Your roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and so it only makes sense to maintain and use it for as long as possible. However, there are many factors that can affect its lifespan. While using the right materials can dramatically increase your roof’s ability to withstand the elements, that doesn’t mean your roof is never going to encounter other problems.
New View Roofing, one of the premier roofing contractors in the area, discusses the forces and conditions that will determine your asphalt roof’s performance, signs of damage and its stages of aging.
4 Factors That Affect the Life of an Asphalt Shingle Roof
1. Shingle Quality
Asphalt shingles are known for their affordability, style, energy efficiency and durability. When it comes to longevity, though, other options like tile and metal have a higher rating. That is because an asphalt roof typically only lasts for 20 years compared to other materials that can still perform well for up to 60 years.
2. Installation Procedure
Installation mistakes are the leading cause of premature roof failure. There are many residential roofers in Texas, but you should only turn to one with an excellent reputation and has been in the business for years, such as New View Roofing. If you hire a fly-by-night worker, you could end up replacing your roof sooner than expected.
3. The Elements
This is one factor that you simply can’t control. High-quality shingles that were installed correctly will have a higher resistance to the elements, but, over time, the repeated barrage of hail, wind, rain and extreme temperatures will wear the system down.
4. Level of Maintenance
You need to maintain your roofing system. If you take a long time to address minor issues, they could spread and compromise the entire structure. Forgoing specific upkeep duties can also invalidate your insurance repair warranty.
4 Common Signs of Shingle Damage
The roof takes the brunt of storm damage and other elements on a daily basis, and that’s why it’s important to keep it in top shape. Deteriorating asphalt shingles can allow water to leak into your house and cause many other types of problems. If you suspect that your roof is showing signs of damage – like the signs below – have a professional evaluate the structure to see if you need a roof repair or replacement.
- Lifting – Shingles that are lifted at the bottom are more prone to being blown off in high winds or penetrated by rainwater and snow. This usually happens when the sealing was not done properly during installation, or it could also be a sign of aging.
- Curling – When you see curling on the edge or corners of the shingles, you should call a roofer like New View Roofing to fix the problem. Curled shingles often signal that the roof is reaching the end of its useful life. In other cases, the poorly ventilated attic causes premature roof failure.
- Missing – This is one of the more obvious signs of shingle damage. Missing shingles will expose the area to the elements, allowing water to seep in and spreading the damage to other shingles. Call for storm damage repair to check for missing shingles after a high winds. If your roof is still relatively new and in good condition, you might have to just replace the damaged section.
- Cracking – Just like any gaps in the shingles, cracks provide an easy entry point for water to flow beneath the surface and into your home. Temperature swings, high winds, improper installation and manufacturing defects are the usual culprits for shingle cracking.
The 3 Stages of Asphalt Shingle Aging and Deterioration
All roof materials have a shelf life, including asphalt shingles. From manufacture to the point of functional failure, these rectangular flaps usually only last for up to 50 years. New View Roofing, one of the top residential roofing contractors in the area, talks about what happens when an asphalt shingle ages and deteriorates.
Incipient Deterioration
This starts right after you take the material out of its packaging. Aging starts as soon as the shingles get exposed to the air, and different factors like heat or pressure can accelerate this process. Further wear happens after roof installation.
Wind, rain and sun exposure can all cause the shingles to lose some granules. Over the years, your asphalt shingle roof will undergo chemical changes. However, they won’t really be visible during your roof’s early years.
Accelerating Deterioration
When signs of damage have become more apparent and pronounced, your asphalt roof has entered the “accelerating deterioration” phase. In this situation, random cracks and gaps surface, and become more widespread. The bond between the granules and the flaps will degrade significantly, and the system tends to absorb more moisture.
If this is happening, then go online, and search for “roofers near me” to get in touch with a pro like New View Roofing that will inspect and maintain your roof to mitigate this problem.
Decelerating Deterioration
At this stage, the previously high-quality asphalt shingles are back to their raw form. They won’t have resistance to the weather and can’t keep your home comfortable anymore. Normally, you shouldn’t wait to get to this point to get a replacement.
Asphalt shingles are some of the most cost-effective roofing materials on the market, but every homeowner should understand their life cycle. New View Roofing and Remodeling, one of the leading insurance restoration roofers in the region, can inspect your entire roof and perform necessary repairs and help with all your roofing projects. Call us today at (469) 250-0016, or fill out our contact form to get started. We serve clients in Frisco, TX, and the surrounding areas.
