Warning Signs of UV and Heat Damage to Your Roof
After yet one of Las Vegas’s blistering summers, is your roof not looking as good as it used to? You may be left to wonder if the unrelenting sun is in the process of degrading what separates your family from the elements. Better to put an eye on things now than have a minor issue balloon into a large repair bill.
We at Nevada Exteriors can tell you what the desert sun is capable of; we have been in the business of shielding the roofs of Las Vegas homeowners from 2018 on. For any questions, (702)-996-4345 is our number.
Then again, the climate here is as tough on a roof as it gets anywhere. The combination of triple-digit heat and ultraviolet rays puts roofing materials through something those in more temperate areas do not have to consider. But there are warning signs for this type of damage and with them you can nip it in the bud and spare yourself some aggravation later.
The Way UV and Heat Get to a Roof
It is not just a matter of a hot attic. Over time the chemical bonds in your roofing will be undone by UV rays while the heat makes for daily expansion and contraction. Shingles, tiles, underlayment and sealants all get weakened by it. Since such damage is usually gradual, it can be easy to miss until there is a leak or some other failure. Hence the importance of being aware of the early indicators.
What to Look For
You will know if your roof is taking a hit from the sun by these common signs:
- Shingles that have cracked, curled or buckled and will not lie flat
- Patches of discoloration or fading in the areas most exposed to the sun
- Granules from asphalt shingles making their way to the downspouts and gutters
- Material so brittle it crumbles at a touch
- Sealant around the flashing, chimneys and vents that has dried and cracked
- Any bubbling or blistering on the roof surface
- Cooling bills that are running higher than normal and a home that feels hotter
In isolation they might be nothing to worry about, but put two or three of them together and you have ample evidence the sun has had its way with your roof.
Why You Should Be Concerned with Granule Loss
Asphalt shingles shed their granules after years of baking in the sun and that is a problem because they are meant to be a shield from UV rays. With the layer thinned, what is left of the shingle will deteriorate at a quicker pace. A buildup in the gutter is perhaps the plainest sign of a roof that is aging prematurely, so do not overlook it.
Don’t Overlook What Is Inside
Heat damage is not always apparent from the exterior. Be on the lookout for water staining on a wall or ceiling, daylight visible through the roof boards, or a musty odor in the attic. If your cooling system is having to work overtime and you see it on the energy bill, that is another clue. These are indications the damage is well underway and you should not tarry.
Make a Call to a Pro
A homeowner can make a start by viewing the roof from the ground, but there is no substitute for a professional inspection to get the full story on whether you are faced with a simple fix or otherwise. It is also safer than going up there yourself and we will spot what others would not.
Our work has been trusted by Las Vegas homeowners who have given us a 4.7 star rating in over 100 Google reviews. We are fully licensed and insured and back what we do with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. A free estimate from us means you are in the know before you make any commitments. Our hours are 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday so you can fit an inspection in.
Put an End to Summer’s Effects on Your Roof
Every season the desert sun exacts its toll. It is a lot less costly to deal with UV and heat damage in its infancy than to put in a whole new roof. Should you have seen any of the above or want some assurance, contact Nevada Exteriors at (702)-996-4345. We will come out and make sure your home is in good hands for the future.