The Damaging Effects Of The Sun On Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Posted on: 13 August 2021
Summer is a hard time for asphalt shingle roofing. Your roof is subject to intense heat and hours of daily exposure to damaging UV rays. Summer does its share of aging your roof, and it can also cause damage that needs to be repaired to prevent roof leaks. Here are types of damage your roof might experience due to the summer sun.
Bleaching Of The Shingles
If you have a dark roof, it will gradually bleach out due to sun exposure. The process may be slow, so the gradual change won't be too noticeable. However, one side of your roof might bleach out quicker than another side. There's not much you can do about bleaching, but take bleaching as a sign that your shingles are undergoing sun damage so you can keep a closer eye on them for signs of damage that needs roofing repairs in the coming years.
Crumbling Caused By Dried-Out Shingles
Shingles that are exposed to the sun dry out and get brittle over time. This is because the petrochemicals evaporate and the shingles dry out. When the shingles are brittle, the edges may crumble and fall off. Impacts on the roof can cause more damage when the shingles are brittle. A small branch dropping from a tree could crack a shingle if it is dry.
If you notice your shingles getting dry and brittle, it could be a sign it's time to replace your roof. Your roofer might also suggest treatments that restore flexibility to the shingles and help them have several more years of life before they have to be replaced.
Shingle Movement Causes Wear And Tear
Asphalt shingles move with changes in temperature. This constant expansion and contraction wears out the shingles and makes them more vulnerable to leaking and cracking. The sun can cause shingles to warp, split, bubble, and crack. If your shingles have lost a lot of granules, the aging process will speed up since granules protect the shingles from the sun. When your roof has lost most of its granules, your roofer will probably recommend that you replace your roof.
Attic Heat Causes Shingle Curling
Heat in your house rises to the top, which is usually your attic. If there isn't enough ventilation in the attic, your attic and the underside of your roof will get too hot. When shingles get too hot, the edges curl up. Rain can seep under the lifted edges, so repairs need to be done promptly. Curled edges can be flattened and held in place with roofing adhesive, but curled edges could also be a sign of widespread roofing damage that means your roof should be replaced before it starts leaking.
Contact a roofing company in your area to learn more.
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