Is it Worthwhile Painting Your Roof in Florida?
When most people think about exterior painting, the vision of painting the roof is typically the last to come to mind. Homeowners and businesses in most parts of the country do not generally paint their roofs. In Florida, roof painting is a common component of exterior painting services. Floridians paint their roofs to offset deterioration caused by the state’s unique climate and to help keep underlying structures cooler by warding off the intense heat generated by Florida’s intense sunshine.
The professionals at Naples-based FCI Painting have been offering roof painting, cleaning, and maintenance to southwest Florida homeowners and businesses for over 25 years. With their roof maintenance expertise, they can detail why it is worthwhile to paint your roof in Florida. Read on to learn more about why you should paint your roof, and then turn to FCI painting for your roof maintenance and painting.
Florida’s Climate Takes Toll on Roofing Materials
Florida’s hot and humid climate subjects your roof to prolonged periods of extreme stress not found in much of the country. We enjoy the state’s bountiful sunshine and the warm climate it provides, but the yearlong intensity of its ultraviolet rays leads to a faster molecular breakdown of roofing materials. Extreme temperature variations further accelerate this breakdown. Researchers have determined that the average temperature of home roof shingles in Florida can range from 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night to nearly 160 degrees in the afternoon, a 90-degree variation.
That extreme variation impacts roofing materials by making them expand with the heat and then contract as they cool. Compromised roofing materials are further impacted by our humidity and frequent downpours between May and October.
These environmental stressors put a heavy toll on our roofing materials that can significantly reduce the longevity of your roof. Unprotected asphalt shingles in Florida tend to experience curling, warping, and discoloration much quicker than in other states. Clay and concrete tiled roofing are more resistant to such environmental damage, but over time they, too, can experience degradation.
Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof
You can protect your roof from climate-related damage with specialized paint or other roof coatings. These products safeguard roofing materials from damage caused by UV rays, heat, temperature fluctuations, rain, and humidity, which helps extend their longevity. They significantly enhance roof water resistance. Most products also include chemicals that inhibit the growth of roof-damaging algae, moss, mold, and mildew.
Energy Savings Gained by Painting Your Roof
When your roof heats up, some of that heat is absorbed by the interior structure. This will force your air conditioning system to work harder to maintain comfort levels. This holds especially true with poorly insulated buildings. A specialized roof paint or coating can reflect up to 80 percent of the sun’s energy away from your roof. This significantly reduce its temperature, decreasing AC-based energy consumption.
Or Consult with a Professional Naples, FL Painting Company
If you want to learn more about the benefits of painting your roof, consult with FCI Painting. We have more than 25 years of professional experience helping Naples, Florida-area homeowners. We also help businesses maintain, clean, and protect their roofs. For all your painting and related property maintenance needs, contact FCI Painting online or call us at (239) 435-1001.