Tim Orscheln

Submitted photo

The most severe causes of roof damage are sun exposure and high heat, something that Phoenix-area homeowners endure year-round.

Roof temperatures in the Southwest summers can soar to 160 degrees. This is particularly alarming for Arizona homeowners, especially those with asphalt shingle roofs. Asphalt shingles can dry up due to extreme heat, making them brittle and crack easily.

This is what I walked into when I bought my Phoenix home a couple of years ago. The roof was old and weak, and I was told I would need to spend tens of thousands of dollars to replace it. I wanted to be educated on roofs, so I got my forensic roof inspector certification from the National Roofing Certification and Inspection Association and started my equity maintenance and roofing business.

Damaged roofs are more susceptible to deterioration from the extreme weather in the Valley, including strong wind, rain and hail during monsoon season. The more damage your roof has, the less life expectancy it will have. Roofs that are 10 years or older are also more susceptible to damage if they haven’t properly been maintained or protected.

As the Valley experiences a short window of cooler weather, now is the right time to get ahead of the heat and check on your roof’s durability before having to spend on roof repairs or replacements.

Here is what to look for if your roof has been damaged and how to protect it from the extreme heat ahead.

First things first: Clean your roof

Before assessing what needs to be fixed on your roof, it is essential to check if there’s large debris or anything around the home that can cause roof damage. This can include leaves, twigs and other discarded matter that can be left on a roof. With a clean roof, the inspector will be able to clearly see the damage caused and make it safer to access the roof.

Don’t forget the gutters. Cleaning a home’s gutters will allow an inspector to see if there are any clogs or other issues that can affect the roof’s functionality. 

At HomeLyfe, we recommend that homeowners not overly clean their roof shingles. If there’s moss, algae or any other issues, this can be left so the inspector can see what and where the underlying cause is. We also recommend trimming any trees that are hanging near the roof to prevent any additional damage to the home.

Roof inspections: Repairs vs. replacements

Once the roof has been cleared of debris, an inspection can be properly done. An inspector looks for any damage to the roof, as well as signs of leaks or issues with gutters. The attic is also checked to see if there is any moisture from water damage that could be coming from the roof deck above.

Minor damage from cracked or missing shingles, small leaks and minor flashing issues can usually be repaired with an existing roof. But if there’s more extensive damage like large holes, curling shingles, sagging of roof decking or significant water damage, that could mean the roof needs to be replaced. Homeowners should be aware that other solutions can help protect and extend the life of the roof and may be applicable instead of a full roof replacement.

Roof enhancements: Coatings and other applicators

Coatings and other roof applicators are highly recommended and can be an additional shield that protects it from further damage. They can prevent weather elements like wind, rain, hail and heat from penetrating the shingles and can stop the roof’s aging process immediately.

Finding a UV-reflecting coating will be the most helpful for Arizona homeowners to prevent shingles from drying up and breaking from the desert heat. These applicators also can have hydrophobic factors and stop water from getting into a roof’s material.

After searching for a solution to use on my roof, I found one that uses nanotechnology — a new, cutting-edge formula with nanoparticles that supports the life of roof shingles. It penetrates shingles, protects them from the sun and extends a roof’s life by 10 to 15 years.

Editor’s note: Tim Orscheln is founder and CEO of Phoenix-based equity maintenance and roofing service HomeLyfe. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.