Summer Maintenance: Protecting Your Roof from Utah’s High-Altitude Sun

When we think of “roof damage” in Elsinore, we usually picture heavy snow loads or ice dams. But did you know that summer can be just as destructive to your roof as winter?

Living at high altitude in Sevier County comes with a specific set of challenges. The air is thinner, meaning the UV radiation is stronger, and the temperature swings between day and night are drastic.

At Insight Roofing, we want to help you get the maximum lifespan out of your roof. Here is why the summer sun is a silent threat to your home and how to protect against it.

1. The Danger of “Thermal Shock”

Utah is famous for its high-desert climate: scorching hot days followed by surprisingly cool nights.

• Expansion: During a 95°F day, your roof can reach temperatures over 150°F, causing shingles and metal flashing to expand.
• Contraction: At night, when temps drop to 60°F, everything contracts rapidly.

This daily cycle is called Thermal Shock. Over time, this constant movement can pull nails out of the decking, crack the caulk around your chimney, and cause shingles to split.

2. High-Altitude UV Damage

Because of our elevation, the UV rays in Central Utah are significantly more intense than at sea level.

Think of the granules on your asphalt shingles as “sunscreen” for your roof. They protect the asphalt layer underneath. As your roof ages and loses granules, the UV rays dry out the essential oils in the asphalt. This makes the shingles brittle, leading to curling, cracking, and eventual leaks.

3. Is Your Attic Cooking Your Roof?

Heat doesn’t just come from the sun above; it builds up from below.

If your attic lacks proper ventilation (intake vents at the eaves and exhaust vents at the ridge), the temperature inside your attic can soar to 160°F or higher. This “superheats” the shingles from the bottom up, essentially baking them.

The Fix: Ensure your soffit vents aren’t blocked by insulation and that your ridge vents are flowing freely.

4. Check for Moss and Algae

If we had a particularly wet spring, you might notice green patches or black streaks on the shaded north side of your roof.

While algae (the black streaks) is mostly cosmetic, moss is dangerous. Moss holds moisture against the shingles like a wet sponge, which can rot the decking underneath. Summer is the perfect time to gently clean this off before it causes permanent damage.

Schedule a Summer Health Check

You don’t need to wait for a leak to call a roofer. A quick maintenance inspection in the summer can identify loose flashing, cracked sealant, or ventilation issues before the winter snow returns.

If you want to ensure your roof is ready for the heat, call Insight Roofing today.

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