Every home needs a sturdy and efficient roofing system. The roof is largely responsible for protecting the interior and occupants from weather conditions, such as hail and extreme heat from the sun. Nowadays, it is not totally unreasonable to expect your roof to last for at least 15 years, thanks to technological advances and proper maintenance procedures. However, all roofs are bound to deteriorate over time. In this blog, a roof repair expert discusses why roofs wear out to the point that they need to be replaced.
The sun begins to deteriorate the roofing material as soon as it is installed onto your roofing structure. Harsh UV light rays and radiation can damage your roof even during clear and cloudy days, eventually leading to its breakdown. The deterioration phase starts when free molecules of oxygen mix with heated hydrocarbons in asphalt after a prolonged period of exposure to UV rays. This molecular breakdown causes the oils in the roof to dry out, making it brittle and losing its waterproof properties.
Any roofing contractor would tell you that heat accelerates the breakdown of roofs. The damage done due to UV rays is significantly increased when the outdoor temperature is rises. In fact, a standard cap sheet roof reaches up to 160º on a bright and scorching summer day when the air temperature is 90º. As time goes on, your roof loses resilience and flexibility, becoming weak and susceptible to harsh weather elements.
A roof can lose several years of its lifespan if not regularly maintained. For instance, ponding water — after a torrential downpour — on a flat roof wears out low areas and significantly weakens the roofing membrane. Another reason why roofs deteriorate are the windswept debris and organic litter that clog up gutters and downspouts. Even heavy foot traffic and rooftop equipment can damage your roof.
If you are planning to upgrade your home, turn to NorthWest Construction for a smooth and stress-free experience! Our team offers a range of home improvement services — from roof replacement to siding and gutters installation — to clients in and around Dearborn, Taylor and West Bloomfield, MI. Call us at (313) 277-7676 or fill out this contact form to set an appointment.