Roofing Megastore’s experts have warned and advised on how high temperatures can damage your property just as temperatures are set to reach over 30°C again this week, with another heatwave forecast for the end of August.
Invest in breathable insulation
In extreme temperatures, buildings are at risk of overheating and insulation quality is key in preventing this.
Material with a high thermal mass and improved breathability, including sheep wool and other natural insulation, tend to be the best choices for keeping cool.
Keep your blinds and shutters closed and use heat reflective glazing
Investing in shades, blinds and keeping them closed in the day time will reduce the amount of heat getting into a house. Suitable reflective glazing is a great first line of defence, as it’ll let light in while bouncing back any heat.
Ensure your roof is protected against the heat
Metal and concrete are effective in protecting buildings against hot weather. Metal is available in both tile and sheet form. It has a reflective surface and can keep as much as 90% of sunlight away from your roof.
Concrete is preferred in many dry climates and can be fully recycled at the end of its lifespan.
Check your roof for leaks
One of the most common causes of serious damage to a property’s exterior in high temperatures is a roof leak. This could be because of the expansion of a roof which leads to cracked shingles that can leak.
The temperature difference between a roof and the surrounding air can also be problematic when the cooler temperature causes condensation, with the excess moisture causing water damage and weakening the roof over time.
Sometimes fixing leaks is as simple as spotting the source and replacing a few roof tiles, however more serious leaks can be difficult to diagnose and may require professional help. We recommend checking your loft space after high temperatures to catch any issues early.
Keep your windows closed
When the air outside is hotter than inside, opening windows could actually cause the house’s temperature to increase.
It is more effective to only open doors and windows first thing in the morning and then again in the evening when the external temperature is less than the internal.
Gian-Carlo Grossi, managing director at Roofing Megastore, commented: “The simple fact is our homes are woefully underprepared to handle the ferocity, and frequency of heatwaves that we now seem to be increasingly experiencing.
“The majority of homes in the UK were built in a time when summer just meant one less day of rain, not 40 degree temperatures and this means most of our older properties are at severe risk of overheating. One of the reasons behind this, unfortunately, is due to the myriad of energy-saving measures we have put in place over the years to prevent heat from escaping.
“Other damage can occur when exteriors bear the brunt of harsh UV rays. Rapid expansion and contraction around your guttering can cause the metal to crack, leading to leaks and stains.
“Dry conditions and heat are also problematic for older fixings. Extended exposure can cause the nails that are holding down your tiles and slates to fail which will lead to them becoming loose, opening a path for water to easily ingress into your loft.”
>>Read about how hot weather can impact the industry here.
