How Summer Heat Affects Your Roof & Siding & How to Protect Them

For many New England homeowners, the focus of home improvement projects is often protecting against severe winter temperatures. That’s important, but your home’s exterior products, including its roof and siding, also need to be able to withstand soaring summer temperatures. As the mercury rises, the severe heat can silently wreak havoc on roofs and siding, leading to issues that can affect curb appeal, thermal performance, and long-term durability.

If you’re preparing to embark on a roof or siding replacement project at your New England home, here are a few heat-related factors to consider:

Roofing

Asphalt shingle roofs are a common choice among New England homeowners because of their durability and cost-effectiveness. However, they are particularly vulnerable to the unforgiving summer sun. Intense UV rays can slowly degrade shingles, causing them to become brittle and lose their protective granules. Over time, this deterioration can lead to cracks, curling, and ultimately, leaks. Homeowners may find themselves facing the daunting prospect of a roof replacement project or extensive repairs.

Another summertime factor to consider is attic ventilation. Without proper airflow, the attic becomes a heat trap, reaching soaring temperatures that transfer through the roof. This heat buildup weakens shingles and accelerates their aging process. The structural integrity of the roof can also be compromised, making it more susceptible to damage from wind, storms, and heavy rains.

The effects of high humidity during the summer worsen the situation. In New England’s coastal areas, where humidity levels can be particularly high, moisture can penetrate a roof’s asphalt shingles, causing them to warp, crack, and grow mold or mildew. This not only compromises the roof’s functionality but also poses health risks to the inhabitants of the home.

Protecting Your Roof

Because of the worsening summer heat, roof installation companies prioritize attic ventilation systems, ensuring proper airflow to dissipate heat and maintain a stable roof temperature. Additionally, homeowners have started opting for shingles with enhanced UV resistance to help mitigate the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. They’re also staying ahead of the game by scheduling regular roof inspections and moving forward with needed maintenance,

Siding

As a New England homeowner, it’s important to not overlook the impact that severe heat can have on the siding that is protecting your home’s exterior. Siding installation is a significant investment for any homeowner, so understanding how extreme temperatures can affect siding is essential.

Let’s discuss some of the potential issues severe heat can cause for vinyl and composite siding products:

Fading & Brittleness

The sun’s relentless UV rays can be one of the biggest issues for house siding. Over time, constant exposure to intense sunlight can cause vinyl and composite siding products to fade and lose their vibrant color. Additionally, prolonged exposure to UV rays can make some siding products brittle and prone to cracking, compromising their protective functionality.

Damage From Humidity

New England summers can often bring high humidity levels, which can intensify the effects of severe heat on house siding. Excessive moisture in the air can seep into the siding, causing it to expand and contract. This continual expansion and contraction can lead to warping and buckling of the siding material, compromising its integrity and aesthetics.

Protecting Your Siding

By taking preventive measures—like adding insulation behind the siding during installation—homeowners can mitigate the effects of severe heat and prolong the lifespan of their siding. Insulation helps create a thermal barrier, reducing the transfer of heat from the exterior to the interior of the house. By taking this step, homeowners can not only improve energy efficiency but also provide an extra layer of protection for the siding against extreme temperatures. Regular maintenance and periodic inspections are also crucial to help identify any early signs of damage so proper action can be taken.

Are You Considering a Roofing or Siding Installation Project?

If you’re interested in upgrading your home’s roof or siding and want products that are engineered specifically for the New England climate, look no further than NEWPRO. We offer a wide array of product options, and our installations are performed by experienced, factory-trained technicians who know how to do the job right the first time.

We offer:

• Heavy-duty asphalt shingle roofing
• Composite roofing that’s engineered to mimic natural slate
• Vinyl and composite siding that is backed by Neopor^® insulation

And for your peace of mind, your new roof or siding will be protected by ironclad product and labor warranties.

Take the First Step

Contact NEWPRO today and we’ll send one of our product specialists to your New England home to tell you more about the high-performance roofing and siding products we offer.