Roofs are designed to protect your home from the elements, which means wear is to be expected. But what are the common causes of roofing wear?
Sunlight
Sunlight is composed of many types of light. What we perceive as visible light is a small part of what the planet Earth receives from the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) and infrared radiation are two invisible parts of sunlight that are some of the primary causes of wear on roofing systems. Exposure to UV rays results in molecular breakdown, which has practical applications in industries that require sterilization and bleaching. Infrared radiation is what we perceive as heat from the sun, which, during the hottest season, can raise the roof temperature up to 160 degrees.
UV and infrared rays cause deterioration on the roofing surface. UV rays let free oxygen molecules mix with the hydrocarbons found in asphalt. It’s a slow process, but ultimately the oils that hold the asphalt molecules together break down, leading to continuous degradation. The heat from infrared rays accelerates this process. If your roof is up for replacement, ask your roofing company for “cool roofing” options. While primarily designed to reduce indoor cooling requirements during hot days, cool roofs have the reflectivity that can help reduce damage caused by direct sunlight.
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
All materials expand and contract as they are heated and cooled. Being exposed to outdoor conditions, asphalt shingles undergo this cycle day in and out. Other components like flashing and fasteners also undergo thermal expansion and contraction, but not at the same rate as the asphalt shingles. These differences can result in strain on certain parts of the roof that can result in some sections getting worn out and pulled away from each other.
Lack of Maintenance
Lack of maintenance can let the roof deteriorate at a much faster rate, which results in roofing damage and, ultimately, a premature replacement. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance, along with regular roofing inspections, can help keep roofing wear to a minimum.
Jeff Woods Construction is your leading provider of roof repair, maintenance and installation services. Give us a call at (931) 787-9107. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Crossville and surrounding communities in Tennessee.
