Many people regard summertime as one of the best seasons for a break—be it from school or from work. Some also regard this as a relief from a long, cold winter. But the summer weather can bring its own set of issues. Similar to how the extreme heat can cause damage to your skin, the summer sun can also potentially cause damage to the exterior of your house, be it painted or covered with sidings.

Here are some ways the heat deteriorates your home exteriors:

Vinyl Sidings can melt

Vinyl siding is one of the most common exterior options for homeowners who want to experience a hassle-free, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing home exterior makeover. While vinyl is one of the most durable siding options in the market, extreme heat can cause its melting.

Manufacturers make sure that they create vinyl sidings that can withstand the heat of the sun. However, some homeowners have reported cases where vinyl home exteriors are buckling and warping caused by windows. “Low-e” windows can have a magnifying-glass-like effect on vinyl sidings, making the sun rays directly hit the surface area.

The sun can dry out wood

If your home exteriors are protected by wood sidings or enjoy a beautiful wooden front deck, the sun can dry it out and extract all its moisture, making it brittle and more susceptible to pests and termites. Moreover, the heat can cause wood to fade, dry out, crack and break, even if you’ve sealed it. Relentlessly re-sealing your wood every season can help stave off the damaging effects of the sun, but only for a time.

Paint blistering, fading, and chipping

When direct sunlight hits your home, the structure's surface can get very hot, especially if your home sports a dark paint color. Too much heat can cause paint blistering, which is similar to the forming of bubbles in between the surface and the paint you have applied. When these heat blisters burst, they leave bare patches in their wake.

Moreover, blistering can eventually lead to peeling and chipping. Other weather conditions such as the wind and rain cause blistered areas to get larger, the paint can start to separate from the siding. With added sun exposure, the paint can peel away. You'll typically need to hire professional house painters to repair and repaint the unsightly areas left behind.

Paint can also fade when exposed to heat. It can affect both dark and bright colors are susceptible to fading after long-term sun exposure as the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays slowly bleach the paint. Since fading tends to happen very gradually, however, you might not notice until you try to repaint a bare spot.

Heat damages the roof

Roofs are also highly susceptible to heat damage. When a home’s attic is not built with great ventilation which allows airflow, it can accumulate heat and cause more problems in the long run. It can trap excess heat and moisture under the roof which can contribute to shingle damage and leak. Furthermore, high temperatures can also cause the roofing to expand and warp, cracking shingles and making it more likely to be the cause of a leakage.

The heat can also dry out the caulk around flashing and weaken your roof structurally. Prevent these problems by properly installing vapor barriers which can decrease moisture, or by coating and sealing the roof with UV ray protection. A lighter colored roof is also helpful in reflecting the sun rays instead of absorbing them. Just to make sure, it is never wrong to schedule regular inspections and maintenance checks with your chosen roofers from time to time.

 

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