Roofing: Thermal Cycling and the Factors That Make It Worse

Weather affects roofs on many levels. Some elements cause immediate damage while others compromise the structural integrity of shingles slowly but surely. Thermal cycling is one phenomenon that should concern you. This is when roofing materials expand when it’s hot and contract when it’s cold. The greater the difference between day and night temperatures, the more vulnerable the shingles are to the effects of thermal cycling.

That said, shingles react to temperature swings differently. Seasoned home exterior remodeling companies, including Triangle Home Exteriors, agree that the following factors contribute to how much thermal cycling shingles may experience:

Local Climate

Extreme thermal cycling happens in areas that usually have extreme seasonal changes. Hot, humid weather can raise the temperature of shingles significantly, causing them to expand a lot over the warm part of the day.

Although shingles return to their regular size when the air temperature moderates, they may shrink more quickly due to perennial expansion and contraction.

Shingle Color

Experienced roofing and siding contractors, like Triangle Home Exteriors, agree that the color determines the heat shingles absorb. Generally, brighter colors reflect more infrared light from the sun while darker ones warm up more quickly.

The more your roof can stay cool during the hotter parts of the day, the less susceptible it is to thermal cycling.

Attic Ventilation

The heat coming from inside the house also affects roof temperature. Without adequate ventilation, most of the warm air that rises from living spaces get stuck in the attic and cook your roof at the bottom.

When tackling roof replacement, get a system that features a healthy balance between intake and exhaust venting. This way, your house can regulate your roof’s surface temperature all year round.

Turn to Triangle Home Exteriors to head off the grave consequences of thermal cycling to your roof. Call us at (919) 436-3200 today to discuss your roofing needs and get a free estimate in Durham, NC or any nearby community.