When most people think about causes of asphalt roof damage, the first things that come to mind are moisture, hail, snow and debris. However, there are even bigger enemies that you cannot see, but that can cause costly damage to your roof. Since they aren't visible, the damage they cause can go undetected for a long time. For this reason, it's important to note the following unseen enemies and devise measures to protect your asphalt roof against them.
Strong winds
Does your area experience strong winds at certain times of the year? If so, these winds can cause significant damage to your asphalt roof. Winds can dislodge weak or damaged asphalt shingles and leave portions of your roof exposed to the elements. Strong winds also break off small tree branches, causing them to crash on your roof. The impact from the branches can further cause damage to your roof.
There isn't anything you can do to protect your roof from strong winds. However, you can take the following measures to minimise the resulting damage:
Ultra-violet radiation
UV rays can be incredibly damaging to shingles, especially traditional asphalt shingles. When the rays hit your roof on a hot summer afternoon, they cause the shingles to dry up significantly. Over time, the surface of the shingles can dry out too much and begins to warp and crack. Cracked shingles can easily get carried away during a storm.
Modern shingles aren't entirely foolproof either. They come with ceramic-coated granules that reflect UV rays and protect the roof from the damaging effects of the radiation. However, over time, wind, rain and snow wash away the granules, leaving the shingles unprotected.
If you have traditional asphalt shingles, replace them with the modern ones that come with reflective granules. Regularly inspect your roof and replace UV-damaged shingles. You can further improve the reflective properties of the shingles by applying green coatings to the roof.
Solar heat
Just like UV rays, solar heat can speed up damage on your roof. When the materials absorb heat during the day, they expand. At night, they lose heat to the surroundings and contract. The constant expansion and contraction weaken the structural integrity of the roof over time.
You can prevent your roof from absorbing heat by using a light colour on your shingles. Dark colours absorb heat, while light ones reflect it. Apply a protective coating over the roof to increase its ability to reflect heat away from the surface.
Beware of these destructive elements and take measures to protect your roof against them. A roofer can provide professional maintenance services and help you keep your roof in good shape.
Share5 February 2021
Hello, my name is Ryan and this is my blog. I don't work in the roofing industry but I recently had to spend a week on the roof of my home trying to fix it up. I am pretty good at DIY, but in the end, I had to call in a roofing contractor to help me out. I decided to replace the entire roof and that wasn't a job I was going to take on my own. I have learnt a lot during the past few weeks and I hope to use this blog to pass on some of my knowledge.