Your roof goes up against a lot of different elements, the degree of what your roof faces depends on the climate and environment itself. One enemy of the roof itself is enjoyed by us but can prematurely age a roof, and that is the sun, but how does sun damage roofs? Let’s look into what kind of damage the sun can do to a roof and what you can do as a homeowner to combat this problem.
How Does Sun Damage Roofs?
The same thing that gives us tans and helps plants grow is the same thing that can cause damage to roofs, ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation works slowly but methodically to prematurely age your roof covering just like it can prematurely age your skin. This has to do with a mixture of oxygen and hydrocarbons in the asphalt of shingled roofs, therefore the more asphalt you have on your roof the more likely you are to receive damage from ultraviolet radiation.
What Roof Materials are the Best Against Sun Damage?
The less asphalt you have in your roof covering, the less likely you are to get ultraviolet damage to it. This is why areas where there are large amounts of sunshine typically forego asphalt shingles in favor of a material that’s better able to handle the stresses of UV. You’re more likely to see clay or concrete tiles in Arizona for example.
What Can I do About my Current Roof?
Most people won’t take steps to protect their shingled roof up until the point where it has become so worn down that it needs replacing. In most parts of the United States UV damage is not the number one threat to the roof but can do damage over time.
One possible solution to prolonging your roof against UV damage is to have it sprayed with a type of protective and reflective coating. These coatings have mixed reviews but you have the money and you won’t to take the steps than a reflective coating might work for you.
If the sun is a real issue like in the desert areas you may want to talk to your roofing contractor about installing a more UV resistant roofing material.
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