Asphalt roofs will show signs of peeling, buckling, or eroding shingles leaving the surface below vulnerable to damage. Metal roofs are a little more difficult to spot signs of decay as the underside is where the corrosion typically occurs. This can happen if water gets under the metal panels and doesn’t escape. Similarly, tile roofs are difficult to spot signs of decay. The materials underneath the tiles are more likely to show signs of corrosion, especially if any tiles are missing allowing water inside.
Leaking - Roofing materials can quickly dry out with the excessive summer sunshine. Materials can become brittle and inflexible causing the roof to not hold up during high winds and rain storms. When faced with any force, the roofing structure is likely to crack and cause leaks. Not only will these cracks leave the home prone to water damage, but your air conditioning can also escape.
If you notice dried out tiles or shingles, you will want to replace them as quickly as possible to prevent leaks from developing. Missing or cracked materials will also need to be repaired to ensure additional damage does not happen. Ultimately, the quicker you discover any sun damaged or missing materials, the less likely a leak will form. Professional inspection and routine maintenance is the best way to help prevent leaks from forming.
Breakdown - Sustained, direct exposure to intense sunlight can cause your roofing materials to begin to degrade and deteriorate. The older your roof is, the more damage it will sustain from the sun. Shingles can begin to buckle, crack, or peel, and tiles can crack or break. Once your roof begins to break and deteriorate, the wood sheeting underneath becomes more exposed to rain and other elements, which creates the potential for water damage, leaks into your home, mold and mildew growth, or pest infestation.
If your roof is older than twenty years, or is missing pieces of material, experts recommend hiring a professional to do a re-roofing. It is important to be prepared for the heat going into summer, and avoid further expenses due to damages and poor protection from an outdated roof.
Protecting Your Roof: How To Prevent Arizona Sun Damage To RoofsRoofing Maintenance: A Guide to Protecting Your Roof from Arizona's Sun Damage