Yes, the sun can damage your roof. Of course, your roof was made to withstand the elements but that doesn’t mean that that the constant Florida sun isn’t taking a toll on it. In fact, even if we never had a hurricane or major weather event, your roof would still need replacing eventually, just because of the sun. There are many reasons metal roofing and tile roofing are popular in Florida – the fact they are more resistant to sun damage than asphalt is just one. Here is how the sun damages your roofing, especially asphalt shingles.

Types of Sun Damage

The UV light from the sun slowly breaks down the shingles. As the shingles heat up and cool down, they expand and contract. If your roof isn’t properly vented or insulated, your shingles may get much hotter than a properly vented and insulated roof. This can hasten their deterioration. Although shingle manufacturers guarantee their products, sometimes a problem in the manufacturing process leaves moisture trapped in the shingles. If you notice bubbling or a wave like appearance of your shingles shortly after installation, you have a problem either with the shingles themselves or the installation and you should contact your roofer immediately.

As the shingles age, the type of damage becomes more noticeable. Shingles, like anything else left in the sun, do fade. Cracking and warping of your shingles is also common. Cracking usually occurs toward the end of the shingles’ life and can lead to a roof leak. The cracking is a sign that the organic material in the shingles has dried out.

What You Can Do

Visually inspect your roof regularly and have a professional roofer inspect it at least once a year. Although there is no way to prevent sun damage, having a properly maintained roof, insulated and ventilated attic will help. When it comes time for a roof replacement, talk to your roofer about roofing materials made to better withstand sun damage.

Unfortunately, no matter how well your roof was installed or the material, fading and some other types of damage happen over time. Let Russ Noyes Roofing perform regular roofing inspections through our Overhead Care Club or on an as needed basis. We recommend a roofing inspection at least once a year to help your roof last as long as it should. Call 407-388-7700 today to learn more about the Overhead Care Club or to schedule a roofing inspection for your home.