Sun-filled days are idyllic, and make the summer season all that more enjoyable. But did you know that the sun’s rays can be harmful to your home’s roof?
If you live in a sunny climate, or an area of the country in which the summers are particularly intense, UV rays from the sun could be causing a significant degree of damage to your roof. From leaks and discoloration of the tiles or shingles, to general deterioration, even the smallest amount of exposure to UV rays can have a negative impact on a roof. Unfortunately, the effects of UV exposure can last a long time, too, and if left untreated, can lead to more damage as time goes by.
Could UV rays be harming your roof?
Your roof goes through a lot on a daily basis, and when you add up its exposure to elements such as snow, wind, sun, and hail over the course of a year, it’s hardly surprising that they are susceptible to some degree of damage. Even on a day when it isn’t especially sunny, your roof could be absorbing UV rays that are powerful enough to strip it of its natural compounds.
Deeply harmful to asphalt shingles in particular, UV rays alter the chemical compounds in the roofing material, and when the shingles begin to break down over time, the oily substance that covers and protects them begins to evaporate. This then exposes the shingles to the elements, and if left untreated, they will almost certainly start to develop cracks. Additionally, heat that causes expansion during daylight hours and which is followed immediately by contraction as soon as the sun disappears and the temperature falls (something known as thermal shock), can cause a roof’s structure to degrade significantly. Gutters attached to the roof are also susceptible to these very same problems, and over time, they may become detached from the roof and expose your home to water damage. Unfortunately, water damage can quickly go on to cause a whole host of other issues both inside and outside the home, many of which are complex and costly to fix.
However, there are a couple of steps you can take as a homeowner to give your roof added protection against the sun’s rays:
- Schedule a roof inspection
Having a local roofing company inspect your roof for any kind of damage on a regular basis, is the best way to nip any potential problems in the bud, and have repairs carried out before a problem gets worse. The roofing specialists will assess the durability and integrity of your roof, before offering you guidance on how to maintain it so that it lasts longer and requires less maintenance over the years.
- Apply a roof coating
Following on from a professional roof inspection, you may be advised to have a specialised coating applied to your roof that will give the shingles added protection against harmful UV rays. In much the same way as we apply sunscreen to our skin to protect us from the sun’s rays, a coating applied to your roof will help protect it from UV exposure by making it more water resistant, and preventing it from drying out and breaking down. Lasting as long as 10 years, this is a sensible and worthwhile preventative measure for any roof.
It can be easy to neglect a roof, especially if you’re not in the habit of having it inspected on a regular basis, but doing so can often result in costly repairs and in some instances, the need for a full roof replacement. Never underestimate the damage UV rays can cause a roof, and take steps such as those mentioned above to give it, and your home, the added protection it needs.