How Prolonged Sun Exposure Breaks Down Roofing Materials
Texas homeowners are no strangers to sun-soaked skies and high temperatures, but many don’t realize how much damage that daily sunlight can do to their roof. While hail, wind and rain are more dramatic, UV radiation from the sun is one of the most persistent and destructive forces acting on your roofing materials.
Over time, ultraviolet rays break down the chemical structure of shingles, sealants and even underlayment, weakening the roof’s protective barrier. Addressing deterioration early with appropriate roof repair or roof replacement can potentially save you money and stress in the future.
UV Radiation: The Slow Burn
Ultraviolet (UV) rays cause damage on a molecular level. As they bombard your roof, they weaken the bonds within asphalt, plastic and rubber-based materials. On a hot day in The Woodlands, roof surfaces can easily reach 150°F or more, and this combination of heat and radiation gradually dries out and breaks down roofing components.
Unlike storm damage, which can be sudden and obvious, UV degradation happens slowly and steadily over decades, making it easy to overlook until more serious issues appear.
Asphalt Shingles: Durable but Vulnerable
Asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material in The Woodlands, thanks to their affordability and ease of installation. But they’re also the most vulnerable to long-term sun exposure:
- Granule Loss: Shingles are coated in mineral granules that protect the underlying asphalt. Over time, UV exposure weakens the adhesive that holds these granules in place, causing them to wash away when it rains. Once the granules are gone, the bare asphalt is exposed and deteriorates rapidly.
- Drying and Brittleness:
As the sun degrades the asphalt, shingles lose their flexibility. They begin to crack, curl at the edges and become more susceptible to wind and impact damage.
- Color Fading: Shingles often fade unevenly over the years. While this doesn’t affect performance at first, it can be an early sign of aging and UV wear.
Underlayment and Sealants
Beneath the shingles lies the underlayment, a water-resistant barrier that helps prevent leaks if shingles fail. UV rays don’t typically reach this layer, unless shingles are missing or improperly installed. When exposed, even for a short period, older felt underlayments can deteriorate quickly, while synthetic versions have limited tolerance for direct sunlight before they start to break down.
Sealants and adhesives used around vents, chimneys and flashing also suffer under the sun. These materials are meant to stay flexible to expand and contract with temperature changes. But over time, UV radiation causes them to harden and crack, eventually allowing water to seep in around vulnerable areas.
Metal and Tile Roofs
Some roofing materials naturally stand up to UV rays better than others. Metal roofs, for instance, don’t dry out or lose granules, but they’re still affected. Painted coatings can fade or develop a chalky residue, especially if the finish isn’t rated for long-term sun exposure. Prolonged heat can also stress fasteners and joints due to thermal expansion and contraction.
Tile roofs, made from clay or concrete, are among the most UV-resistant materials available. However, their surface coatings or paints can still erode over time. When unsealed tile begins to absorb moisture due to surface wear, it may crack during thermal cycling or allow water to penetrate the roof system.
Fortunately, both metal and tile roofs can benefit from re-sealing or re-coating, which helps restore UV resistance and prolong the lifespan of the material.
Warning Signs of UV Damage
UV-related roof damage doesn’t always cause immediate leaks. Still, there are several visible signs homeowners can look for:
- Shingles losing granules or appearing bare
- Cracked or curling shingle edges
- Discoloration or uneven fading
- Dried-out sealants or caulk around flashing
- Exposed or fraying underlayment near damaged shingles
These symptoms indicate that the roofing material is aging more rapidly and may soon fail under stress from storms or continued exposure.
Our Roofers Will Help You Beat the Heat in The Woodlands
As a SELECT MasterShingle™ contractor with CertainTeed, we offer enhanced warranties on top-quality asphalt shingles and make sure every installation is done to the highest standards. Whether you're dealing with fading shingles or suspect your roof is aging prematurely, our team can inspect the damage, explain your options and help you extend the life of your investment.
Don't wait until UV damage turns into a roof leak. Give our Perkins Roofing team a call at (832) 702-0201 for a free roof inspection and find out how your roof is holding up under the Texas sun.
