The glorious sunshine of Arizona is one reason residents love it, but all that sun can have some surprising effects on your house. The exterior of your home experiences UV damage just like our skin, but there are ways to minimize it. Here are three ways high UV levels can damage your home and how to protect your property.
1. Your Shingles Become Brittle
UV roof damage in Phoenix and the rest of the state can be subtle at first, but over the years, it builds up. UV rays break the chemical bonds in asphalt, leading it to bind with oxygen in a process called photo-oxidation. This chemical reaction makes shingles brittle, eventually leading to cracking, warping, and the loss of protective granules.
Metal roofs are more UV-resistant. However, they still struggle with the constant expansion and contraction of temperature changes between day and night in Arizona’s desert climate.
2. Your Siding and Paint Fades
High UV levels can make materials like wood or plastics in your siding become brittle or warped over time, and it is also a key factor in paint fading. UV-resistant building materials or coatings can help slow down damage, but they do not eliminate it over time. Once substances become brittle, they’re prone to cracks and splits, making them vulnerable to moisture.
This is especially true of the stucco common on Arizona homes. Constant UV exposure can cause the color coat to fade and accelerate the breakdown of the binder, leading to a chalky texture and fine cracks over time.
Fading or damaged siding can affect curb appeal and may compromise your home’s structural integrity and energy efficiency.
3. Your Windows and Doors Crack
Extensive UV radiation can cause window seals to degrade or crack. This can lead to condensation between panes and reduced energy efficiency. Given that around 30% of HVAC energy is lost via windows, that can have a big impact on your bills. It can also discolor your window frames and doors, making your home look less appealing.
Furthermore, the damage isn’t just to the window unit itself. UV rays that pass through glass are a primary cause of fading for your interior furnishings, including hardwood floors, carpets, and artwork. That heirloom rug or new sofa could be losing its vibrancy year by year.
3 Ways to Protect Your Arizona Home from High UV Levels
Arizona sun protection for the home is about prevention rather than cure. Home exterior UV damage cannot be entirely eliminated, but it can be reduced.
1. Choose UV-Resistant Building Materials
Although few materials are immune to photo-degradation, some handle the intense Arizona climate better than others. For example, fiber cement siding is highly resistant to high UV levels and can easily mimic wood, brick, or stone siding options. Vinyl siding is also a popular, resilient choice, especially if paired with a UV-resistant coating to help slow down fading.
A good local contractor will understand the best materials for your roof, walls, or windows and will be able to advise you accordingly.
2. Use Smart Sun Protection Strategies
Practical steps you can take include:
- Applying UV-blocking film to windows.
- Installing awnings or pergolas to shade walls.
- Using strategically planted trees and shrubs for better all-around shade.
If you ever need a roof replacement, consider installing a cool roof. These are specifically designed to reflect UV light, protecting the roofing material itself and lowering indoor temperatures.
3. Schedule a Professional Home Inspection
Degradation from UV radiation is not always visible to the untrained eye. Scheduling a Phoenix home inspection will assist in revealing any signs of deterioration in the stucco, roof, or windows before they become a major problem.
Arizona regularly ranks among the highest in the country for UV exposure. In June, the state averages 11+ in the UV index — that’s the “extreme” level — and it remains “very high” throughout April to September. At these kinds of levels across half a year, every year, it’s easy to see how damage can build up faster than you might expect. A home inspection provides peace of mind or, if issues are found, provides the clarity needed to determine the next steps for repair.
Protect Your Arizona Home from Sun Damage
Arizona’s high UV levels can damage your house’s appearance and durability. However, by investing in sun protection strategies, you can keep your home looking beautiful while keeping your family cool and comfortable all summer long.
