Summer is here, and the sun can be absolutely punishing sometimes. That’s why we never go outside without sunblock. Did you know that the sun can damage your shingle roof the same way it damages your skin?
UV rays break down the shingles over time, destroying the oils that keep them flexible. Once this oil is gone, the shingles become parched, brittle, and begin to crack easily. They might also fade, or begin to warp around the edges. Shingles with curled-up sides are a sure sign of damage.
While fading is unsightly, especially if it’s only happening in a few spots, the cracking shingles are a bigger problem. Any time your shingles become displaced or cracked, there is the chance that water will seep in and damage the deeper layers of your roofing system — and water repair bills can rack up fast.
There are two things you can do to combat sun damage to your roof this summer:
- Schedule an Inspection – Get a trained professional to come out and take a look at your roof for warning signs, like warped shingles or separation of the roof from the metal flashing. We’ll be happy to take a look for you.
- Try “Cool Roofing” – Get your roof painted with a white acrylic coating, or get white shingles to replace your old ones. White (or very light colors) reflects more of the sun’s heat away from your roof so that the shingles absorb less of it. This can keep them durable for much longer than darker shingle roofs, which absorb the most heat.
Be good to your roof this summer by setting up an inspection today!
