How Do UV Rays Cause Damage to Ashalt Shingles?

Asphalt shingle roofing is among the most popular roofing used throughout the country for its many favorable qualities and relatively affordable cost.
As such, it is installed by shingle roof services in all climates, from the coldest regions in the north and east to the hottest ones in the south and west.
For those installed in hotter climates, UV damage is a significant concern that homeowners should be aware of so they choose the right asphalt shingle product.

How Do UV Rays Damage Asphalt Shingles?

Ultraviolet sun rays in various wavelengths that shine down from the sun cause damage to different materials in similar ways to how they can damage a person’s skin and ultimately cause skin cancer.In terms of asphalt shingle roofing, these ultraviolet rays penetrate the material and interact with its chemical makeup, causing chemical interactions that change the stability of those substances. It also penetrates through the shingles to a degree and creates heat under the roof, resulting in a hotter house, and higher utility costs.

Over time, this UV reaction with roofing materials results in the dry rotting and cracking that shingle roofing contractors see happening to old shingle installations. The less flexible, and more dried-out asphalt shingle roofing becomes, the higher the likelihood is that shingles will start to chip, crack, and break. Dry, brittle shingles are also less able to withstand wind, hail, and other severe weather, frequently leading to leaks and other damage when they start to crack and break off.

What is done to reduce UV damage to asphalt shingle roofing? Today, asphalt shingles are produced with a protective, reflective granule coating that covers the exposed part of the shingles. This coating is designed to reflect UV rays off the shingles, preventing ultraviolet light from penetrating the matting beneath and slowly deteriorating them. The coating, itself, can be damaged, however, such as when hail stones hit the roof, causing granules to break off and leaving parts of the shingle unprotected. Shingle roof services see more UV damage on installations that have widespread thinning of the granules, or many bare spots where granule loss has occurred.

What can homeowners do to prevent UV damage to their asphalt shingle roofing? Those living in hotter climates where good UV protection is essential can invest in UV-resistant shingles. Some premium materials installed by shingle roofing contractors are produced with thicker, more resilient granule coatings that provide greater UV protection, preventing heat damage throughout the years. And, if necessary, shingle roof services can also apply a protective sealant coating to prevent UV damage and help homeowners effectively maintain their expensive roofing installations.

Protect Your Shingle Roof Best By Knowing What Will Ruin It!

Asphalt shingle roofs are highly desirable for their long lives and relatively low maintenance requirements.

Still, these roofs installed by shingle roofing companies are not indestructible and can suffer damage when not properly cared for.

The best way for homeowners to get a full life from their roofs is to know what things can ruin them over time, especially if maintenance is ignored.

A yearly or semi-yearly inspection performed by experienced shingle roofers and good maintenance will ensure a roof ages well and withstands these conditions as long as possible!

Moisture - As ironic as it might sound, moisture in the form of rain, snow, and ice causes damage to the roof in areas that are allowed to stay wet and eventually rot. Though the top of the shingles are designed to shed all moisture, any moisture that gets under the exterior layer via clogged gutters, damaged flashing, and damaged shingles tends to stay wet for longer periods, gradually reducing the water resistance of the roof and promoting further damage.
Wind - Shingle roof services find that strong winds can cause a variety of damage to shingle roofs. Wind may break or blow off shingles in the worst cases, but it can also loosen them enough that they look fine from the outside, but allow water to get underneath to cause serious hidden damage.
UV Exposure - The ultraviolet rays present in normal sunlight are extremely damaging to asphalt shingles and many other roofing materials, drying them out and making them more brittle over time. Shingle roofing companies recommend that homeowners in hot and high-sun climates choose premium shingles with extra UV protection to slow this type of decomposition.
Trees - Overhanging trees can also severely damage a roof, either by scraping it, puncturing it, dropping large branches that can fall through, or even falling on it. They are also responsible for leaves that clog up roof gutters, resulting many times in water damage to the roof edges and decking due to water absorption.
Organic Growth - Mold, moss, lichen, and other organic growth on asphalt shingles can start on roofs that stay moist for long periods, especially if there are overhanging trees or other vegetation nearby. This growth will eventually eat away at the shingles, drying them out and causing wood to rot beneath them.

Noting these 5 things that shingle roofers find will ruin a roof, what can homeowners do to prevent that from happening?

Homeowners who hire shingle roof services to perform routine inspections on their roof and do required maintenance to keep it clean and resolve any roofing issues are the best solutions.

With proper care from an experienced shingle roofing company, any asphalt shingle roof will provide years of trouble-free service!