Sun Can Cause Commercial Damage on Rooftops

6/14/2016 (Permalink)

UV Radiation On a Roof Can Destroy Shingles and Cause Damage

Regular Roof Maintenance Can Prevent Damage

Homeowners and business owners understand that rain and wind can damage rooftops. But, there is another major factor in commercial damage to roofs – the hot sun! The extreme heat from the Chicago summer sun can cause premature failure of roofs. Roofing materials are made to withstand the sun's rays. Standard tar shingles are purposefully made with an adhesive that melts in the sun to form a permanent seal. If your building is an older structure, then harsh weather conditions, including the daily deluge of sunlight, can weaken shingles.
 
For solar rays to begin damaging a roof, that roof must be in a position to receive direct sunlight daily. The real enemy for possible roof damage is the ultraviolet radiation. Asphalt roofing directly affected by a day to day sunlight can age it very quickly. The mixture of oxygen and hydrocarbons in asphalt roofing can fail under heavy sunlight quicker than tile rooftops. But, even the more resistant roofing technology, including metal, all can succumb to the weathering effects of Chicago's strong sunshine.
 
The heat from the sun beating down on top of your office roof can cause damage to your shingles. For buildings that have a southern or western exposure, the immense heat can cause different types of damages. This includes shingles that curl up, cracks form, blisters form, and loose shingle granules. The sun's heat and rays can also cause problems in your attic. Commercial attics can experience softened wood, and/or mold or mildew can form due to poor ventilation.
 
Chicago's weather can bring wind, hail, and ice. In addition to a fire and flooding, your commercial building can sustain severe Chicago storm damage from any of these events. If your office building or your roof is damaged by fire, a storm, water damage or the sun, we at SERVPRO are available to help you. Our experienced technicians will arrive and assess your damage. We will protect your building by providing rooftop service, which means that we will place tarps on your damaged roof.
 
We at SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City are trained roofing professionals that can assess exactly what your building needs. Our expert restoration team can help your business with any damages, to save your business any down time. With our specialized equipment and techniques, we can help get your business back to its pre-damaged condition. Call us today at (773) 337-3900 to help keep your building structurally sound.