While thinking about roof damage and repair, we seek respite in knowing that there have been no thunderstorms and hail storms in the past couple of months. That is where most homeowners go wrong. Storms cause visible damage to roofs, but that does not mean other factors do not. The daily rise and fall in temperature, the sun, and the rain cause significant damage, but these subtler changes take more time than storm damage to come to the surface. The continual contraction in the colder night air and expansion in the direct heat of the sun is enough to produce fine cracks on the asphalt or cement.
Why does a roof coating fade with age?
The UV radiation from the sun takes a significant toll on the structure of any roof. Irrespective of the cost of the initial roofing material you have used, the direct UV rays from the sun cause structural damage at the molecular level. The high energy radiation causes oxidative damage to the shingles. The free oxygen radicals combine with the hydrocarbon present to create softer and damage prone material that we see flaking off each summer. Asphalt is not entirely UV-proof or weatherproof. The oily substance that keeps it waterproof dries up and flakes off with age. That leads to invisible (sometimes, visible) cracks that allows rainwater to seep in. In most cases, asphalt shingles are rich black when they are new. With the passing months, the heat from the sun causes them to lose their sheen, and they turn moldy grey. That is a sign that the shingles are losing their molecular structure and bonds. As the structure further degrades, the roof will look older and wearier. It is a severe blow to the real estate value of your property as well.
How can the heat and light from the sun damage your roof?
While you are inside, comfortable and snug at 72 to 75-degrees during the summer, the roof is usually experiencing a temperature of about 100-degrees or even more. Asphalt coating is traditional since it is cost-effective and easy enough for DIY-ing. However, it does not have an effective emissivity. It absorbs a lot of heat, but it does not emit as much. Its reflectivity index is lower than many synthetic roofing materials that are ruling the market. You need a coating type that can draw the heat away from the inner roofing structure and reduce the overall temperature. Ask the best roofer Salt Lake about the coating material suitable for your home and your budget.
Here are a few assaults your roof has to withstand due to the direct heat from the sun –
- Curling shingles – when the heat absorption increases beyond the emission capacity of the roof coat, the shingles begin to curl. Sometimes, the shingles experience a temperature above 120-degrees that causes the material to soften and bend.
- Blistering – it is a very unpleasant effect of the excessive heat buildup inside the roof. Moisture often seeps through the cracks. As the heat increases, these molecules expand and increase the pressure. That results in bubbling or blistering along the shingles. When these blisters pop, it results in visible holes in the shingles compromising its waterproofing.
- Loosening – one of the most dangerous results of heat expansion and contraction is the slackening of the shingles on the roof. The constant movement of the upper material on the roof causes the beams, nails, and screws to come loose. It can result in a weak structure, or it can result in holes for water to seep in.
- Splitting and cracking – the expansion and contraction also result in increasing strain on the shingles. Upon months of abuse from the changing weather, the materials reach their breaking point. The endless expansion and contraction cycles result in the material reaching its breaking point until the tear and split.
What is a smart, cool roof system?
The smartest way to prevent recurring expenses from roof damage is by investing in a superior roof coating. A scientifically formulated and certified roof coating is usually perfect for the weather conditions of an area. Custom coating needs are becoming very common all over the country since each corner of the nation experiences a different climate. You need a coating type that acts as an excellent sunscreen. It should be able to reflect all UV-A and UV-B rays. It should be able to dissipate the heat and reduce the temperature of the structure considerably.
The new cool roof system along with the protective coating should be able to offer your home protection from direct sunlight, heat and moisture damage for the next 15 to 17 years. A cool roof can consist of a highly reflective sheet, paint or shingles that can reduce the absorption of energy. A superior roof coating might be costlier than the local stuff you use, but you can think of it as an investment. You need to spend money on your roof about once in one-and-a-half decades. It protects the inner layers and load-bearing structures perfectly.
What are the signs of a sun damaged and weathered roof?
Family responsibilities, emergency expenses, and regular costs prevent us from repairing roof damage from time to time. Leaving small cracks and tiny bubbles on the shingles can result in a worse loss in the later years. Even if you do not want to spend a fortune on repairing or refurbishing your home right now, you should take the opportunity of free consultation with a roofing expert. These are the few signs that should warn you about the degrading structure of the roof –
- Visibly cracked shingles
- Faded and discolored shingles
- Curling and denting of the edges
- Loosening and missing shingles in parts of the roof
- Decaying, bubbling and softening of the shingles
It does not take an experienced professional to spot these symptoms of roof decay. If you notice more than one or all of these signs, you should speak with your roofer immediately. Although these warrant instant repair work, the best roofing companies should be able to offer low-cost alternatives if the situation permits.
