Humidity can significantly affect your roof, especially in Corpus Christi’s hot and wet coastal climate. Here’s what you need to know:
- Decreased Shingle Longevity: The combination of heat and humidity can reduce the lifespan of your shingles. Continual exposure to sun-generated heat increases your roof’s temperature, making your air conditioner work harder to cool your home—especially challenging when the air is moist.
- Attic Moisture Problems: Humid climates can lead to moisture issues in the attic, especially in older homes. Proper venting beneath the roofing layer helps dissipate heat and prevents condensation. Without venting, mold can grow on interior surfaces, causing damage.
- Mold Growth: Constant moisture and warmth create an ideal environment for mold growth on certain shingle types. Mold on top of the shingle is pretty unavoidable in most cases. There are some manufactureres that do create a shingle that inhibits the growth of mold.
What Homeowners Can Do:
- Proper Venting: Install venting beneath the roof to dissipate heat and prevent condensation. Always be sure to have a good flow of air through your attic. You want to match what square footage that is coming in to your attic is what is going out.
- Shade: Reduce external roof heat by planting shade trees near your home.
- Cool Roofing Materials: Consider alternatives to asphalt shingles, which aren’t ideal for hot and humid climates1. Materials that reflect heat are always the best material.
- Machines: Install a dehumidifier in your house. Whether it is a whole home dehumidifier or a single roof one. It should make a difference.
Remember to maintain your roof regularly and address any issues promptly. If you need professional assistance, you can always call Berryman Roofing & Siding at 361-994-0342