Tampa enjoys a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. An average of 243 days of the year are sunny, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities. It's also subject to the sunshine tax, which increases property owners' costs on wear and tear associated with year-round sunshine.
A prime home component that sun rays affect is the roof, causing it to age quickly. However, there are roofing materials that resist ultraviolet radiation (UV), and treatments you can use for protection that can help lengthen your roof's lifespan. This guide will educate you on these materials and treatments, what UV damage is and how to identify it.
The sun's ultraviolet radiation is powerful. It shoots high-energy photons, which act as microscopic bullets with enough power to break chemical bonds, especially organic ones. Because of the organic component of common roofing materials, substances like asphalt, polymers and some coatings are vulnerable to UV rays over time.
This process is called photodegradation, and the absorption of UV energy into roofing materials can cause weathering such as embrittlement, cracking, splitting, loss of elasticity and color fading. Due to the high sun intensity in Tampa, photodegradation will naturally happen faster than in places with less sunlight, so commercial and residential owners need to be aware of how UV rays impact Tampa roofs and be ready to take action when necessary.
Different roofing materials will have variable tolerances to photodegradation. See the following comparison to find out the tolerances of various roofing materials and weigh up their affordability and lifespan:
Asphalt is a common and affordable roofing material that many people have used successfully for a long time. However, because it's an organic material, it is more vulnerable to UV exposure, with a lifespan between 15 and 30 years in Tampa, depending on maintenance and coatings.
Tiles are made from materials like clay or concrete, which are inorganic and therefore more UV-resistant. Their seals and underlayment will deteriorate before the tiles see any damage. They're more expensive than asphalt, but the extra expense is paid off in their long lifespan of 50 to 100 years and low tile maintenance.
Maintenance should include checking the underlayment and seals after storms, and generally, you should get a professional inspection every three to five years.
Metal roofing uses steel or aluminum, reflecting high percentages of UV rays. This high reflectivity helps to keep the house cool, allows the material to last longer and provides high resistance to photodegradation. There may be aesthetic wear from the sun, such as paint wear. Still, structurally it will remain sound, and modern finishes like Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) will help with color retention and provide further UV resistance.
This roofing has a 40- to 70-year lifespan and falls into the mid-range for affordability, being more expensive than asphalt but less than tile.
There are a few types of rubber roofing, all with moderate to low sun damage vulnerability. The most commonly used rubber roofing material, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), has UV-resistant formulations, and color options like white reflect more sunlight than they absorb.
You can expect 30 to 50 years or more from an EPDM membrane. Rubber roofing is generally more expensive than asphalt, but more affordable than tile or metal.
The more reflective a roofing material is, the less sunlight it absorbs, leading to less photodegradation and lower energy bills from the reduced heat absorption. So, choosing an energy-efficient roofing option serves the dual purpose of lowering your energy bills and giving you a longer-lasting roof thanks to its UV resistance.
Energy-efficient roofs are known as “cool roofs,” and they receive a rating certification from Energy Star® and the Cool Roof Rating Council. Rubber membranes in white are great for energy efficiency. So, rubbers such as white EPDM or other types like thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and polyvinylchloride (PVC), which are specially formulated to resist UV degradation, are the best energy-saving materials.
When you want to learn how to protect your home from UV rays in Tampa, FL, the best way is through regular inspections and maintenance. Checking on the state of your commercial or home roof at least once a year is good practice, but the recommended amount is twice a year. Once in the spring, to ensure everything is okay before hurricane season, and once in the fall, after the summer storms.
Regular inspections, necessary repairs and preventive maintenance will help keep your roof healthy and extend its life to its maximum lifespan. Paying smaller amounts periodically is much easier to handle than a sudden roof emergency that requires you to reach deep into your pockets.
Another great way is to choose protective coatings and treatments that can extend your roofing materials' lifespan from five to twenty years. You should check out the following coatings:
Some key signs you should look out for that indicate you need roof repairs or replacement due to UV damage are:
If you notice one or more of these signs, call a professional to inspect and check the extent of the damage. A trustworthy company will give you a transparent recommendation on whether you need repairs or a full replacement.
At Lifetime Quality Roofing and Exterior Services, we provide excellent replacements, repairs and free inspections to help you care for your home or business's roof. We partner with industry-leading brands as an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor and are GAF-certified. For our commercial offerings, we use Duro-Last and Carlisle, which are also well-known throughout the roofing industry.
We understand how UV rays impact roofs in Tampa. Our quality service, clear communication and customer-first approach from one Tampa local to another will give you excellent peace of mind.
Ensure your roof's long-lasting health with a free assessment and our excellent repair, replacement and inspection services. Contact us today to get started!
