The roof of your home is constantly exposed to the elements, and one of the most relentless problems your roof faces is the sun. Over time, the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to your roof, from weakening roofing materials to fading the aesthetic colors and quality of your roof. Sun damage can lead to a loss of energy efficiency, leaks, and expensive repairs or roofing material replacements. By learning how to protect your IN roof from sun damage, you can save yourself money and prolong the life of your roof.
How UV Rays Affect Your Roof
UV rays from the sun can have a dramatic effect on your roof, from gradually degrading its materials to compromising its overall effectiveness. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause asphalt shingles to dry out and crack, which leads to leaks and water damage. Wood shingles might split, warp, or begin to erode, which can also lead to water damage. Metal roofs can also be impacted by the sun’s UV rays as the surface color begins to fade, and they lose their aesthetic appeal. Weakened materials are significantly less effective at insulating your home, so it’s important to protect your roof from the sun.
Choosing UV-Resistant Roofing Materials
One of the first steps that you can take to protect your roof is to choose UV-resistant roofing materials. These materials are designed to handle the harsh effects of sun exposure, which provides greater durability for your roof. Metal roofing material, for example, often comes with a reflective coating, which can deflect a large amount of UV rays as well as limit heat absorption. Asphalt shingles can be treated with UV inhibitors to make them less susceptible to fading, cracking, and other corrosion. Tiles that are made from concrete or a clay substance can provide a natural UV resistance because of the dense material. When you choose to upgrade your roof with UV-resistant roofing materials, you’ll make it stronger and better able to withstand the elements.
Applying Reflective Coatings: Benefits and Techniques
Applying reflect coatings to your roof is a great way to beat sun damage and improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. Reflective coatings are made of white or light-colored materials, which help to reflect the sun’s UV rays. This limits the amount of heat that your roof absorbs and helps to keep both your roof and home cooler, lowering costs and improving energy efficiency.
To apply a reflective coating to your roof, make sure that you thoroughly clean the roof to get rid of any excess material, dirt, pests, mildew, mold, and debris. Next, repair any cracks that may have occurred on your roof. Finally, a roller system or spray system is used to apply the reflective coating. Make sure that you cover the entire roof with an even layer of coating.
Shading Solutions: Landscaping Can Protect Your Roof
Finding ways to incorporate strategic landscaping around your home can give your home natural protection against the sun’s UV rays. When you plant trees or large shrubs around your home, you can create new shaded areas that limit sunlight from directly hitting your roof as well as your windows (if you want to keep UV rays out of your home’s interior). Deciduous trees are a great choice in Indiana because they provide shade in the summer but allow sunlight through in the winter. Vines and trellises are also good choices if you want to create particular shaded zones. They can effectively shield your roof while still allowing sunlight to penetrate your windows and light up your home’s interior throughout the day.
Long-Term Preventative Roof Care to Avoid Sun Damage
Long-term preventative roof care involves regular inspections, quick repairs, and the application of protective treatments like reflective coatings. Choosing UV-resistant materials and adding strategic landscaping to provide natural shade will also limit sun damage to your roof. Staying consistent with annual maintenance will also make sure that your roof remains durable and efficient.
Contact Us to Upgrade Your Roof
Protecting your roof from sun damage is critical to preserve its structural integrity so you can enjoy your roof for years to come. From choosing UV-resistant materials to applying reflective coatings and undergoing annual maintenance, you can keep your roof in great shape. If you have questions about sun-proofing your roof or would like help with roof maintenance, contact us at Taylor Made Roofing & Construction, Inc. in Morgantown, IN, today. You can schedule an inspection or consultation to make sure that your roof is well-protected and in optimal condition.
