Which side of a roof typically wears faster due to ultraviolet light in aging climates?

The side of a roof that typically wears faster due to ultraviolet (UV) light in aging climates is the south and west sides. This is primarily because these orientations receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day, especially in regions that get intense sun exposure.

The south side of a roof gets sunlight for the majority of the day, which causes materials to heat up and subsequently degrade over time from the repeated cycles of expansion and contraction. Similarly, the west side experiences strong afternoon sun, which contributes to accelerated aging due to prolonged exposure to UV rays. These factors combine to make the south and west sides more vulnerable to deterioration compared to the north and east sides, which receive less direct sunlight and generally have a cooler and more shaded exposure.

Understanding the impact of sun exposure on roofing materials is crucial for homeowners and inspectors, as it can inform maintenance schedules, replacement needs, and recommendations for roofing materials that might be more UV-resistant.