Your Roof vs. the Sun

We take precautionary measures to protect our skin from the sun, but what about our roof? Our roof is continuously being exposed to the sun and at much higher altitudes. The sun's harsh rays may only be intense during the summer for us, but our roof has to face the sun all year round!

Your Roofs vs. the Sun: UV Damage

Asphalt shingles have protective coatings and layers to help protect the roof from prolonged sun exposure, but they are still particularly vulnerable to UV light and radiation.

The granules on each shingle are meant to protect the inner layer of asphalt from the sun's rays by scattering light and preventing sun damage. However, as the granules are lost and worn down by storm damage and age, the shingles start to absorb the UV light and deteriorate. UV light breaks down the asphalt in the shingles, leaving the oily inner materials exposed. These materials are supposed to help waterproofing and flexibility, but once they are exposed, they evaporate, leaving the shingles brittle, prone to cracking, and less effective at repelling water. If there was trapped air or moisture in the shingles during the manufacturing process, your roof might even experience bubbles of hot, expanding air called blisters. 

UV light can also cause thermal damage to the shingles. As the shingles absorb the light, they heat up and expand, and then cool down and contract. When this happens in quick succession or over a long period of time, materials in the shingles could separate due to different heating and cooling rates. This is called thermal shock and is just another way the sun can damage your roof.

Your Roof vs. the Sun: Heat damage

The UV rays aren't the only problem roofs face from the sun. They also face the inevitable and obvious heat from the sun. Asphalt roofing can heat up to 160 degrees in the sun, and dark colors make the sheathing 10 to 15 degrees hotter than a lighter-colored roof. Too much heat can curl the edges of your shingles and warp your roof, leading to irreversible damage and cracks.

Plastic and metal components on your roof are also susceptible to sunlight damage. Parts like brackets and flashings can heat more quickly and can eventually warp and crack as well.

Your Roof vs. The Sun: Sunscreen

There is no sure and effective way to 100% protect your roof from sun damage, aside from surrounding your home with trees, which will only encourage moss growth. You can, however, make choices and perform maintenance that will help your roof last longer.

One thing that can be done is to choose a roofing material or manufacturer that has specifically sun-resistant elements or warranties and are built to last. There are reflective coatings specifically designed to withstand long-term sunlight, and thicker shingles tend to last longer and hold up better to sun damage. Slate and clay tiles are also used in tropical climates because they are more resistant to constant sun exposure. However, it wouldn't make nearly as much sense to invest in these bulky and fragile shingle alternatives in seasonal areas.

Ventilation is also a critical factor in the summer months. Without proper ventilation during the hotter months, heat and moisture can buildup in the attic since it is not ventilated out properly. This causes the roof to deteriorate, degrades the roof faster, and only adds to the sun's heat damage.

Put a Klaus on your House

Sun damage can also be avoided with good maintenance habits. One of these is to have regular roof inspections at least once but preferably twice a year. At Klaus Larsen Roofing, we perform roof evaluations and a FREE estimate. Schedule yours today and to ensure your roof gets the proper sunscreen and care it needs.

Your Roof vs. The Sun: Interesting Facts

• The sun is all colors mixed together, appearing white to our eyes.

• The sun is an almost perfect sphere.
• The sun's UV rays have antiseptic properties.
• The sun is middle-aged.
• The sun's light takes 8 minutes to reach the earth.
•  Every second the sun emits more energy than humans have used in the last 10,000 years.
•  Plants consume the equivalent of six times the power that has been used in all human history when it converts sunlight to energy