Have you ever felt the phenomenon of shivering cold following a crashing thunderstorm in August? Every drop of humidity is out of the air. The lack of heat leaves you vigorously rubbing your arms and planning a raid on the coffee shop. 

Now, look up at your roof. The shingles are feeling the same abrupt lack of August heat that you’re feeling. Hello, thermal shock. You’ll need roofing professionals to instruct you on what damage the shingles are contracting and how to fix them.

What Is Thermal Shock?

Thermal is heat. Shock is the abrupt departure of something. Thermal shock is the sudden loss of heat from a substrate or object. The atoms in the layers of the shingle are affected by the loss of heat. The layers of the shingle collapse. 

Thermal shock causes the object, in this case, roof shingles, to lose its normal shape and shorten its life. 

What Does Thermal Shock Do To Roof Shingles?

Homeowners should know, first of all, that thermal shock is rare. Modern technology has given homeowners roof shingles that are better prepared for the vagaries of temperature and humidity. 

One of those technological advances is the granules on roof shingles, especially on products like the IKO shingles. Cleaning gutters sometimes nets homeowners roof granules. These reflect the UV light off the roof, leaving the shingles cool in summer’s heat. Unfortunately, if you see granules in the gutters, you might need a new roof.

Things Roofing Professionals Want Homeowners To Know

Thermal Shock Causes Shingles To Crack

This allows water to penetrate beneath the shingles. Water seeps into the underlayment. It then penetrates the house beneath the roof. Mold happens, which causes health problems for the family. Water damage gets into the walls of the house. It weakens the structure, causing water spots and mold in the insulation. Some shingles are specially sealed so that water can’t get beneath the shingles.

Wind And Water Enter The Picture, Too

Shingles used by roofing professionals layer its asphalt shingles with its proprietary fiberglass mat. This allows the shingle to lie flat, resisting wind that tries to lift it. Water can’t get beneath a shingle that can’t be moved. 

What Homeowners Can Do

Make sure the attic is properly ventilated. This prevents ice dams and roof deck movement. Companies like the IKO roofing professionals will inspect the attic for these problems in preparation for roof replacement or repair.