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.