Rooftop heating and air conditioning systems have many benefits and they are a popular choice for building owners. Opting to install a HVAC unit at the rooftop ensures its safety and makes it accessible for future changes when required. But, HVAC systems at the rooftop significantly affect its structure. If you are considering rooftop HVAC unit or already have one, you need to employ additional roof maintenance to efficiently support the HVAC system in Oregon.
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• Roof Strain
Not all roof types support heavy HVAC systems. A roof that is to hold a HVAC unit needs a special design to make sure that it is strong enough to hold the HVACs. Essentially, planning and installation of HVACs is done when the roof is still under construction to accommodate the extra weight. However, the building owner may have plans to add another HVAC unit in the future. Therefore, it is important to consult a roofing expert at this juncture to design the place that will accommodate the new unit. The roofing expert should work together with an expert in HVAC Medford Oregon to cover all the areas.
• One-Way Heat Transfer
Apart from the attic getting into the attic through the roof, it can also have a heat buildup from high outdoor temperatures. The best option to keep attic air cool is to install roofing materials that reflect heat from the outside and free hot air trapped in the attic; re-emissive metal roofing solution perform the two functions.
• Condensation
Heating and air conditioning units are heavy machines that sometimes cause steam and condensation when they run. Moisture is one the worst enemies to a roof structure. Moisture causes leaks and erodes the roof’s membrane; mold also thrives under damp conditions.
Ideally, moisture produced by a HVAC unit should vaporize inside the unit; however, a malfunction can result in leakages. Most of the roofs with HVAC units have unique areas capture and hold moisture. But, it is essential to carry out regular inspections to ensure that the HVAC unit does not have moisture leaks. Consult air conditioning repair Medford Oregon for the assessment and repairs when necessary to rule out condensation buildup and pooling.
• Heat Absorption
You probably know that wearing dark clothing when the day is hot will leave you feeling very hot. This is because dark colors absorb more heat and keep it in more than lighter colors. The same concept applies to your roof. When your roof is roofed with dark asphalt shingles, it will absorb heat and direct it the attic. The heat will then travel down to your living space while looking for a way out. This will result in your AC working extra hard to cool the air. To prevent this from happening, install a roof that reflects heat and in turn create a cooler home when the attic is cool.
• Wind Lift
Although HVAC systems are heavy, they can be moved by storms and strong winds. Any movement of a HVAC unit damages the roof and creates a dangerous position for people living in and out of the building. HVAC installers safely secure the systems, but they lack knowledge on how their works affects the roof structure.
HVAC installing experts should consult roofers when using fasteners on the HVAC systems to avoid pulling on the roof and damaging the structure below it. A slight movement in heavy HVAC unit over time significantly damages the roof. Ensure that flashings, sealants, and curbs are correctly installed to guarantee protection of your roof and that which will last you long.
• Negligent Technicians
When you install a HVAC unit at the rooftop, it means that HVAC technicians will constantly be accessing the roof to maintain and repair the system. HVAC technicians have no knowledge on roofing care and may damage the roof without even knowing it. Regular inspections help in identifying any damage left behind by negligent technicians. The roofing expert should work with AC repair Medford to ensure both the HVAC system and the roof is functioning properly.
You may initially not see the relationship between your HVAC system and your roof, but your roof could be the culprit that’s impacting your cooling system. Invest in a green roof as it is energy efficient and will help in saving money through reduced utility bills. Although, it will cost you more install the roofing materials, it is cost-effective in the long run as it will lower your utility bills and extend the life of your HVAC unit.