Sun damage is some of the sneakiest and most destructive damage that roofers look for on an asphalt shingle roof.

While every homeowner can recognize obvious problems with their roofs like leaks and missing or broken components, residential roofers advise that it is equally important to recognize less-obvious problems like sun damage.

Left uncorrected, widespread sun damage can become serious enough that homeowners may need a roofing replacement years before they expect to.

These signs will help homeowners in regions that experience high sun and heat recognize the signs of sun damage to their asphalt shingles so they can arrange repairs before the problem worsens to the point of no return!

1. Discoloration

Asphalt shingles can discolor over time, for two main reasons.

One cause of discoloration that looks like black streaks is the presence of black mold on the shingles.
The other cause that roofers encounter is bleaching and discoloration due to ongoing exposure to ultraviolet sun rays.

While sun-bleaching does not automatically mean that shingles are already damaged, residential roofers find it to be a precursor that suggests additional damage could occur soon.

At the first signs of discoloration, homeowners should consider having a roofer apply a UV sealant to their shingles to protect them against further UV damage.

2. Curling, Bowing, Warping, or Lifting

Sun and heat-damaged shingles may curl upward at the ends, bow forward in the middle, or warp and become misshapen in various ways.

They can also lose their adhesion and simply lift up, losing their ability to seal in a watertight layer on the roof.

In all of these cases, a roofing replacement may be necessary if more than a few shingles are affected.

Shingles displaying these types of sun damage prevent the roofing system from functioning as it was designed to, making leaks and other serious damage more likely.

3. Dry Rotting and Cracking

Other common types of sun damage that roofers see with asphalt shingles are dry rotting, cracking, and other signs of general widespread deterioration.

Dry-rotting, which residential roofers often see progressing due to ongoing UV exposure as shingles age, results in various symptoms such as widespread granule loss, peeling, and chipping.

Cracking typically occurs due to the shingle material drying out and becoming brittle as it loses its flexibility.

Brittle and dry-rotted shingles are much less resilient to wind, rain, and impacts, making them much more susceptible to the weather.

A total roofing replacement may be needed if roofers determine that a homeowner’s asphalt shingles have rotted or they are unable to flex enough to withstand normal weather conditions.

Prevent Sun Damage With Frequent Roofer Inspections

Residential roofers know that sun damage to asphalt shingles can be difficult to avoid in regions that experience long days of high heat and strong sunlight.

The best way to do so is with frequent roofer inspections to detect symptoms as they are starting so that appropriate protective measures can be taken.

With good maintenance, UV sealants, and other methods of retaining the good condition of a shingle roof, homeowners can avoid a premature roofing replacement and get a full life from their asphalt shingles!