While you cannot completely prevent thermal shock, you can apply a reflective coating to reduce UV absorption on some roofing materials. Regular maintenance and professional inspection can also help detect thermal shock and provide necessary repairs.
When the summer temperature fluctuates throughout the day and night, your roof can experience thermal shock. Roofing systems, no matter the material, tend to expand in the heat and contract as the temperatures go down. While your roofing contractor should know this and build your roof with thermal shock in mind, ultimately these temperature fluctuations can cause a strain on your roof and decrease its lifespan. Splitting, cracks, and buckling are just a few of the damages that can occur.
Once again, older roofs are more prone to damage from thermal shock, so it is important to assess your roof before the intense summer sunlight hits to ensure that any necessary roof repairs are made. Your roof deserves its best chance!
Every type of material has its own signs of thermal shock. If your home has a metal roof, look for missing or stripped fasteners. Careful inspection of the horizontal to vertical transitions can also show signs of thermal shock and not be as sealed from water penetration. Asphalt shingle roofs can lose granules or develop cracks and blisters if it has experienced thermal shock. By design, tile roofs are less susceptible to thermal shock. Proper installation and routine examination can help ensure a tile roof does not undergo thermal shock.
Decay - Aging roofs combined with extensive exposure to direct sunlight can cause the roof to decay. Naturally, roofing materials will deteriorate over time and the sunshine can speed this process up. UV rays can cause the roofing materials to weaken, crack, and dissipate. When this happens, the structure of your roof can be compromised and significant damage can happen.
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