With Britain recording its highest ever temperature of 40.2℃ in July 2022 – and more hot weather predicted to come – one concern you may have as a business owner is whether heat can damage your commercial roof.
In this blog, we discuss the reasons why heat could shorten the lifespan of your commercial roofing system, as well as the best ways to deal with roof damage caused by heat.
Thermal movement to commercial roof
Metal commercial roofing systems can fail in as little as five years if thermal movement is restricted.
When installing a metal roof, commercial roofing contractors must fully understand the effect of thermal movement on various types of metal, especially when working on structures with steep slopes.
Thermal movement in roofs is caused by the expansion and contraction of certain roofing materials as temperatures rise and fall.
Over time, these repeated changes in the size of the roofing materials can cause fractured membranes. These fractures create gaps in your commercial roof, allowing water to penetrate it.
Whilst newer commercial roofs can often withstand these contractions and expansions, older ones tend to be more brittle. Therefore, the older your commercial roof, the less it is likely to tolerate thermal shock.
Dislodged Flashing
The term ‘flashing’ refers to the thin strips of metal that cover the joints in your commercial roof.
When combined with a build-up of moisture, higher temperatures in the summer months can increase mould growth in your flashing. This mould can cause your flashing to loosen and eventually become dislodged.
How to prevent heat damage to commercial roofs
There are several ways in which you can mitigate commercial roofing damage caused by summer heat. These include adding ventilation to your roof, applying a protective heat-resistant coating, and installing a vapour barrier.
However, the best way to prevent heat damage to your commercial roof is to schedule regular inspections with commercial roofing contractors in your area.
They will remove any blockages in your roof’s drainage system to prevent any moisture accumulating, so your flashing will not become dislodged due to mould growth.
Commercial roofing contractors will also check for any cracks or gaps in your roof caused by thermal movement.
Roofing Consultants Group are a leading commercial roofing contractors, with over 100 years of experience in replacing, repairing, and maintaining commercial roofs in the UK.
If you’re concerned about commercial roof damage caused by heat damage, or anything else roof related, don’t hesitate to get in touch with their friendly team.
