Durability, longevity, and energy efficiency are the qualities that people look for when deciding on a type of roofing material. Sun damage resistance is often overlooked, as many do not consider how their roofing material stands up to the heat and harsh rays of the sun. Due to the high concentration of ultraviolet rays, the sun can wreak havoc on your roof. Damage such as bleaching and expansion of the material can severely weaken a roof’s structural integrity.
It is vital to understand the effect the sun can have on your roof and how it will affect its overall lifespan and performance. Here is a rundown of what kind of damage sun exposure can cause to your roof:
1. Coating Damage
For roofing materials such as Bitumen that require a protective coating, too much direct sun exposure can be bad. The heat from the sun’s rays causes the coating to dry out and become brittle. This restricts the roof’s ability to naturally expand and contract with the changing temperatures. Because of this, the brittle coating may crack – or in the worst cases, completely break off, thus leaving your roof exposed to the elements. An exposed roof is vulnerable to further damage, such as water and impact damage. A weakened roof has a significantly shorter lifespan and less overall integrity.
2. Bleaching
Darker rooftops are vulnerable to a type to bleaching. This bleaching effect can affect the color of the material, either fading it out or turning it completely white. While bleaching is a cosmetic problem and not a structural problem, it can leave your roof looking unsightly. Wood shake roofing and architectural shingles are the most vulnerable to bleaching.
3. Thermal Shock
Metal roofing suffers in extreme heat. Concentrated UV rays create a drastic change in the metal’s temperature – an effect known as thermal shock. This type of sun damage causes the metal to destabilize, thus thinning out the metal and resulting in cracks. These cracks create the perfect entryway for moisture, which can lead to moss growth, a roof leak, or the support underneath the metal roof to rot. Trapped moisture is one of the leading causes of a roof needing to be replaced early.
Another negative result of thermal shock is that it leads to metal roofs becoming brittle. Metal roofs typically boast hardiness and a long lifespan. A metal roof that is brittle due to thermal shock, however, is highly susceptible to impact damage. A brittle metal roof will even have a hard time protecting your home from pounding rain, hail, and even debris.
While protecting your home from sun damage can seem like an overwhelming task, it is not impossible. The professionals at Acme Roof Systems understand the dangers of sun damage and can help you choose the roofing material that is best suited to your area and your desired aesthetics. We can give you a beautiful roof that will able to withstand the various kinds of sun damage. Call Acme Roof Systems today for an estimate and consultation.