What causes roofs to wear down?
By Stacy MelleteEvery roof has its own expected lifespan, but proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your roof and optimize its performance. Maintenance can protect your roof from the elements that wear it down every day.
If you know what to look out for, you will be able to protect your roof from these causes of damage and make it last longer.
UV Rays
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun places significant stress on tiles and shingles, causing them to deteriorate over time. The ultraviolet radiation dries the roof’s protective oils, causing the shingles to become brittle and crack and making your roof vulnerable to water. Sealing your roof regularly will protect your roof from the sun’s rays, preventing damage and extending the life of your residential roof.
Heat
Another cause of damage related to sunlight is the heat. The higher the temperature, the faster the process of decay caused by UV rays will be. To protect your residential roof from the heat, you can install a roofing system with reflective properties or paint your roof white to keep it as cool as possible in the summer.
Thermal shock
The heat makes your roof expend during the day and contract at night. This process is known as thermal shock. However, the metal parts of your roof, mainly the flashing, heat and cool down much quicker than the rest of the roof. Eventually, this can tear them apart from the roof assembly, causing your roof to split. Keeping your roof protected from heat as much as possible will slow this process down and protect your roof from damage.
High Winds
High winds can lift the edges of roof shingles, and even tear them away completely. That’s why, in areas where hurricanes and storms are common, many people invest in durable roofing systems, designed specifically to withstand category 3 and 4 hurricanes.
Rainwater
Rainwater gets into the small gaps in your roofing system and erodes them, making the gaps bigger and causing leaks.
To avoid this, make sure your roof has a proper drainage system and the water doesn’t pool anywhere on your roof.
Surrounding trees
Tree branches that touch your roof can scrape it and make the shingles wear down quickly. Make sure to trim the surrounding trees regularly and clear off the debris piled up on your roof.
If your roof has suffered from any of these factors, call us at 813-542-8462. At Affordable Roofing Florida, our roofers in Tampa are always happy to help. We will help you assess the damage and repair your roof quickly for an affordable price.