Your metal roof can last decades if it’s properly installed and maintained. As the sun shines down on your home, however, it can cause the metal to expand and contract – leading to everything from unsightly rust spots to serious damage that can require a full roof replacement. Believe it or not, the strength of the sun’s natural UV rays can be the cause why your roof is damaged. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help minimize the effects of the sun on your metal roof. Keep reading for our top tips!
Coating Damage
One of the most common ways that the sun affects metal roofs is through damage to the coating. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause the coating on your roof to break down and deteriorate, which can lead to rusting and other problems. To help prevent this, make sure to have your roof inspected regularly and touch up any damaged roof tiles and general areas as soon as possible.
You may also want to consider using a metal roof coating that contains UV-resistant properties. Coating damage is an issue that will evolve slowly over time, so it’s important to keep an eye on your roof and have any damage repaired immediately.
Bleaching
In addition to damaging the coating on your roof, the sun can also cause the metal itself to fade. This is especially common with darker-colored roofs, as the sun’s rays can bleach the metal and cause it to lose its color.
If you notice your roof starting to fade, you may want to consider having it repainted or coated with a UV-resistant material. It’s important to catch metal roof bleaching issues early to ensure damage doesn’t become too extensive. The repair work required will also be less expensive the sooner you take action.
Thermal Shock
Another way that the sun can damage your metal roof is through thermal shock. This occurs when the sun heats up one area of the roof more than another, causing the metal to expand and contract unevenly. This can lead to everything from small cracks and leaks to full-blown structural damage.
To help prevent thermal shock, make sure your metal roof is properly ventilated and that there are no areas where the sun can directly hit the metal. You may also want to consider having a heat-reflective coating applied to your roof to help keep it cooler in the summer months.
Warping and Cracking
In addition to thermal shock, the sun can also cause roof warping and roof cracking. This is usually due to the expansion and contraction of the metal, which can put stress on the roofing materials and cause them to break down over time.
If you notice any warping, cracking, or broken roof tiles, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Your roof’s shingles warping and cracking can lead to some serious structural issues over time, so it’s important to be on the lookout for damage before it becomes a serious issue.
How Can You Avoid Sun Damage On Your Roof?
The sun can cause a lot of damage to your metal roof if you’re not careful. The UV rays can break down the coating on your roof, causing it to rust and deteriorate. The sun can also bleach the metal, causing it to lose its color.
Additionally, thermal shock can occur when the sun heats up one area of the roof more than another, causing the metal to expand and contract unevenly. This can lead to cracks and leaks. Finally, the sun can exacerbate condensation problems within your metal roof, leading to mold and mildew growth.
To avoid sun damage on your roof, you should take some simple precautions. First, make sure your roof is properly ventilated and that there are no areas where the sun can directly hit the metal. Second, you may want to consider having a heat-reflective coating applied to your roof to help keep it cooler in the summer months.
Third, be on the lookout for warping and cracking, and take action to repair any damage as soon as possible. Fourth, if you have condensation issues, take action to address them as soon as possible. By taking some simple precautions, you can help minimize the damage and keep your roof in good condition for years to come.
Damaged Roof? Call for Professional Help
If you’re concerned about sun damage done to your metal roof, contact Dream Roof for the support of our expert roofing team. We’re professionals with years of experience in metal roof repair and installation, and we can help you protect your roof from the sun and other elements. With experience servicing clients across the Greater Toronto Area for all of their metal roof installation and repair needs, we’re well equipped to handle any job at hand. To learn more about our team and approach, or to request a project estimate of your own, contact us today!