes Roof Contraction in the Winter?
Exceptionally low temperatures aren’t much nicer to your roof. The cold weather and harsh winds can degrade poorly installed materials and wreak havoc on sealants. Snowstorms and freezing rain settle underneath the membrane, causing leaks and water damage. With the combination of heavy winds and freezing climate, your roof begins to split and crack over time, decreasing its lifespan little by little.Â
Which Roofing Option is Your Best Bet if You Want to Prevent Thermal Shock?
Different roofing materials experience various effects from changes in temperature over a long period of time. Out of the options you have to choose from, here are the most popular kinds of roofing systems that minimize thermal shock:
Metal Roofing
A common feature in contemporary architecture, metal roofing is preferred for more than just its looks. Metal roofing ranks high in durability. No cracking, chipping, or splitting, no matter how gusty the winds are in the bitter cold. In the wintertime, snow and ice will also slide off the surface, preventing buildup and ice dams. In the middle of summer, it reflects the sunlight as opposed to absorbing its harmful, hot rays.Â
Metal is virtually indestructible—not only can it handle the most extreme weather conditions, but it’s also fire resistant. When installed properly, metal roofing remains intact for 40 to 70 years, while other roofing structures tend to only last for 10 to 20 years. If you want to prevent thermal shock in extreme climates, metal roofing is your best option.
TPO Roofing
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is on the rise within the industry of commercial roofing. A TPO roofing system is made out of cool, sustainable materials. TPO roofing is another eco-friendly option; it reflects sunlight, which reduces energy costs.Â
TPO membranes are anywhere from 10 to 20 feet wide. So, another upside is that its smooth, flat surface is resistant to dirt and mold buildup. Also, since TPO roofing only has one wide layer, installation is fairly simple and quick.Â
Why Choose Rainsville-Carlson
Our team offers a plethora of roofing solutions and services. Whether your company is in need of snow removal, roof repairs, or a brand-new roof, we’re honored to provide our services, backed by our 97 years of excellence and expertise within the commercial and industrial roofing industry. We are proud to stand and deliver roofing services that fit your needs.
