According to recent data, July was the hottest-ever month recorded in the U.S. since records began in 1895.
In July, the U.S. experienced three separate heat dome events, which caused temperatures to soar across the country.
Property maintenance specialists at Best Roofers are now issuing an urgent warning about the hidden signs of damage that hot weather can cause to the home.
Alex Morrisey, a roofing specialist at Best Roofers, has commented on how hot weather can damage your roof:
“Roofs can be incredibly susceptible to damage during extreme temperatures. This is because roofing materials can expand and contract during hot weather, which places the structure under significant stress.
“As a result, homeowners may notice cracked roof tiles, warping of roofing materials, and softened or blistered flat-roof membranes.
“This is why homeowners should take precautions to replace aging membranes and secure loose tiles as soon as possible to prevent further damage during hot weather.
“Poor ventilation in the home during extreme temperatures can also cause an excess of heat to build up in attic spaces, which later results in a significant moisture build-up.
“This build-up of moisture can quickly result in mold growth and increased stress on insulation, damaging the internal structure of the roof.
“Homeowners should check that attic vents aren’t being blocked by any storage during extreme temperatures.
“Restricted airflow can quickly result in mold and mildew build-up, so homeowners need to ensure that attics are correctly ventilated this summer.”
According to Alex Morrisey, it’s not just roofs that are at risk of damage from the hot weather this summer:
“When exposed to direct sunlight, wooden flooring and furniture, carpets, and curtains can all fade or become discolored.
“This is why one of the easiest ways to heatwave-proof your home is to keep curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day. This helps to protect flooring, curtains, and furniture from damage caused by direct UV rays.
“UV linings on curtains can also help protect furniture from becoming damaged and discolored by the sun.
“Blackout thermal blinds are another effective way to heatwave-proof your home, helping to block out some of the sun’s heat during the hottest parts of the day.
“With the U.S. facing such extreme temperatures this summer, it’s really important for homeowners to be aware of the damage that recurring heatwaves can cause to the home and take the correct precautions to prevent this.”
This information was provided by roofing specialists at Best Roofers.