When it comes to weather-related roof damage, homeowners are usually concerned about wind, rain, hail, and snow. While the risks that storms and inclement weather pose to roofs are concerning, you still need to look out for your roof even during a bright and sunny day.
Not many people are aware of this, but the sun can cause many problems: strong winds, heavy rains, and massive snowfalls. In addition, it can cause quite a bit of deterioration to the roof, leading to other types of roof problems. More often than not, sun damage on your roof usually occurs during the summer season when the sun and its temperature can be more intense than usual.
As the hottest months of the year approaches, find out how exposure to the scorching sun can be harmful to your roof.
Bleaching
Sun bleaching is a type of damage that typically happens to items that are exposed to the sun. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can break down chemical bonds responsible for color, which causes the material to either fade out or turn completely white. You might see this type of wear in furniture. However, it can happen to rooftops too.
After years of being exposed to sunlight, certain areas of the roof can bleach out. This is more common in houses with wooden shakes or architectural shingles as these types of roofs are vulnerable to bleaching. While bleaching does not cause any structural problems, it does reduce the aesthetic value of your home.
Not only do the shingles on your roof provide protection, but they can also transform the look of your home. Once the color fades, it can make parts of your roof look pale and decaying, which will appear unsightly to any onlooker.
When bleaching begins, there is little that can be done to reverse the process. The only thing you can do to fix the damage is to repaint the entire roof. The best solution is to find a roofing material or shingle color that won’t easily bleach out after a few years. When choosing a roof, pick one with light shades like gray, white, and even tan, as these can prevent any potential color loss.
Coating Damage
Roofs are coated with a protective coating that protects them from inclement weather conditions. Moreover, a roof coating can temporarily stop minor leaks. However, too much direct sun exposure can lead to it withering. In addition, the UV rays can cause the layer to dry out and become brittle. In worst cases, the coating can break off.
An exposed roof can leave it vulnerable to the elements and susceptible to water and impact damage. As a result, it would have a significantly shorter lifespan and less overall integrity. Instead, choose coatings that are designed to withstand long-term sunlight exposure.
Thermal Shock
Thermal shock is a condition more common during the summer season. During summer, the roof can reach very high temperatures during the day and quickly cool off. As a result, it causes the roof to expand and contract whenever temperatures change. This can weaken your roof’s structural integrity as time passes.
Metal roofing especially suffers from thermal shock. Metal roofs typically boast hardiness and a long lifespan, but rapid expansion and contraction can cause the material to destabilize. In turn, the metal will thin out and crack. This will allow moisture to enter the roof and interior, resulting in leaks, moss growth, and rotting roof deck.
Another negative result of thermal shock to metal roofs is developing brittleness. A brittle metal roof becomes highly susceptible to impact damage, giving it a hard time protecting your home from pounding rain, hail, and even debris.
Curling or Warping
When asphalt shingles are exposed to intense sunlight and heat for long periods, it can result in the shingles curling and warping upwards. As a result, the warped shingles will no longer have the perfect straight edge and make it nearly difficult to sit correctly on your roof.
Roof shingles are not the only ones susceptible to curling or warping but also your roof’s plastic and metal components, such as the brackets and flashing. Once these features are not working correctly, it can lead to significant water damage to your home.
Curling or warping is generally one of the first indications of sun damages that appear. This type of damage creates tension that puts a great deal of strain on these materials. However, once the process starts, it should be immediately repaired as it can worsen, and more roofing problems will soon follow. One of these includes cracking.
Cracking
Cracked shingles usually occur due to impact from hail or wind-borne debris. However, it can also result from either warping from the heat or the heat itself. Shingles contain volatiles, which is added to the asphalt mix to make the shingles flexible and waterproof. The volatiles slowly come off due to evaporation, moisture, and aging, leading to cracking. Heat will only speed up the process.
Eventually, the shingles will break and leave parts of your roof exposed. This means that it opens up ways for moisture to reach the roofing materials below. It is another urgent problem that should be taken care of as soon as possible. Ignoring the cracking for a long time can only lead to further roof damage.
Fahey Roofing Contractors has the experienced and skilled contractors you need to help you with any necessary roof repairs and roof replacement. We serve various areas in West Virginia and Ohio. Visit our website today at www.faheyroofingcontractors.com or contact us at (304) 826-1323 for West Virginia or (740) 523-0380 for Ohio to learn more.
