When people talk about harsh weather conditions having an effect on a flat roof’s lifespan, most people think of hail, snow, strong winds and rain. What many property owners don’t know is that even a sunny day can pose a threat to the roof. Experts on GAF roofs explain how hot weather can affect a flat roof.
Blistering
Heat causes most things to expand, including water. When exposed to the sun, the roof absorbs a lot of heat. If any moisture is trapped underneath the roof’s surface, it could expand and evaporate, pushing the surface up and causing “blisters” to appear.
Thermal Movement
Even a moisture-free roof isn’t safe from hot weather. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause the top material to expand. This could cause sections to expand and contract, creating gaps along the seams. A roofing contractor can install single-ply PVC membrane roofing, which is more resistant to thermal movement.
Warped Flashing
Just like the main roofing sections expanding and contracting due to extreme heat, the roof’s flashing can also get warped out of shape. In some cases, leaks in flat roofing can be caused by a badly warped flashing strip, even if the rest of the roof is in perfect shape.
Cracked Sealants
While most types of sealants are designed to withstand harsh temperatures, certain factors can cause your roof’s applied seals to give out due to hot weather. For example, some seals can turn brittle over time and heat from the sun can cause them to crack. Flat roofing experts recommend having all seals checked for signs of deterioration to see if re-caulking or re-sealing is needed.
Let us help you protect your flat roof from hot weather. Cantrell Roofing, LLC is the leading roofing company in the area. You can call us at (903) 848-9494 or fill out this contact form to request a quote.
