The Sun and Your Roof
The summer sun is here. Time to grab the beach towels and the sun screen. But what about your roof? You may take for granted that if it made it through the winter and spring rains, your roof can take the assault of the sun.
After all, your roof is designed to withstand heat, rain and wind, as the first layer of your home’s protection against the elements.
How it Effects Your Roof
However, it is good to keep in mind that while that life-giving sun means summer fun, it is also a destroyer.
Think of the burning, bleaching and drying that you see in everything from your skin to your clothing and the ever-browning hillsides. The sun, over time, can cause damage to your roof, too.
The heat of the sun on bright days can make your roofing materials dry out, but did you know that its UV rays can damage and age your roof even on overcast days?
Roofing materials are meant to take a great deal of abuse, over decades. Even so, the micro-climates of the Bay Area can age a roof differently. If your home is in an area where the sun bakes it all day long, your roof covering may dry out faster than someone living along the coast, where moisture and wind might be of greater concern.
What Can You Do?
Don’t take your roof for granted. Here are some things to look for (depending on your roofing materials):
- If you have a roof covered in shingles look for cracked, curled or missing shingles, a clear sign of drying and damage.
- If you have a clay tile roof, look for cracked or crumbling tiles. Though tiles are designed to last decades longer than shingles, the sun can, over time, deplete them of their natural oils.
- Other areas affected by the sun include sealants used around flashing for chimneys and vent piping, where cracks may go undetected.
Next Steps?
If you don’t find any obvious problems, congratulations! Now, mark your calendar and set a schedule for an annual roof inspection from a reputable roofer. Maintaining your roof is one of the best steps you can take to ensure the longevity of your roof.
If you do detect problems, call a reputable roofer to get an estimate. They can tell you whether you are looking at a simple roof repair, or a replacement. Be patient, as many roofing companies get very busy during the summer months. And the sun can take its toll on roofers, too, making it difficult for them to work through the worst heat of the day.
Remember, your roof represents a significant investment and keeping it maintained is worth the effort. Working with a reputable roofer can save you time and money in the long run.
Give us a call today, for a no obligation estimate from one of our roofing professionals.