Living in Gilbert, Arizona, means sun—lots of it. While the area’s year-round sunshine might be great for outdoor enthusiasts, it’s a different story for your roof. Prolonged exposure to the region’s extreme heat can severely impact the lifespan of roofing materials. A damaged roof leads to bigger issues like leaks, higher energy bills, and costly repairs. Knowing how Gilbert’s sweltering summers affect your roof can save you from the headache of a sudden and expensive replacement.
Jump To:
TLDR – Quick Guide:
- Extreme Heat Weakens Roofing Materials: Gilbert’s high summer temperatures cause materials like asphalt shingles to break down faster.
- UV Damage: Constant sun exposure degrades your roof’s protective layer, making it more vulnerable.
- Thermal Shock: Drastic temperature changes between day and night cause roofs to expand and contract, leading to cracks.
- Signs of Damage: Look for curling shingles, blistering, or granule loss.
- Prevention: Regular inspections and maintenance can prolong your roof’s life and prevent costly damage.
Detailed Breakdown
How Gilbert’s Hot Summers Affect Roofing Materials
- Heat and UV Damage
Gilbert experiences an average of 107°F in summer, with heat waves pushing temperatures even higher. This level of exposure can wreak havoc on roofing materials, especially asphalt shingles, which are common in many homes. Asphalt shingles, under intense sunlight, degrade faster. The heat breaks down the asphalt layers, causing them to dry out, crack, and lose their flexibility. UV rays also weaken the oils in asphalt shingles, causing them to become brittle and prone to damage.
Even more durable materials like tile or metal aren’t immune to sun damage. Prolonged exposure can fade color and weaken protective coatings, making them more susceptible to leaks and other issues. - Thermal Shock
In Gilbert, while daytime temperatures can reach over 100°F, nighttime lows can drop significantly, sometimes by 30 to 40 degrees. This rapid temperature fluctuation, known as thermal shock, causes roofing materials to expand during the day and contract at night. Over time, this continuous cycle leads to cracks, warping, and other structural damage, especially in roofs that aren’t regularly maintained. - Moisture Buildup and Flashing Damage
Monsoon season in Gilbert brings sudden, intense rain after prolonged periods of dry heat. Roofing materials already weakened by sun exposure are more likely to experience leaks, especially at the joints and flashing points. Flashing—those thin pieces of metal used to waterproof roof seams—can corrode faster in these conditions. Moisture then seeps into the cracks caused by thermal shock, which can lead to wood rot or mold growth in your attic. - Energy Efficiency Drops
An overheated roof can raise the temperature inside your home. Dark-colored asphalt shingles, in particular, absorb and retain heat, making your air conditioner work harder to cool your home. This means higher energy bills during Gilbert’s long, hot summers.
Signs of Roof Damage from Extreme Heat
- Curling or Buckling Shingles
If your shingles look curled or warped, it’s a clear sign they’ve been damaged by the sun and need to be repaired or replaced. Shingles should lie flat; any bending indicates heat has made them brittle. - Blistering
Heat can cause the air trapped under your roof’s surface to expand, forming blisters. Blisters weaken your roof and, when popped, can leave the underlayer exposed to further damage. - Granule Loss
Granules protect asphalt shingles from UV rays, but over time, excessive heat causes them to loosen. If you notice granules collecting in your gutters or bare spots on your shingles, it’s a sign of heat damage. - Cracked or Damaged Flashing
If your flashing has started to crack or warp, it can no longer effectively prevent water from leaking into your home. Damaged flashing is often the result of both sun exposure and temperature fluctuations. - Faded or Discolored Areas
Constant sun exposure will fade or discolor areas of your roof. While this might seem purely aesthetic, it indicates that your roof’s protective coatings have worn down, leaving it more vulnerable to damage.
How to Protect Your Roof in Gilbert’s Hot Climate
- Regular Inspections
Make a habit of having your roof inspected twice a year—before summer and after monsoon season. Professional inspections can spot early signs of heat damage, preventing larger issues from developing. - Reflective Roofing Materials
Consider installing roofing materials designed for hot climates, such as cool roofs with reflective coatings that bounce sunlight away, reducing heat absorption. Materials like metal, slate, or tile are more heat-resistant than asphalt shingles and can help prolong your roof’s lifespan. - Proper Ventilation
Adequate attic ventilation helps cool down your roof from below, reducing the risk of heat damage. Without proper ventilation, heat gets trapped, worsening the effects of the scorching Gilbert summers. - Timely Repairs
Ignoring small problems like missing shingles or cracked flashing will only lead to bigger issues. Address damage quickly to avoid more costly repairs or replacements down the road.
Key Takeaways
- Gilbert’s hot summers take a toll on your roof, especially asphalt shingles, causing them to degrade faster.
- Signs of roof damage include curling, blistering, granule loss, and cracked flashing.
- Regular inspections, reflective materials, and proper ventilation can help protect your roof from heat-related damage.
- Acting quickly on repairs with a roofing company in Gilbert will save you from costly replacements later.
FAQs
In Gilbert, it’s recommended to inspect your roof twice a year—before the peak of summer and after the monsoon season. This ensures you can spot heat and moisture damage early.
Yes. The combination of thermal shock, UV damage, and weakened flashing can lead to cracks and leaks. Moisture can easily find its way into your roof through these vulnerable points.
Roofs made of tile, metal, or slate are more heat-resistant than asphalt shingles. Additionally, installing reflective coatings can help reduce the impact of heat on your roof.
In hot climates like Gilbert, the lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof can be significantly shorter—around 15 to 20 years compared to 25+ years in milder regions. Regular maintenance can help extend its life.
Common signs include curling shingles, blistering, granule loss, and cracks in the flashing. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it might be time to consider a replacement.