Summer in the UK brings long days and (hopefully) warm weather. But this warm climate can turn your roof space into an unbearably hot area. Many homeowners in Huddersfield and beyond find themselves wondering why their attics or loft spaces become so hot during the summer months.
Understanding the reasons behind this heat buildup is the first step in fixing it. Read on for a comprehensive guide on why your roof space might be hot, as well as some fixes.
What is the reason for a hot roof space?
Figuring out why your roof space is getting so hot will take some time to narrow down. There are a few contributing factors that come into play. Consider the following reasons and try to narrow down which of these is causing the problem:
Sun exposure
The main reason for a hot roof space in a domestic property is sun exposure. During the day, the sun’s rays will directly hit your roof, causing the roofing materials to absorb a significant amount of heat.
This heat will then radiate down into the roof space, raising the temperature.
Roof design
The design of your roof plays a big role in the heat of this space. Flat roofs, for example, tend to absorb more heat compared to pitched roofs due to more of their surface area being exposed to the sun throughout the day. You should also know that different materials retain more heat – for instance, metal gets hotter than clay tiles or slate.
Bad ventilation
A common reason for a stiflingly hot roof space is poor ventilation. During the summer months, hot air can become trapped, leading to a sharp rise in temperature. If your roof space has no or poor ventilation, temperatures can be much higher than the outside air, making them uncomfortable and potentially damaging to your home.
Insulation problems
Insulation is installed to keep your home warm during the winter – but it also plays a role in keeping your home cool in the summer. Insufficient or improperly installed insulation can allow heat to penetrate a roof space more easily. If your roof space already has good ventilation, it might be time to consider your insulation.
Why it matters
You might be tempted to simply ignore your hot roof space. However, there are a few reasons why you should get it fixed:
Uncomfortable to enter your roof space
First and foremost, high temperatures make it uncomfortable to go up to your roof space. This can lead to you putting off that much-needed visit to the loft, especially on hot days. The knock-on effect is living without things that are up in the loft, or having the rest of your home cluttered with things that would otherwise be stored neatly away.
Heat up the rest of your property
The hot air in your loft can also affect the rest of the property. While heat generally rises, hot air at the top of your home will gradually increase the temperature throughout the bedrooms and living spaces too. This could lead to spending unnecessary extra costs on air conditioning or compromising security by leaving windows open.
Degrade anything stored there
Hot conditions aren’t ideal for storage. Fluctuating temperatures can cause some items to degrade quicker, so you may get a nasty surprise when digging out those old photographs or other cherished items.
How to cool your roof space
If you find your roof space becoming extremely hot during the summer months, you should work to solve this problem. Excessive heat can damage your home if not reduced. Let’s take a look at some simple and more complex fixes to help cool your roof space.
1. Improve ventilation
Enhancing the ventilation of your roof space is one of the most effective ways to reduce heat. Some common solutions include installing ridge vents or attic fans to help circulate and expel hot air from your roof space.
Bear in mind that passive ventilation systems, such as gable vents, will increase air movement without extra energy costs.
2. Upgrade your insulation
If you’ve determined that the main contributing factor is your insulation, then you should consider a replacement or upgrade. Double-check that your existing insulation is in good condition. Reflective insulation materials like radiant barriers can reflect heat away from your roof, keeping the space cool.
3. Choose reflective roofing materials
If you’re planning a roof replacement or building a new property, you should go for reflective roofing materials which are an option for flat roofs. These materials will absorb less heat, helping to reduce the overall temperature of your roof space.
4. Roof replacement
The design of your roof may be the reason why it is getting so hot. If you have persistent problems with heat that you want to fix, you may consider a roof replacement. This is a large procedure so should be considered as a last resort – but it is a surefire way to fix the problem. Here are some good roof designs for a cool roof space:
- Cool roofs: These are roofs designed with reflective materials. They can be made with reflective coatings that are highly effective at reducing roof space temperatures.
- Green roofs: Also known as living roofs, these are covered with vegetation, providing natural insulation and additional benefits like reducing rainwater runoffs.
- Pitched roofs: Pitched roofs allow hot air to rise and escape more easily than flat roofs. Incorporating proper ventilation systems, like ridge vents, can further enhance this effect.
Reduce hot air in your roof space with DPR Huddersfield
Still can’t figure out why your roof space is so hot? DPR Roofing is here to help in Huddersfield! With over 35 years of experience, we know how to diagnose and repair a wide range of roofing problems. From roof repair to fitting new roofs, we are a trusted choice throughout the local area. Contact us on 01484 866 772 to speak with our expert team.