How Las Vegas Summers Can Damage Residential Roofs

With triple-digit heat and sunlight that can burn the skin in minutes, the Las Vegas summer can be punishing on residential roofs. Even though it doesn’t rain very often in Las Vegas, the harsh conditions can make your roof vulnerable by the time a storm does arrive. What kinds of risks do the extreme weather conditions pose to your roof and what can be done to mitigate them? Find out if you’re in need of Las Vegas residential roof repair to protect your home during the summer months.

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While the Las Vegas heat and sun aren’t kind to many roofs; asphalt shingle roofs fare much worse than those made of tile, ceramic, clay, or metal. Shingle roofs can absorb over two thirds of the light from the sun, while those other materials may reflect more of the light that creates heat. However, this still means any roof will absorb a significant amount of heat throughout the day. No matter what your roof is made of or its age, each one will need ventilation to allow heat to escape.

Roofs that are 20 years old or older may also require more maintenance to avoid leaks or other types of damage. Shingle roofs are again vulnerable here, as they typically have much lower lifespans than those that use tiles or metal. Regular Las Vegas residential roof repair is key when mitigating any potential problems from the elements.

During the summertime, Las Vegas residents get to experience what locals call the “blow dryer effect.” High sustained gusts on dry summer days where the temperature is well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit can dry out your roof and may damage it with sand, dust, small pebbles, or other debris. Existing damaged or warped shingles on roofs are especially vulnerable to winds and dust storms. As the weather in Las Vegas turns on a dime, any damage to your roof can leave it critically vulnerable to a major storm.

Las Vegas’s sunny skies can mask hidden dangers to your roof, as a seemingly-calm afternoon can brew up a tremendous thunderstorm in just hours. Las Vegas can see powerful summer storms throughout its monsoon season, which runs from the beginning of July through the beginning of September. Your roof can experience leaks if your roof or some of the shingles are already dried and damaged.

Related: What Is Mechanical Damage to a Roof?

Pigeons can be found throughout the Las Vegas Valley, and though they are small, they can severely damage your roof. It may surprise you, but pigeon feces is highly corrosive and can eat through shingles and your roof’s underlayment. They can also nest in your roof, creating debris build-ups that can hold water. It’s important to clean pigeon droppings from your roof and, if you see them nesting on it, to find a way to chase them off.

The unique desert conditions of Las Vegas pose a different set of challenges to the health of your roof than what homeowners typically face. The bright desert sun can take its toll on your roof, while pests can slowly weaken your roof if they’re not stopped. While the city often enjoys calm weather, this can change in an instant, especially in the stormy summer months or during the periodic windstorms that sweep through the Valley. Scheduling a roof inspection now can help you prevent any issues through the hot summer and the rainy monsoon season.