Can Excessive Sun Exposure Damage Your Roof?

When people are looking to replace their home’s roof, they usually focus on shingle attributes like durability, longevity and curb appeal. While these are all crucial factors to consider, many Georgia residents forget to research a roofing material’s ability to withstand years of direct sunlight. Although rain and hail can take a toll on roofs, those weather events don’t happen every day. Sun is a constant, which is why the ability of your shingles to withstand heat and UV rays without rapid fading or material weakening is so important.

How Can the Sun Damage Your Roof?

The damage inflicted on your roof is generally caused by either UV radiation or by excessive heat from the sun. While many people associate UV radiation with skin cancer, wrinkles and premature aging, these harmful rays can also cause cumulative damage to your roof.

Bleaching

Prolonged UV exposure can affect your roof’s color, causing it to fade. The darker your roof is, the more prone it becomes to bleaching. Although bleaching is a visual issue and doesn’t cause any structural damage to your roof, it can significantly affect the aesthetic of your home. Unfortunately, the bleaching process cannot be reversed. The only way to fix sun-bleached shingles is to replace them. If your roof is old enough that it’s noticeably faded, chances are it’s due for replacement.

Coating Damage

A more serious consequence of UV radiation has to do with the coating on your roof. Protective coating is an essential element of every roof. It shields your roof from weather-related damages, like those from heavy rain or hail. UV radiation often dries your roof’s coating, leading it to crack and even ruptures. Cracking and peeling of roof material exposes underlying layers to the elements, which can accelerate damage and eventually lead to roof leaks.

Thermal Shock

Heat from the sun during the day and the subsequent drop in temperature at night causes a constant cycle of roofing material expansion and contraction. Years of this meteorological rollercoaster can cause a home’s shingles to develop jagged cracks. As water begins to seep through the cracks, your roof may develop leaks and moss growth.

Decades of thermal shock may also significantly weaken metal roofs. Although the expansion and contraction isn’t drastic, it’s enough to cause metal panels to move slightly, which can expose seams between panels over time and lead to leaks.

How to Recognize Roof Damage

If you’ve noticed even the slightest damage to your roof, working with an experienced contractor will likely help you nip the problem in the bud before you’re faced with more serious and costly damages. Your roof may need to be fixed or even replaced if you notice the following:

• Cracked or curling shingles
• Missing shingles
• Dark spots or discoloration on your home’s walls or ceilings
• Obvious water leaks
• Mold and rotting materials in your attic
• Clogged gutters
• Bug infestations

How You Can Protect Your Roof from Sun Damage

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent the sun from beaming down on your home. However, you can keep your roof in top notch shape by applying these proactive measures:

• Schedule regular roof inspections – an experienced roofing specialist will detect any potentially serious issues before they cause your roof to suffer irreversible damage
• Invest in durable and high-quality roofing materials
• Apply protective coatings (if they’re applicable) for your roof type and roofing materials

Looking to Replace or Fix Your Damaged Roof? Bring your Project to Atlanta’s Total Roof Solutions

If you’re in or near Atlanta and need your roof fixed or replaced, Total Roof Solutions is ready to take on your project, no matter how challenging it may be. Our team of skilled professionals will take the time to thoroughly inspect your existing roof and repair it if possible. If your roof needs to be replaced, you can count on Total Roof Solutions to offer you a variety of high-quality options to meet your unique needs and preferences.

For more information or to receive a free roof replacement estimate, call (678) 752-8668.