Heat and Your Shingles in North Florida
Tallahassee averages around 11 days a year at 100 °F or more, and the roof gets far hotter than the air. Heat is one of the main reasons shingles age.
Request a rooferWhat heat does
Sun and heat dry out the asphalt in shingles, making them brittle. Granules loosen and wash off, exposing the asphalt to more sun.
Signs of heat wear
Curling edges, cracked shingles, bald patches and granules collecting in gutters are typical.
Attic ventilation
A hot attic cooks the roof from below. Ridge and soffit vents with clear airflow help shingles last and lower cooling costs.
Colour
Lighter shingles and reflective metal absorb less heat than dark roofs.
Sealants
Caulk and sealant around vents and flashing break down in heat and need checking every few years.
Underlayment
Modern synthetic underlayments resist heat better than older felt.
When to replace
Widespread curling and granule loss mean the roof is near the end of its life.
More help
See roof inspections.
Afternoon sun
The south and west slopes take the most afternoon sun and usually wear first. If one side of the roof looks older than the other, that's why, and it's the side to watch.
Shade helps, with limits
Trees that shade the roof slow heat wear, but branches that touch it cause their own damage. The goal is shade from a distance, not leaves on the shingles.
Warranty and installation
Many shingle warranties depend on proper ventilation and installation. Keep the paperwork, and ask your roofer how the attic will be vented when the roof is replaced.
Algae-resistant shingles
In a warm, humid place, algae-resistant shingles help prevent dark streaks. Ask about them when choosing a replacement.
More roofing guides
Request a roofer
Repairs, replacements and storm damage. Tell us what's going on with your roof and we'll pass it straight to a roofer, who will call you to look at the job and give you a quote.
- Roof repairs, replacements and storm damage
- Tallahassee and the towns around Leon County
- Get a quote before any work starts
Roof trouble in Tallahassee?
Send a request and a roofer will get in touch. Requests answered 7 days a week.
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