Summer in Maine means longer days and warmer weather, perfect for getting outdoors. However, for local businesses and homeowners, it also brings unique challenges to their roofs. While our state is known for harsh winters, summer isn’t without its own set of weather-related issues. As experienced local roofers in Camden can tell you, understanding how these issues can affect your system – and taking steps to prevent bigger problems – is the only right approach. Curious about the challenges your roof might face this summer? Keep reading for an overview!

How may the weather affect the roof in summer?

To keep your home structurally sound, you have to understand how weather impacts it. Coastal Maine experiences some pretty unique seasonal conditions, and summer definitely brings its own set of concerns. High temperatures, strong winds, intense sunlight, and even poor ventilation can all create specific problems. While these might not match the cold-weather issues we face, knowing about them can help you pinpoint the perfect time to work on your roof and avoid any bigger headaches. Let’s talk about these common issues below:

1. Hot weather

Generally speaking, hot temperatures can cause significant issues for your home’s protective covering. Excessive heat can lead to thermal expansion, roof damage, and rapid contraction cycles that stress materials even further, especially if it’s shingles or membranes. Plus, traditional metal systems quickly absorb heat, so they can intensify indoor temperatures too.

2. Wind

Our region is prone to summer storms that often include powerful gusts that can lift and tear materials from their underlying structures. This wind damage usually begins subtly and weakens areas gradually until it inevitably causes severe damage. Shingles can loosen, metal panels might warp, and unsecured seams can become vulnerable.

3. Direct sunlight

Constant exposure to intense sunlight and resulting UV radiation can gradually degrade protective layers of your roof in a lot of cases. Older shingles may lose their granules faster, traditional metal panels can fade and oxidize, and membranes can become brittle or crack over extended periods of exposure.

4. Poor ventilation

To prevent heat and moisture buildup under your roof, it’s important that the area has proper airflow. Poor ventilation, especially when the weather is warm or hot, can lead to trapped heat or moisture, which in turn can cause increased indoor temperatures, moisture damage to structural components, and overall sped-up deterioration of the system.

What is the problem with a hot roof?

Excessively hot surfaces can significantly contribute to the early aging and deterioration of materials. High temperatures accelerate wear, especially of asphalt shingles, which can become brittle, lose granules, or curl prematurely. Similarly, some rubber roofing materials can weaken and develop cracks. Even metal options, though highly durable, may warp or expand unevenly if not designed properly to handle extreme heat conditions.

How do I keep my roof cool in a hot summer?

To manage high temperatures effectively, homeowners should consider a higher-quality replacement or at least new cool roof reflective coatings. In this sense, standing seam metal options are ideal because they’re already high in quality and build, and naturally reflect sunlight and resist heat buildup. 

But that’s not the only option! Lighter colors or reflective coatings on shingles or rubber membranes can create a cool roof effect that reduces temperature absorption and extends the life expectancy of the system. No matter what you decide, just make sure a professional handles the installation to guarantee the best results.

How much wind does it take to damage a roof?

In many systems, wind damage can happen even at moderate speeds of around 40 to 60mph, depending on the installation quality and current condition of your system. But even lower wind speeds can cause wind uplift on roofing, especially if materials are older and more vulnerable, or if sections are not installed properly. Unfortunately, during frequent coastal storms, winds can even exceed those thresholds and potentially lead to serious damage like missing shingles or warped metal panels.

How do I stop the wind from lifting my roof?

The best way to secure your home against wind is through quality installation and durable materials. For this, standing-seam metal systems stand out as particularly effective, as their interlocking design and robust anchoring offer superior wind resistance by design. For asphalt shingles, specialized nailing patterns and adhesive strips can help. Finally, it’s important that you regularly check your system for vulnerabilities before the storm season arrives.

How does sunlight damage roofing materials?

While our state is most known for harsh winter weather, that doesn’t mean it’s immune to summer’s whims. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, particularly ultraviolet (UV) rays, can gradually break down materials before you even notice. Even if there’s no direct damage, UV rays can speed up the aging process, so materials will degrade much faster than they otherwise would. When it comes to UV degradation, shingles are the most vulnerable if not reinforced, but metal or membrane options are not naturally resistant either.

How to protect a roof from direct sunlight?

Depending on how much direct sunlight your building gets, it’s important not to neglect UV-resistant coverings that will protect your home from damage in the long run. Metal roofing, especially high-end standing-seam systems, is reflective and sturdy, so it naturally minimizes these effects. 

But if you have asphalt shingles or EPDM rubber, look for UV-resistant coatings or – if you’re looking to invest in a replacement – have them made in lighter colors and with reflective coatings already included to prevent any damage. Additionally, have the area regularly inspected to notice any signs of early damage, so you can address them quickly and maintain long-term performance.

What happens if a roof isn’t ventilated properly?

One of the interesting roofing facts that many don’t know about is that these systems actually need to “breathe”. If you have poor roof ventilation, attic moisture and trapped heat can easily become a concern, especially during the warmest months. Apart from being structurally damaging, excess moisture invites mold and mildew, which further compromise the materials and can impact indoor air quality. Trapped heat also makes it harder to keep indoor temperatures comfortable, so your cooling system may be working harder than it needs to.

How do you fix poor roof ventilation?

Choosing a roofing type is as much a design decision as it is a functional or budget-related one, but ventilation issues can only be resolved with new or upgraded intake and exhaust vents. Ridge, soffit, and gable vents are common solutions for improving airflow, for example.

But for homes already experiencing persistent issues, a thorough evaluation by professionals can give you the best answers. Sometimes, the best way to handle this is to start anew with a whole new system, especially if yours is already nearing the end of its lifespan. Either way, investing in better ventilation keeps the materials healthy and improves energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

Who are the most dependable roofers in Camden?

When it comes to protecting your home or business, Horch Roofing brings unmatched experience, precision, and care right to your doorstep. We install and replace asphalt shingles, standing-seam metal, and EPDM rubber roofing systems built to handle harsh weather, summer and winter alike. Our team also provides seamless gutter installations, as well as reliable and prompt repair and dispatch services.

With 20+ years of proven success along Maine’s coast, we proudly serve both residential and commercial clients. Customers trust us not only for our craftsmanship, but also for our strong commitment to sustainability and recycling on every project.

Whether you’re near Camden Hills State Park or elsewhere in Camden or along the Midcoast, we’re ready to help you face summer – and the seasons ahead – with confidence. Contact us today for a free estimate and long-lasting protection you can count on.