The weather in Texas can be pretty warm at the best of time, and your roof can easily be affected by both the heat and the strong UV rays that are constantly bombarding it. Of course, when selecting a roof for your Texas home, you’ll want to make certain that it performs well enough and that it can withstand the hot and often fast-changing weather here. So, would asphalt shingle roofing really live up to that performance?
How Heat Affects Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is quite common as a roofing material. However, the big problem with asphalt shingles is that they are not that resilient. Aside from the fact that they will normally lose their structural integrity entirely after about 20 years, asphalt shingles are also prone to damage from hail, strong winds and fire – which, of course, also implies heat.
Some of the damage caused by heat on asphalt shingle roofs can include the following:
- Cracking: asphalt can be somewhat brittle, and its sensitivity to heat is partially due to its high thermal expansion. Much like the way the asphalt on your local street can crack as a result of high temperatures, the asphalt on your Texas home will do the same if exposed to heat long enough.
- Overheating your home: As asphalt shingles overheat, they can pass on the heat to your attic and the rest of your home. Of course, you can paint your roof in a lighter color and install additional insulation, but these processes can take more effort and greater skill to get them right, as well as requiring more money.
- Damage to flashing: As the asphalt expands as a result of being exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays, it can damage areas that are not meant to move around, such as the flashing. Flashing is meant to keep your roof watertight, and without it operating properly, you could start experiencing leaks.
- Shrinking: Temperature changes in Texas are quite sudden, which means the changes they create are fast as well. Once temperatures drop after a heat wave, the asphalt shingles can contract and shrink, which leads to the nails holding them together popping out and causing parts of the roof to lose their structural integrity and stability.
Alternative Roofing Solutions for Texas
Considering all these facts, asphalt shingles are not necessarily the best option for your Texas roof, although some might think they are because of their lower than average cost.
As an alternative to a cheap asphalt shingle roof, you can get a metal roofing system for only a slightly higher price, and enjoy a far better experience. Metal roofing is low-maintenance and extremely durable, as well as presenting exceptional reflective qualities that are perfect for a cool roof. Other alternatives can also include slate, terracotta, clay and concrete roofing systems, primarily featuring tile roofing designs that can provide a more resilient structure.
To gain access to the best roofing services for getting your new roof installed in no time, contact your local San Antonio roofing companies, and compare their services and estimates to find out your full options.