Now that Summer is approaching, so are the
sun's UV rays. While we all like to have some fun in the sun, your roof may not
enjoy it. The sun's powerful UV rays could lead to expensive damage to your
home's roof. Continue reading to learn more about the damage that UV rays can
cause, how to prevent UV damage to your roof, and extend your roof's lifespan.
UV Ray
Damage
Heat Breaks Down Roofing Materials
If you have dark color shingles and do not
have any shade over your roof, your shingles will absorb heat radiated by the
sun. This high temperature can then cause your shingles and other roofing
materials to break down at an accelerated rate.
Fade Your Shingle's Color
Continued UV ray exposure can result in
bleaching your shingles and fading the color on top of your roof. The darker your
roof color, the more likely it is to experience bleaching. This is purely an
aesthetic issue, but it can significantly impact the curb appeal of your home.
Also, sun bleaching cannot be undone, making the only way to fix the sun-bleached shingles is by replacing them.
Dissolving The Coating
All shingles come with a coating on top to
prevent weather-related damage. This protective coating can dry the coating
out, allowing it to crack. These cracks can allow weather-related damage to
take place, especially leaks. These leaks can then cause extensive water damage
throughout your home.
Changes In Temperatures Causes Thermal Shock
During the summer, there is a significant
difference in the temperature during the day versus the temperature at night.
In the heat, your shingles will expand but in the cold, they contract. This
continued expansion and contraction can cause your shingle to crack. Once these
cracks exist, many different types of damage can occur, such as water damage
and moss growth.
How To
Protect Your Roof
Additional Coating
To prevent your shingle's coating from breaking
down due to the UV rays, you can add an additional coating to make it more
difficult to break down. This type of coating is typically made out of acrylic,
urethane, or silicon with the goal of deflecting UV rays away from your roof
and preventing heat absorption.
Light Shingle Colors
If you are planning on replacing your roof,
you should consider changing to a lighter color shingle. Lighter colors do not
absorb as much heat as dark-colored shingles due to the light colors being more
reflective.
Improve Ventilation
One of the best ways to reduce the amount of
heat that your roof absorbs is to install additional intake and exhaust vents
to prevent heat from becoming trapped.
Proper ventilation has a significant impact on
your roof. Learn more about what all homeowners should know about roof ventilation.
To ensure your roof is ready for this Summer's
UV rays, schedule a free video roofing inspection with ARAC Roof It Forward! A
free video roof inspection will allow our team to diagnose potential problems
before the sun's UV rays are in full effect. After the examination, we will
show you any concerning areas of your roof, review your repair options, and
provide a cost estimate. Schedule your free video inspection with Roof It
Forward today.
