How Heat and Humidity Affect Your Florida Roof
I’m sure I’m not telling all you Florida residents something you don’t already know when I say that it can get pretty humid out there. And while it certainly affects our life when the temperature rises and you can feel the moisture in the air, most people don’t think about the ways it can affect your roof. Your roof is out there protecting you and keeping you cool from the sun, but in turn it can take a beating. Because of this, we decided to write a blog about the effects of heat and humidity have on your roof.
The unfortunate truth is that both heat and humidity can significantly decrease the life of your roof. The heat can cause your roof to expand, stretch, crack, break, and a variety of other not ideal actions. The holes and cracks that are created can allow moisture into your homes, which is only exasperated when the heat comes with humidity. The moisture can also become trapped in the cracks of your roof, which will lead to mold, rotting, weakening, and a host of other problems.
On top of the cracks and holes that lead to moisture in your roof, attic, and crawlspace, the heat and humidity will also increase the temperature of your roof. And that increased temperature means an increased workload for your air conditioner, which already has a harder job because of the moisture in the air. Unsurprisingly, that means that, if your roof isn’t up to the task, your energy bills could skyrocket.
And I know you’re reading this thinking, “But I can’t stop the sun from being hot and Florida from being humid, so what am I supposed to do?” Well, I’m glad you’ve made it this far! There are a few things you can do to make sure your roof is protecting yourself, your family, and your wallet from the heat and humidity of the Florida sun.
The first is to make sure your roof is properly ventilated. A lot of times, people say that a wave of humidity feels “stuffy”, and that feeling is only amplified when there’s no air flow. The vents will help prevent condensation from forming and will also dissipate the heat. By preventing condensation from forming, it will also help stop the formation of mold on the interior of your home.
This one shouldn’t come as a shock since it’s right in the name, but a dehumidifier can also help with the humidity in your attic and roof. A dehumidifier works in conjunction with roof ventilation to stop the accumulation of condensation. Even if no one regularly goes into the attic, running the dehumidifier there can have positive effects throughout the whole house, including a cooler environment and a lower energy bill.
And lastly, making sure your roof is inspected regularly and all repairs are made as soon as they are noticed should be a priority when it comes to roof maintenance. This step is especially important for us in Florida, where a small crack or hole could mean costly energy bills. Even if it’s not noticeable, the heat and humidity could cause your foundation to weaken through its constant expanding and retracting. And you also run the risk of a costlier repair when the small hole or crack becomes a bigger issue in the next storm or heat wave.
This is all to say, there’s nothing you can do to stop the sun. As Annie said, it will come out tomorrow, and my guess is it will still be as hot as is what yesterday. The humidity it brings has an effect on your mind, body, and roof. But making sure your roof is properly ventilated, running a humidifier, and having a professional come out to take a look regularly will help your roof protect you and your family for years to come.
