Roofs are meant to protect your home from the elements, but the elements can do major damage to your roof. Extreme wind, hail, and heavy rains can give your roof a pounding, but so can the sun.
How Does the Sun Damage Your Roof?
The sun damages your roof in two main ways:
It heats your roof, which makes it expand. At night, your roof cools and shrinks again. This constant cycle of expanding and compressing weakens roofing materials, eventually causing them to fail.
The ultraviolet rays produced by the sun break down the materials on a molecular level. As the microscopic bonds that hold your roofing material together break down, the materials begin to degrade. Eventually, this leads to your roof failing.
Which Roofing Materials Holds Up Best?
Some roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, are more prone to sun damage. Asphalt shingles absorb more of the sun's heat, which makes them deteriorate faster. However, metal roofs reflect the sun's UV rays, making them the perfect choice for homes that sit directly in the sun.
Clay and slate roofing materials have sun-resistant properties as well. On the downside, having either of these installed tends to cost more than having a metal roof installed.
How Often Should You Expect to Replace Your Roof?
Regardless of the roofing material that you choose or how much direct sun that your home gets, you'll eventually need to replace your roof. That said, both of those factors play a role in determining how often you have to do that.
In general, you can expect metal roofs to last anywhere from 40 to 70 years. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, only last about 20 years. Having your roof inspected by a professional can extend the life of your roof regardless of which material you choose. No matter what, though, always seek professional roof repair instead of trying to do it yourself.
For all of your roofing needs, contact Pro Roofing NW at (888) 599-8591.