Your home’s first line defense is your roof. Your roof protects your home from weather elements such as rain and high winds. Your roof protects your home from the sun, in addition to other environmental stresses. Your roof can be damaged by the sun, especially in Florida where the sun is very intense year-round. A Old Time Roofing, the residential roofing specialists in Florida has compiled a list that will help you identify signs that your roof may be suffering from sun damage.
Is Sun Damage Really Harmful to Your Roof?
Sunlight is a very powerful force in nature. It can provide many benefits but also cause damage. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause roof materials to deteriorate and eventually fall apart. This is the leading cause of roof damage in Florida. Your roof and home will be exposed to the elements if you do not take action and protect your roof.
The sun’s UV rays can actually alter the chemical composition of roofing materials. The roof could begin to deteriorate sooner than anticipated, which can lead to a decrease in property value. Your roof may also be subject to thermal shock due to sun damage. This is when the material expands in high heat and shrinks quickly once it cools. This can reduce the effectiveness and lifespan of your roof. Poorly functioning roofs can not only make your home vulnerable to the elements but also increase your energy costs.
Signs That Your Roof Has Sun Damage
1. Ultraviolet Exposure Can Cause Color Change
The color of your roof’s surface changing to a lighter color is one of the most obvious signs it has been damaged by the sun. Any surface that is exposed to UV light can be bleached by the sun. Sun damage can cause shingles to become lighter than their original color.
2. Roof Surface Cracking
You may notice cracking or peeling on your roof’s surface due to sun damage. Leakages in your roof can cause damage to your insulation and foundation. Damage to your roof could be the reason for leaks, unusual mold, higher energy bills, infestations, and other problems.
3. Curling Shingles
Your roof can become damaged over time, just like any other thing exposed to the elements. It’s possible that your roof has suffered sun damage and is causing shingles to fall off. Damaged roofs can also be identified by shingles that are warped. This could be caused by water damage or sun damage. Curled edges on shingles are a sign of excessive sun exposure.
Protecting Your Roof From Sun Damage
Although there is no way to prevent sun damage from your roof, there are things you can do to help prolong the life of your roof. It is a good idea to use high-quality roofing materials with UV protection. It is easier to resist sun damage with lighter color roofing materials. The use of reflective grains can help to deflect the sun’s rays. Slate is a great roofing material because of its cooling properties and ability to resist sun damage.
No matter what material you choose, it is essential that you apply UV protection sealant. These coatings provide an additional layer of protection from sun damage and will increase your roof’s lifespan. Old Time Roofing can inspect your roof on an annual basis to detect sun damage and prevent you from having to replace the entire roof.
Old Time Roofing Gives Your Home The Royal Treatment
Professional roofing services are essential. Do not settle for anything less. Old Time Roofing offers a wide range of roofing services at affordable prices. We’ve been in business for over two decades. We are an Owens Corning Platinum-certified contractor. Our workmanship is what we are proud of, and all our roofers have been trained in-house.
Call us today to learn more about our roofing services or to schedule a consultation.