Wind, rain, hail and snow are among the chief concerns when it comes to weather-related roof damage. One often overlooked cause of weather-related roof damage is a roof’s direct exposure to sunlight. The UV rays in Florida can be especially damaging with the year-round sunshine. The following will explain 3 types of sun damage that can occur to your roof and what you can do about them.
Sun Affect Your Roof
Asphalt Damage: Shingles with asphalt coatings are especially susceptible to UV radiation from the sun. Asphalt quickly heats under the sunlight leading it to warp, run, or wear out. Shingles under direct sunlight more quickly corrode and have a shorter lifespan.
Cracking and Warping: Plastic and metal components to your roof and home are highly susceptible to sunlight damage. These materials heat more quickly and can eventually become warped or cracked. Brackets and flashings are two examples of components that may crack or warp under intense sunlight.
Bleaching: Long-term exposure to sunlight can also lead to bleaching. Bleaching is when the color begins to fade or change due to sunlight exposure. This process can leave you with a visually unappealing roof causing a decline in your home’s value.
What You Can Do
While your roof will undoubtedly be exposed to the sun and its harmful UV rays over the course of its lifetime, there are precautions you can take to extend the life of your roof. First, conduct regular roof inspections to identify and fix minor issues before they become major headaches. A few repairs today may help you avoid a costly roof replacement down the road. Also, stay on top of maintenance: ensure drains are working, gutters are unclogged, and surfaces are debris-free. Finally, consult with a reputable roofer to determine if the materials being used can handle the full brute of Florida’s sunlight.
While there is no way to avoid the sun’s rays affecting your roof, it is important to be aware of the types of damage it can cause and the best ways to prepare.
The professionals at Crown have years of experience maintaining and repairing damaged roofs. We work with roofs of all types, tile, shingle, metal or flat. Crown offers services for both Commercial and Residential roofs. There is no job that is too big and no task too small for Crown. Call us today to schedule your appointment for a free estimate.