Most homeowners know that the sun can fade furniture and flooring, but did you know it can also cause wear and tear on your roof? Prolonged UV exposure, sometimes called “sun pollution,” can quietly contribute to roof heat damage, raise your cooling bills, and shorten the life of your shingles. Unlike storm damage, it doesn’t always leave a visible mark from the ground. In this blog, we’ll break down how hot summer weather affects your roof and the signs of roof heat damage that could mean it’s time to call a roofing contractor.

What Summer Heat Does to Roofing Materials

It’s no surprise that your roof gets hot in the summer, but how hot might surprise you. The roof temperature in summer can reach anywhere from 150°F to over 190°F, depending on the type of roof and the amount of sunlight it receives. That kind of heat doesn’t just warm up your attic; it can slowly wear down the materials meant to protect your home.

UV radiation from the sun breaks down the oils in shingles and other roofing materials, causing them to dry out, crack, curl, or become brittle over time. This aging process is gradual, but once it starts, it can accelerate quickly, especially on older roofs.

Even without heavy amounts of sunlight, roofs deal with daily thermal stress: heating up during the day and cooling off at night. This constant expansion and contraction can weaken seals, loosen flashing, and create small gaps where water or pests can sneak in.

Signs Your Roof May Have Heat Damage

Roof heat damage can sneak up on you, especially since it doesn’t always leave obvious signs. If you know what to look for, you can catch minor issues before they become big repairs. Here are a few common roof heat damage signs to watch for:

  • Curling or cracking shingles – UV rays dry out the asphalt, making shingles brittle and prone to curling at the edges or splitting down the middle.
  • Discoloration or bald spots – If you notice patches where granules have worn away, that’s a sign your shingles are losing their UV protection.
  • Warped or sagging roof lines – Prolonged thermal stress can cause roof decking or underlayment to warp over time, especially if ventilation is poor.
  • Extremely hot attic — Excess heat trapped inside can increase your cooling bills and signal poor airflow, another factor that contributes to heat damage. A musty smell can accompany this.

If you're seeing any of these signs (or just aren't sure what the problem is indicating), it's worth getting a professional inspection. Early action can save you money and extend the life of your roof.

How to Protect Your Roof From Summer Heat Damage

While you can’t control the sun, there are smart steps you can take to protect your roof from the effects of intense summer heat and UV exposure. A good place to start is making sure your roof’s materials are up to date and have reflective coatings or cooling features. 

Metal Roofing in the Summer

Metal roofs reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, which helps reduce roof temperature in summer and keeps your home cooler. Metal roofing materials are built to safely expand and contract under thermal stress, reducing the risk of warping or cracking. Many metal roofs are coated to resist UV radiation, which means they’ll last longer and can increase your roof’s energy efficiency.

Asphalt Shingles in the Summer

Asphalt shingles remain one of the most popular roofing materials. They’re cost-effective, easy to repair, and newer versions are designed to handle UV radiation and high roof temperatures in summer better than ever.

Many asphalt shingles today are made with reflective granules that help deflect sunlight and reduce thermal stress, making them more durable through hot summer months. With proper ventilation and regular maintenance, asphalt shingles can perform well even during peak heat.

Cedar Shake Shingles in the Summer

Cedar shake shingles are a beautiful, natural roofing option that performs surprisingly well in the summer heat. Cedar has natural insulating properties, helping to regulate attic temperatures and reduce cooling costs during hot summer months.

It also resists UV radiation better than some synthetic materials, and with proper treatment and ventilation, cedar can handle thermal stress while adding timeless curb appeal. Like all wood products, routine maintenance is key to long-term performance.

Solar Shingle Roofing in the Summer

Solar shingles do double duty during the hot summer months, protecting your home like a traditional roof while also generating clean energy from intense UV radiation. Designed to handle high roof temperatures in summer, they’re built for durability and efficiency for people living in sunny areas.

Your Local Roofing Professional: Graves Brothers Home Improvement 

Graves Brothers Home Improvement can help with any heat-related residential or commercial roof needs. We are located in Rochester, NY, Buffalo, NY, Syracuse, NY, Albany, NY, Tarrytown, NY, Center Valley, PA, and West Hartford, CT. See Graves Brothers locations near you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have more questions about the effects of heat on your roof? Here are a few FAQ’s we hear from customers. Looking for something else? Contact our team, and we will get in touch. We’re happy to help wherever you are in your roofing process.

What signs indicate roof damage from heat?

Signs that can indicate roof damage are curling shingles, cracked shingles, brittle shingles, granule loss, faded shingles, discolored shingles, warped flashing, higher cooling bills, or a very hot attic with a musty smell.

What does an overheated roof look like?

An overheated roof can have shingles that appear cracked, curled, or brittle, especially around the edges. It may have bald spots on shingles where the protective granules have worn away. The color of shingles may be faded or much lighter than what you remember. Sections of the roof look warped or sagging (caused by thermal stress).

Can I protect my roof from summer heat?

Yes! You cannot control the weather (though we wish we could!). Still, you can choose roofing materials that have built-in UV protection, make sure your roof has proper ventilation, install a reflective coating, keep your gutters and downspouts clean, and keep up with regular roof inspections if your roof is approaching 20 years old.