Summer is here, and it’s a perfect time to go to the beach. Invite your friends for a pool party or take surfing lessons at the beach. You can even go on a road trip and visit different states with your friends. 

Of course, don’t forget to wear sunscreen to prevent sun’s rays from damaging your skin. But have you ever thought about how the sun’s rays can affect your home and roofing? Did it cross your mind that, like your skin, intense sun exposure can damage the roof? 

Truthfully, high temperatures and strong solar flares can affect homes both inside and outside. It may be made of concrete or wood, but it will still be affected by the sun’s rays. In this article, we’ll talk about the effects of the sun on your roof and ways to keep it cool during the summer. 

Importance of the Roof in Your Home

Aside from the walls of our home and the gate that keeps us safe from nosy neighbours, roofs are one of the most important features of your home. It offers you shelter from the intense sunshine and leaks from storms. An old or poorly installed roof can cause a lot of damage and expense on your part. 

This is because heat will pass to the lower floor then to the ground, which warms your house. You’ll have to spend more on air conditioning or cooling systems—another reason you need to pick the right roof for your home.

Effects of Sun Damage on Roof

Many people know that snow, wind, and heavy rain can cause damage to their roofs while underestimating the danger of UV radiation. UV rays can change the chemical makeup of asphalt shingles, which causes them to break down prematurely. The roof can become brittle, and cracks may start to form. These cracks can cause leaks in your home during rainy days. 

Another effect of sun damage to your roof is thermal shock. It happens when your roofs expand during the day due to intense heat and contact at night when the temperatures drop. Thermal shock can weaken the structure of the roof and shorten its lifespan. 

Ways to Keep Your Roof Cool During the Summer

There are different ways to keep your roof cool in the summer. It usually depends on the type of roof you have. For one, concrete roofing needs a white coat of paint to be applied to reflect the light and reduce heat absorption. Add potted plots to help absorb heat too. It will reduce the likelihood of the roof absorbing the solar energy, the main cause of the heat. 

For a metal roof, use glass paint to bounce the sunlight. This type of paint also lasts longer than polymer-based coatings. Upgrade your attic insulation to prevent heat from entering the home. If you have shingle roofing, you can try covering the roof with solar panels. 

There are tropical countries that have very high temperatures for prolonged periods of time. Since they experience intense heat most of the year, they have developed different ways to keep their roofs cool. Look into some of the cooling solutions used in tropical climates to see how you can reduce the damage to your roof. 

Conclusion

It’s not easy to protect your roof from the sun. The sun’s rays are powerful that they may eventually break the roofs of your home. However, these techniques can reduce the UV rays entering your home. Asking for professional help is also a useful step to avoid more serious problems from occurring. 

Are you looking for exterior home renovations in Edmonton? MCM uses only qualified installers and quality materials from reputable manufacturers that stand behind their products. Visit our page to know more.