Is Your Roof Suffering From Sun Damage?

Your roof is the first line of defense for your home. It protects your property from elemental damage such as high winds, rain, and even local wildlife. In addition to the usual environmental stressors, your roof also protects your home from the sun. Just like any other environmental damage, the sun also has the potential to damage your roof. If you live in high heat or low brush areas, chances are your roof may take on even more damage than usual.

The residential roofing experts at Prime Roofing has put together a list of common signs that indicate your roof is suffering from sun damage.

Is Sun Damage Actually Harmful?

The sun is a powerful force of nature that offers a wide range of benefits, but can also be harmful. Overexposure to the sun can cause the materials in your roof to break down and eventually fall apart, making it one of the top causes of roof damage in Florida! This will leave your roof and home open to the elements and can even allow wildlife to take up residence in parts of your home.

UV damage caused by the sun actually has the ability to change the chemical makeup of the materials used to craft your roof. As a result, the roof may start to deteriorate earlier than expected which can cause a loss in overall property value. Sun damage can also cause your roof to experience thermal shock which is when the material expands during high heat and quickly shrinks once cooled. This can shorten the lifespan and effectiveness of your roof. A poorly functioning roof will not only leave your home open to the elements but can also drive up your energy bills.

Signs Your Roof Has Sun Damage

1. Ultraviolet Exposure Causing Color Change

One of the biggest signs that the sun has damaged your roof is when the color of the surface has changed to a lighter color. The UV light from the sun can effectively bleach the color of any surfaces overly exposed. If you noticed that your shingles have become much lighter than their initial color, sun damage is probably to blame.

2. Peeling and Cracking on Roof Surface

If you notice peeling and cracking on your roof surface, it is most likely that the sun has caused coating damage to the top layer. This can lead to leaks in your roof that can have a negative effect on your insulation and even your foundation. If you notice leaks, strange mold, increased energy bills, or even a new vermin infestation, sun damage to your roof may be to blame.

3. Curling Shingles

Like anything exposed to the elements, your roof will break down over time. If parts of your roof or even bits of shingles start crumbling to the ground, it’s a sign that sun damage has weakened the overall structure of your roof. Warped shingles are another sign of a damaged roof. This can be due to water damage, or sun damage. When shingles have curled edges, it is a sign that the damage has been caused by too much sun exposure.

Protecting Your Roof From The Sun

While there is no way to eliminate sun damage to your roof, there are some things you can do to reduce its effects. To start, it is a good idea to use high-quality roofing materials that have specialized UV protections. Lighter-colored roofing materials are better equipped to repel sun damage. Also, those that have reflective granules can also help deflect sun rays. Slate is one of the most effective roofing material options in terms of its cooling effect and its ability to rebuff sun damage more effectively.

Regardless of what type of material you choose for your roof, it is important that you have a UV protectant sealant applied. These coatings are an extra layer of protection against sun damage that will help increase the lifespan of your roof dramatically. Having your roof inspected by Prime Roofing on an annual basis is a great way to catch sun damage before you end up needing a full roof replacement. 

Give Your Home The Royal Treatment With Prime Roofing

When you are in need of professional roofing services, never settle for less than the best. Prime Roofing offers a diverse range of roofing services at competitive prices. We have been in business for more than two decades and we are Owens Corning Platinum Certified Contractor classified. We pride ourselves in our workmanship, and all of our roofers are trained in-house.

To find out more about our roofing services, or to set up a consultation, give us a call at 904-530-1446 now.