How Do the Elements Affect Your Roof?

Thanks to Florida’s subtropical climate, weather events like hurricanes and hot summers are to be expected any given year. Therefore, homeowners need roofing systems that can withstand such conditions. 

Rain

Roofs are sloped so that they can shed rainwater into gutters or canals instead of pooling on the roof or going near the house foundations. Prolonged rainfall, even without wind, can erode the granules off asphalt shingles and expose the backing material to damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays (which we will discuss more below). Over time, UV-damaged shingles can break and let rainwater infiltrate the underlying roofing layers. Similarly, rainfall can erode protective coatings on metal roofs and expose the metal layer to corrosion. This is why it’s important to choose materials for a roofing system that can withstand years of exposure to rain.

Sunlight

All kinds of roofing systems are constantly exposed to UV radiation and solar heat, both of which come from sunlight. Years of exposure to UV radiation can affect roofing systems in many ways. The main reason why asphalt shingles are covered with granules is to protect the asphalt layer from degradation caused by UV rays. Without granules, the asphalt-soaked backing material would only last a few years on a roof, at best. Also, solar heat is the reason why some roofing materials turn brittle over time.

In addition to investing in roofing systems with longer lifespans, consider upgrading your asphalt shingle or metal roofing to “cool” roofing options. These are roofing systems with reflective properties that are designed to reduce radiant heat absorption through the roof and help homeowners save on their cooling costs. Since UV radiation and solar heat are also forms of light, cool roofs are also less vulnerable to damage caused by sunlight.

Wind

High speed winds hit buildings from two directions, especially during a hurricane – head on as well as from below when it changes direction after hitting a wall. While the entire roofing plane is vulnerable to wind uplift, the roof edge is the most vulnerable because of the multi-directional impact described above. Wind can lift shingles or sheet metal roofing from the edges and leave the underlying layers exposed to water infiltration and sunlight. Regardless of the type of roofing that you choose, make sure that it is rated for hurricane-force winds.

Earl W. Johnston Roofing, LLC provides roof repair and installation services to customers in Coral Springs and Weston, FL, and the surrounding communities in Broward County. Give us a call at (954) 989-7794, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.