The sun can be a powerful ally or adversary when it comes to your home. On one hand, it provides the warmth and light that we all cherish during the winter months. On the other hand, too much exposure to UV rays can cause significant damage to your roof and home.
In this blog post, we will explore how excessive sun exposure can damage your roof, what you can do to protect your property, and how to get help if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced.
How Can the Sun Cause Damage to Your Roof?
There are three primary ways that the sun can damage your roof: coating damage, bleaching, and thermal shock.
Coating Damage
The UV rays from the sun can break down the protective coating on your shingles, causing them to become brittle and cracked.
Bleaching
The sun’s rays can also cause the color of your shingles to fade, resulting in an unsightly appearance. This is a greater concern if you have a dark roof.
Thermal Shock
In extreme cases, excessive sun exposure can cause the asphalt in your shingles to soften and flow, leading to serious leaks and other structural problems. Metal roofing is also prone to destabilization from thermal shock.
Asphalt Roofing and UV Rays
If you have an asphalt roof -and 80% of American homes do- it is especially important to be aware of the dangers of UV rays. Asphalt is a petroleum-based product and, as such, is susceptible to degradation when exposed to sunlight. Over time, this can lead to the formation of cracks, blisters, and other problems.
Recognizing the Signs of Sun Exposure Damage
There are a few key signs that you can look for to determine if your roof has been damaged by the sun:
- Missing or cracked shingles
- Bald spots where the granules have worn away
- A dull or faded appearance
- Gaps around vents, skylights, or chimneys
- If you notice any of these signs on your roof, it’s important to take action immediately in order to avoid further damage.
Protecting Your Roof
There are a few different things that you can do to protect your roof from the sun:
Install UV-resistant shingles
These shingles are designed to reflect more of the sun’s rays, making them less likely to be damaged by exposure.
Apply a cool roof coating
This type of coating reflects sunlight away from your roof, helping to keep it cooler and preventing damage.
Invest in durable and high-quality roofing materials
High-quality roofing materials designed to hold up in direct sunlight will last longer and look better than cheap alternatives.
Need to Repair or Replace Your Sun Damaged Roof?
If you think that your roof has been damaged by the sun, the best course of action is to contact a professional for an inspection. When you call Bristlewood Roofing, we will be able to assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of repair or replacement.
In some cases, sun damage can be reversed with a simple cleaning or repair. However, in other cases, it may be necessary to replace your roof entirely. No matter what, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home.
If you have any questions about sun damage to your roof or need assistance with repairs, our team at Bristlewood Roofing is here to help. We are “Central Ohio’s #1 Roofing & Remodeling Company” and we would be happy to assist you. Contact us today!