The Impact and Prevention of Summer Heat on Your Roof

Everyone knows that East Coast summers, especially in New England, are unmatched–think beach days, fresh seafood, and sunny days. But don’t forget: those summer rays can deal some major damage to your roof. Even small amounts of exposure from UV rays can cause significant damage to your roof such as leaks, discoloration of the material, and deterioration. These effects can last for years and lead to greater issues, so it’s important to make sure you’re taking the proper steps to avoid roof damage from the sun.

When it comes to proper roof maintenance, educating yourself and being aware can ultimately help prolong the lifespan of your roof.

The Implications of UV Rays

Your roof is the first line of defense to protect your home from rain, snow, hail, and debris. Unfortunately, not many people pay close enough attention to the implications of UV rays. Even on a cloudy or non-sunny day, UV rays emit powerful radiation that can strip your roof of its natural compounds.

The science behind it? UV rays deeply harm your asphalt shingles by altering the chemical compounds. When the materials break down, the leftover oily substance that covers the shingles starts to evaporate which then leaves the shingles exposed and unprotected causing them to crack. Thermal shock plays a role in this as well. This is the result of heat causing expansion during the day, followed by contraction when the sun goes down at night and the temperature drops. As thermal shock happens over time, the structure of the roof starts to completely degrade. Additionally, gutters are connected to the roof, thus they are susceptible to the same issues which can cause them to detach from the roof, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage. Once water damage is apparent in your home, it can lead to a long list of complications that are expensive and time-consuming.

Prevention with City Roofing

Now we know this seems absolutely terrifying to think about, but don’t fret– there are ways to prevent this from happening, and City Roofing is here to help you every step of the way. For starters, get a roof inspection conducted routinely. The integrity of your roof is crucial to protecting you and your home. Upon scheduling, our professional crew will come and assess your roof’s durability and offer recommendations necessary to improve the lifespan of your roof.

One such recommendation could be applying roof coating to protect your shingles. Just like you apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, roof coating protects your shingles from the harsh UV rays. This product lasts approximately 10 years and it keeps your roof from drying out, making it more water resistant, and lessening the chances of breakdown.