What causes roofs to wear down?

By Stacy Mellete

Every roof has its own expected lifespan, but proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your roof and optimize its performance. Maintenance can protect your roof from the elements that wear it down every day.

If you know what to look out for, you will be able to protect your roof from these causes of damage and make it last longer.

UV Rays

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun places significant stress on tiles and shingles, causing them to deteriorate over time. The ultraviolet radiation dries the roof’s protective oils, causing the shingles to become brittle and crack and making your roof vulnerable to water. Sealing your roof regularly will protect your roof from the sun’s rays, preventing damage and extending the life of your residential roof.

Heat

Another cause of damage related to sunlight is the heat. The higher the temperature, the faster the process of decay caused by UV rays will be. To protect your residential roof from the heat, you can install a roofing system with reflective properties or paint your roof white to keep it as cool as possible in the summer.

Thermal shock

The heat makes your roof expend during the day and contract at night. This process is known as thermal shock. However, the metal parts of your roof, mainly the flashing, heat and cool down much quicker than the rest of the roof. Eventually, this can tear them apart from the roof assembly, causing your roof to split. Keeping your roof protected from heat as much as possible will slow this process down and protect your roof from damage.

High Winds

High winds can lift the edges of roof shingles, and even tear them away completely. That’s why, in areas where hurricanes and storms are common, many people invest in durable roofing systems, designed specifically to withstand category 3 and 4 hurricanes.

Rainwater

Rainwater gets into the small gaps in your roofing system and erodes them, making the gaps bigger and causing leaks.

To avoid this, make sure your roof has a proper drainage system and the water doesn’t pool anywhere on your roof.

Surrounding trees

Tree branches that touch your roof can scrape it and make the shingles wear down quickly. Make sure to trim the surrounding trees regularly and clear off the debris piled up on your roof.

If your roof has suffered from any of these factors, call us at 813-542-8462. At Affordable Roofing Florida, our roofers in Tampa are always happy to help. We will help you assess the damage and repair your roof quickly for an affordable price.

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Your roof has an important job to do to keep your home dry, but it can also be an impressive home feature.

Stone-Coated

Our stone coated steel roofing system is available in a wide range of styles including Tile, Shake, Slate, and Shingle, and in a variety of colors. We’ll help you to choose one that will fit your home’s style and your budget.
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Shingles

As the most-used roofing type across North America, asphalt strikes a balance between price and durability, with a life expectancy of up to 20. Shingles are available for those who want affordable, genuine slate roofing.
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Tiles

Tile roofs offer unparalleled value when cost per year of use is factored in. While upfront costs are higher, customers who choose a clay or concrete tile roof will enjoy the aesthetics and quality for a lifetime.
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Metal roofs today come in a wide array of colors and finishes. Innovations in metal roofing technology have significantly enhanced the performance of metal roofs.
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TPO can be installed to any scale with some of the world’s largest building utilizing TPO roofing systems – it comes in strips typically 8ft 10ft and 12ft wide that are heat welded on site.
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