When it comes to keeping your Williamsburg home safe and comfortable, your roof is your first line of defense during the hottest months of the year. At Best Choice Roofing, we provide top-quality asphalt shingle and metal roofing services tailored to the unique climate challenges homeowners face in this historic and scenic part of Virginia. Our team combines premium materials with expert craftsmanship to deliver roofing solutions that last, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.
Williamsburg’s climate brings a mix of humid summers, mild winters, and fluctuating seasonal temperatures. But it’s those sweltering summer months, particularly from June through early September, that really put your roof to the test. During this time, average highs hover in the mid-to-upper 80s, and it’s not uncommon for temps to spike into the 90s. Over time, this intense heat can take a serious toll on your asphalt shingle roof.
Here are four key ways that extreme heat damages asphalt shingles over time in Williamsburg, VA, and why regular maintenance and timely repairs matter more than ever:
1. Shingle Curling and Cracking
Asphalt shingles expand and contract with temperature changes. In Williamsburg’s summer heat, those expansions become extreme. Over time, the repeated cycle of heating during the day and cooling at night causes shingles to warp, curl, or even crack. Once shingles start curling, they no longer lie flat, which leaves your roof vulnerable to wind, water, and debris.
2. Loss of Protective Granules
Those tiny granules on your shingles aren’t just for looks; they provide crucial UV protection. But with prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, especially in the hot Virginia summers, shingles can begin to lose their granules prematurely. Once those granules are gone, your roof loses its ability to reflect heat and protect the underlying asphalt layer. This speeds up deterioration and can lead to roof leaks or insulation issues.
3. Accelerated Aging and Brittleness
Heat is like a slow cooker for asphalt shingles. While they’re built to handle some heat, ongoing exposure to Williamsburg’s summer sun speeds up the natural aging process. The oils in the shingles start to dry out, making them brittle and less flexible. Brittle shingles are much more likely to crack, tear, or blow off during one of our summer storms or windy fall evenings.
4. Ventilation Problems and Trapped Heat
It’s not just the sun beating down on your shingles; it’s also the heat trapped inside your attic. Poor ventilation can make your attic into a furnace, raising roof deck temperatures and baking your shingles from below. In Williamsburg’s muggy summer climate, a lack of proper airflow can lead to moisture buildup, mold, and even more stress on your roofing materials. This kind of damage often goes unnoticed until a leak appears.
We’re Here to Help Protect Your Roof And Your Home
At Best Choice Roofing, we know Williamsburg homes are as unique as the town itself. Whether you live near Colonial Williamsburg, the College of William & Mary, or out in the quieter surrounding neighborhoods, your roof deserves expert care that’s built for this area’s climate. We provide free inspections, detailed assessments, and honest recommendations, whether your roof needs a simple repair, improved ventilation, or a full replacement using durable asphalt shingles or modern metal options.
Don’t wait until extreme heat has already done the damage. Let us help you protect your roof before small issues turn into expensive problems. Call Best Choice Roofing of Williamsburg today to schedule your free inspection and get peace of mind that your home is ready for every season.