This is one of those things almost nobody thinks about, and honestly, most roofers do not talk about it either. But after nearly 40 years of looking at roofs in this state, I think it is one of the most important factors in how long your roof actually lasts.
We live at elevation. The Wasatch Front sits between about 4,200 and 5,000 feet above sea level, depending on where exactly you are. That altitude means the atmosphere above you is thinner, and thinner atmosphere means more ultraviolet radiation reaches your roof.
What UV does to your shingles
Asphalt shingles are coated in ceramic granules. Those granules are not just for looks. They are the sunscreen for your roof. They protect the asphalt layer underneath from UV degradation. When UV breaks down that asphalt, the shingles become brittle, they curl, they crack, and they stop doing their job.
At our elevation, this process happens faster than it does at sea level. How much faster depends on a lot of factors, but as a general rule, I tell homeowners to expect UV aging to be noticeably more aggressive here than what the manufacturer tested for in their lab.
Walk around your house and compare the south and west facing slopes to the north side. The difference in wear will surprise you.
You can actually see this on your own roof if you know what to look for. Walk around your house and compare the south and west facing slopes to the north and east facing slopes. The south and west sides take the brunt of the afternoon sun, and in most cases, they will show more granule loss, more color fading, and more wear. I see roofs all the time where the south side looks like it needs replacement while the north side still has another five or eight years left.
Why does material selection matter more at Utah's elevation?
When we talk to homeowners about choosing a roofing material, this is part of the conversation. Not all shingles handle UV the same way. Higher quality architectural shingles with better granule adhesion are going to outperform a budget option at elevation. The upfront cost difference is real, but so is the lifespan difference.
This is one of the reasons we have stuck with CertainTeed for so long. Their products hold up well in our conditions. I have pulled off 25 year old CertainTeed roofs in Layton where the shingles were worn out but still intact and functioning. I have also pulled off 12 year old budget shingles that were already crumbling. The materials matter, and they matter more at altitude.
What can you do to protect your roof from UV damage?
You cannot change the elevation or the sun. But you can make smart choices that account for it.
First, invest in quality materials. This is not the place to cut corners. A mid-grade to premium shingle with strong granule retention is going to pay for itself over the life of the roof.
Second, keep up with annual inspections. UV damage is gradual. You are not going to wake up one morning and find your roof destroyed. But catching early signs of granule loss and shingle degradation means you can plan ahead instead of reacting to an emergency.
Third, when it is time for a replacement, talk to your roofer about which slopes are taking the most punishment. There are situations where it makes sense to use a heavier weight shingle on the south and west exposures. It is a small detail, but the kind of detail that comes from knowing this climate.
Wondering how your roof is holding up to Utah's UV? Schedule a free inspection and we will give you an honest read on where things stand. Give us a call or schedule online.
"The current project was a metal shingle roof to replace aging traditional shingles. His workers were polite and worked for several weeks in the freezing weather and snow. The finished product is something I am proud of, and I feel was worth the investment. There were no surprise supplemental charges, the final bill being precisely what the estimate was."Eric Clough DVM , Google Review