Your roof serves as your home’s first line of defense from any extreme weather. As such roofing materials are exposed to various kinds of harsh elements like sunlight, rain, snow, hail, and atmospheric pollution. This article will give you an overview on the causes of weathering of roofing materials.
For example, elevated temperature can hasten the diffusion of the roofing component. This, along with degradation of material due to ultraviolet radiation and the effects of moisture. Understanding all these is crucial in ensuring that your roof is well taken care of and maintained.
More importantly, this will also serve as a guide for homeowners who wish to know more about roofing.
Natural occurrences like wind, snow, hail, sunlight, biological growth, and atmospheric pollutants all contribute to the weathering of roofing materials.
Wind
Wind, for instance, exerts a lot of kinetic energy resulting in great pressure. That’s why high-wind areas like the Florida coastline require more attention. Wind also causes periodic vibration which can cause material fatigue and allow crack to form on your roof.
Moisture
Moisture is another reason for the degradation of roofing materials. Water vapor is usually absorbed by some materials. Corrosion of metals, in particular the formation of metal oxides, is caused by chemical reactions with environmental substances.
A typical example is the rusting of steel. To avoid corrosion, modern steel used in roofing usually has a protective zinc coating or a zinc-aluminum alloy. Then the metal alloy is further covered with a polymeric coating from chemical reactions.
Changes in humidity can lead to changes in the equilibrium of the water content. This makes the materials more brittle and more prone to cracks and bows.Weathering of roofing materials should not be taken lightly so it’s important to pay extra attention to your roof especially if you’re in an area that experiences heavy downpour and snow.
Temperature
Sunlight is also another example of environmental stress. The rise in temperature can accelerate damaging chemical reactions. Typically, coming from the point of view of material life, the increased temperatures encountered by roofing due to solar radiation absorption are undesirable. In addition, roofing materials are typically considered to be less durable in hotter climates.
Whether it’s gradual or sudden, temperature changes can result in extreme stress for these materials. And as a result, they become more volatile.
Related Content: Proofing your Roofing for Hurricanes – What To Do!
Photodegradation of Polymeric Materials and Other Organic Products
Numerous polymeric materials are subjected to photodegradation. Energetic UV photons have enough energy in many materials to disrupt chemical bonds. The penetration of UV energy may cause polymer chains to split and/or cross-link, leading to altered chemical and mechanical properties.
The polymers are likely to react with oxygen and/or water vapor after disruption of the initial chemical state, causing additional changes. Due to photoabsorption by inorganic pigment particles such as TiO2, another form of photodegradation may occur.
Choose the Right Roofing Contractor
Weathering of roofing materials can be a big problem when ignored. Checking and maintaining your roof is essential in keeping your home dry and safe from any harmful natural elements.
If your roof is outdated and needs either repair or replacement, then head to Quality Discount Roofing & Construction and get the best roofing service you deserve. We understand how valuable your home is and that’s why we only provide you the best roofing materials for your project.
Look for a credible roofer in Jacksonville, FL. Look for Quality Discount Roofing & Construction.
