The sun’s ultraviolet rays, which are consistently very intense in Phoenix, could have a more devastating impact on a commercial roof than occasional bad storms. Several factors, outlined below, determine the damage the sun’s rays inflict. Improperly protected roofs weaken very slowly and gradually over time. Therefore, commercial building owners often have no idea something is wrong until a major roof crisis emerges. That’s where a reliable “commercial roofer near me” comes in.
Usually, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Proactively working with a commercial roofer near me to protect a commercial roof is much more cost-efficient than reactively repairing a damaged roof. This protection reduces heating and cooling costs while protecting the roof’s structural integrity. Our standard commercial roof UV protection plans include extensive initial inspections and three or four follow-up inspections per year.
The Sun’s Heat and Your Commercial Roof
We mentioned the general environmental conditions in Phoenix and how they affect commercial roofs. The climate in Phoenix is the very definition of hot and dry. We get about 300 days of sunshine in Phoenix and less than eight inches of rain annually.
A roof’s color has a bearing on UV damage as well. Dark commercial roofs are very popular. They decrease glare and lend a classic look to your building. They also soak up heat, maybe 100 degrees hotter than the air temperature. White roofs, which get about 30 degrees warmer than the air temperature, aren’t much better. Other factors include:
- Thermal Shock: Desert climates like Phoenix often mean hot days and cool nights, especially in some areas. Therefore, most roofing materials expand and contract drastically. This repetitive cycle usually opens the roof’s seams, causing significant damage.
- Radioactivity: UV rays can alter the molecular structure of some roofing materials. Specifically, hydrocarbon molecules bind with oxygen molecules, causing the materials to become brittle and even crack. If you have a metal roof, UV rays damage the original protective finish, causing rust to form.
- Basic Structural Damage: High temps can cause the components of the roof to crack, curl, and eventually disintegrate, significantly reducing their lifespan.
These effects usually aren’t the worst-case scenario. Because of Phoenix’s extreme climate, we see this kind of damage to commercial roofs almost daily.
How We Protect Your Roof When You Look For a “Commercial Roofer Near Me”
When you search for a “commercial roofer near me,” they will likely only look for damage and estimate repair costs. At Four Peaks Roofing, we prevent such damage from occurring. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of frequent inspections. Most businesses have very narrow profit margins. Extensive roof repair that must be done immediately isn’t part of the budget.
Our inspectors look for vulnerabilities and problem areas that should be addressed before they worsen. We usually look for telltale signs of damage, like gaps between the seams, rust, and cracked composites. Usually, these signs are very subtle and almost impossible to see.
Adequate ventilation is vital as well. A well-ventilated roof withstands even the hottest summers. A professional roofing contractor ensures the proper ventilation for your roof type. This reduces the heat your roof absorbs and minimizes the accumulation of humidity.
Heat-resistant coatings that can be painted on your roof as added protection are available. These reflective coatings slow the aging process and reduce cooling costs. Such measures also prevent the aforementioned thermal shock and UV damage from excessive sun exposure.
Count on us to keep your roof in good shape and prevent expensive repairs when you search for a “commercial roofer near me.”
