Your Roof and UV Rays

The ultraviolet rays that are given off by the sun can affect your roof's integrity in several ways which we will discuss in today's news blog.

Depending on the positioning of your home, exposure to the elements as well as the age of your shingles, UV rays can have a significant impact on your roof's lifespan and break down the protection system they offer.
Part of the reason for this is the chemical reaction a roof has to interaction with the sunlight.

Deterioration
A typical asphalt shingle roof can last for decades if it is properly cared for. Keeping the roof clean and free of dirt and debris is always a good idea, as this will help maintain the protective coating that blocks the sun. In cases where the roof protection is no longer present, the sun will cause shingles to deteriorate in the following noticeable ways.

Fading
UV rays actually have a bleaching effect on solid objects. Roof shingles are no exception to this, and those which contain pigments such as slate shingles can be susceptible to premature fading.

Loose Granules
A standard asphalt shingle consists of three separate layers. The top layer consists of those coloured granules that give the roof its appearance and protection. When the roof protection fades off, granules will begin to loosen and run off the roof. Eventually the shingles will be bear in some spots, leaving the roof open to all kinds of additional damage.

Rapid Aging
Without adequate roof protection, you can’t expect to get the most in terms of durability and life span out of any type of shingle. Asphalt shingles will curl and crack, as will cedar shake.

Chemical Changes
UV rays can cause damage to tiles on a chemical level. The radiation from the sun actually breaks down protective roof membranes on a chemical level, which leads to shrinking and cracking after the shingle is exposed to oxygen. To avoid this issue, additional solar protection can be added to a roof for extra protection. Many of these sealants are available for an additional cost upon installation, but they can also be added down the road.

Once these chemical changes occur, your shingles will be more susceptible to damage caused by temperature changes as well. As the sun heats the unprotected shingles, they will expand in size. Once the sun sets, the shingles will shrink and crack. This means they will eventually lose any water-resistant properties, and you may have to deal with more leaks in your roof.

Prevention
Since there is no way to really escape the sun’s rays down here on earth, there are some measures we will have to take to keep our roofs intact.

​Having regular roof inspections performed on an annual basis will help you stay on top of any potential problems before they occur. You can also opt for a different, more durable roofing material when the time comes for a replacement.
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Our team at Class EH! Roofing would be pleased to offer you a free inspection and expert advice should you need a helping hand!  Proudly serving Niagara Region, please contact us below or call us directly at: 289-687-6924 .

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About Class EH! Roofing

Class EH! Roofing is a leading roofing and home exterior renovation company located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON founded by Niagara resident Wayne Jeffreys over 15 years ago.  

With thousands of installations to our credit in the Niagara Region, an exceptional level of service and products as well as unbeatable warranties, the team at Class EH! Roofing are  dedicated to excellence in everything they do.

We specialize in the repair, maintenance, and installation of all residential and commercial roofing systems for the benefit of homeowners, property managers, condominium corporations, corporate clients, institutional customers, and individual building owners. 

Our courteous, experienced representatives, are trained to evaluate and provide our clients, with cost effective solutions for correcting existing roof leaks, roof replacement, and maintenance solutions.