When is it Time to Get an Asphalt Shingle Replacement?

Asphalt shingle roofing is one of the most popular and affordable roofing materials available today. 

Asphalt shingles are also known for their low maintenance costs as they don’t rust or rot easily. But that doesn’t mean they don’t deteriorate over time. 

Your asphalt roofing is susceptible to wear and tear especially if you live in a place with extreme weather conditions like scorching heat, heavy rains, or hurricanes.

Today, we’ll show you 7 most common asphalt shingle replacement causes you should look out for:

1. Damage to Asphalt Shingles

Pay attention to curling/cupping or missing shingles. Any damage to your shingles will be easily visible to you. 

A shingle can curl due to incorrect installation, excessively dry bases, or poor quality materials. When shingles curl or go missing, it creates an opening through which water can enter your home. This can cause a lot of structural damage to your property.

Other than a curl, also keep an eye for splitting, cracking, peeling, and blistering shingles.

2. Extreme Weather Conditions

Strong winds and hailstorms can cause a lot of damage to asphalt shingles. It can easily lift the edges of shingles, crack or break them completely, or even remove the granules from the surface. 

Heavy rains can also wash away granules allowing water to find its way between or underneath the shingles.

3. Overgrown Trees

Leaves from an overgrown tree can accumulate on your roof causing the rain gutters to clog. Lack of proper drainage will lead to water seeping into your roofing materials causing great damage.

4. Attic Ventilation 

Improper ventilation in your attic can cause asphalt shingles to deteriorate prematurely. The heat build-up can rise up in the attic causing the asphalt shingles to bake. It can also lead to mold and rot in the space. 

5. Damaged Flashing

Flashing is a layer of metal sheet installed at an angle to protect roof edges, valleys, chimneys, and vent pipes. It prevents water from seeping into critical areas of your roof like underneath your shingles. 

Your flashing can get damaged due to natural wear and tear or due to improper installation. If you notice any damage, you should contact a professional to replace or repair the flashing.

6. UV Radiation

Your roof is constantly exposed to the ultraviolet radiation and UV rays emitted by the sun. These rays can deteriorate your roof by altering the chemical makeup of your shingles. The heat can dry your shingles causing them to break.  

Excessive heat can also cause the shingles and the nails to expand adding up to bigger problems.

7. Thermal Shock

By definition, thermal shock is a mechanical load caused by a rapid change of temperature. It leads to continuous expansion and contraction. Over time, this strain can make your roof to split and deteriorate.

Find Out Shingle Roof Replacement

Regular roof inspections play an important role in prolonging the life of your roof but also to determine if you need a full asphalt shingle replacement.

By hiring a professional for the inspection you’ll save a lot of money and stress. A professional will help you find hidden signs of damage, and they’ll also advise you on how to take good care of your asphalt shingles roof.

You can contact us today, for a free roof inspection.