If you’ve lived in the South any length of time, you know all too well that it gets hotter than blue blazes around here during the dog days of summer. Phrases like, “I’m burnin’ slap up,” and “it’s hot enough to scald a lizard” are appropriate to use in the heat of the day. In the evenings, the humidity is so high it feels like we are melting in our patio chairs and porch swings.
Yes, summer is hard on us here in the South, and that means it is critically important to think about how the heat impacts the life of your home’s roofing materials. In particular, ultraviolet rays (UV rays) from the sun can significantly affect the lifespan and effectiveness of roofing materials. We pay attention to protecting our skin from UV rays, but if you’ve never considered how they whittle away at the roof of your home as well, this crash course is for you.
What kind of damage can invisible UV rays really do to roofing materials?
Disintegration of Materials
UV rays breakdown the chemical bonds in roofing materials over time. Without strong chemical bonds, shingles can become brittle and prone to cracking.
Color Fading
That beautiful, rich shade of CertainTeed’s classic Burnt Sienna or bold Moire Black shingles can fade, leaving you with a watered down, tired looking version of the color you envisioned on your roof. This affects the curb appeal and potentially the resale value of your home. Buyers are searching for a like-new, well-maintained roof.
Loss of Insulation Effectiveness
The ability of your roof to insulate your home from intense heat is critical here in the South, and UV rays can eat away at roofing material’s insulating properties, which leads to decreased energy efficiency. This, in turn, leads to increased strain on your home’s AC unit and higher costs to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.
Greater Risk of Water Damage
Broken down roofing materials are more vulnerable to water infiltration. For example, even tiny cracks or gaps in shingles damaged by UV rays can allow water to seep through, leading to leaks and costly damage to your home’s structure and your furnishings inside.
What can be done to protect your roof from damage caused by UV rays?
Use UV-Resistant Roofing Materials
For the most protection and longevity, choose materials that have been specifically designed to withstand UV rays and the damage they cause. Not all roofing materials are created equal.
Make sure your Attic is Properly Ventilated
When your attic has good ventilation, UV rays aren’t able to do as much damage. Ventilation helps reduce heat buildup in the roof because the airflow helps keep the temperature regulated, which in turn will extend the life of your roof.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
It’s important to have a roof inspection at least once a year to monitor damage caused by UV rays and excessive heat. A professional will recognize the tell-tale signs of problems and can help prevent them from becoming costly in the future.
The bottom line: UV rays are bad news for roofing materials that are not designed to withstand the intense heat of summertime in the South.
The good news: The experts at HomeSafe Roofing will partner with you and guide you to the very best choices for the most longevity of your roof. We have valuable expertise in selecting and installing UV-resistant roofing materials, and you can feel confident that your roof will be in peak condition and provide reliable protection for your home.
Contact HomeSafe Roofing to schedule your free roof inspection.