Oklahoma Heat & Your Roof

How Oklahoma Heat Affects Your Roof and Why Attic Ventilation Matters

Oklahoma summers are hard on your roof.

We all know what Oklahoma heat can do when you step outside. The pavement gets hot, your car feels like an oven and the afternoon sun can make your home feel like it's absorbing every degree of it. But there's another place that takes on that heat every day: your attic and roofing system. Your roof is designed to protect your home from Oklahoma's weather, but extreme heat, sun exposure and poor attic ventilation can contribute to problems over time.nAt ClimaTek Modern Roofing, we believe homeowners should understand what is happening above their heads, not just be handed a roofing estimate.

What does Oklahoma heat do to your roof?

Your shingles spend years exposed to intense sunlight and changing temperatures. That repeated exposure can contribute to aging and deterioration of roofing materials.nHeat is only part of the story, though.nThe bigger question is: What happens to all that heat after it gets under your roof?

That's where your attic ventilation becomes important. A properly designed vented attic allows outdoor air to enter through intake vents, commonly located at the soffits, while warmer attic air exits through higher exhaust vents. The goal is to create a balanced flow of air through the attic. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that good attic ventilation helps control moisture and can help maintain a durable attic system. 

Your roof is a system, not just shingles.

This is something we emphasize at ClimaTek. When homeowners look at a roof, they see shingles. But a properly functioning roofing system involves much more:

• Shingles
• Underlayment
• Flashing
• Ventilation
• Roof decking
• Intake and exhaust vents
• Proper installation

Every component has a job. That's why simply replacing the shingles doesn't necessarily address everything your roof needs.

Why does attic ventilation matter in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma gives your roof plenty to deal with. Hot summers are followed by cold winters, and severe weather can bring heavy rain, wind and hail. Your attic needs to be able to manage the conditions it's exposed to. Proper ventilation helps move air through a vented attic and can help control moisture. Excess moisture can contribute to deterioration of roofing and structural materials, while poor ventilation can contribute to problems with the attic environment.  A typical vented roofing system uses:

Intake ventilation

Air enters through vents near the lower portion of the roof, often through soffit vents.

Exhaust ventilation

Air exits through higher portions of the roof, such as ridge vents or other properly designed exhaust vents. The two work together.

You need air coming in and air going out.

Simply adding an exhaust vent without considering the overall ventilation system isn't necessarily the answer. The appropriate design depends on the home's roof structure, existing ventilation, insulation and applicable building requirements. 

How do you know if your attic ventilation needs attention?

Homeowners generally can't determine the condition of their roof ventilation simply by looking at the shingles from the driveway. That's why ventilation should be part of a professional roof evaluation. During a roofing project, it's worth asking: "What is the ventilation plan for my roof?"

A good roofing contractor should be able to explain how air enters the attic, how it exits and whether the existing system is appropriate for the home. That's the kind of conversation we have with our customers at ClimaTek.

Thinking about replacing your roof?

September is a great time to talk about the entire roofing system, not just the shingles. For a limited time, ClimaTek is offering a special opportunity for homeowners who sign up for a qualifying roof replacement by October 15.

Upgrade your new roof with attic ventilation.

When you qualify for the September promotion, you can upgrade your roofing project with a solar attic ventilation system at a special discounted rate. Instead of simply replacing the visible portion of your roof, ask us about improving the system working above it. Your roof protects your home. Make sure the whole system is working together.

Ready to see what your roof needs?

ClimaTek Modern Roofing is based in Oklahoma City and serves homeowners throughout Oklahoma.

Schedule an estimate with Jack McBride, owner of ClimaTek.

He personally handles estimates and will walk you through what he sees, your available options and the work involved.

No pressure. No guessing. Just a better understanding of your roof.