If you have a home with an asphalt shingle roof, you can expect your roof to last about 20 years. There are a number of factors that can shorten the lifespan of your existing roof and make it necessary for your roof to be replaced early. If your roof is exposed to harsh sunlight for many hours a day or you live in an area that goes through temperature extremes, this can cut down on the longevity of your asphalt shingle roof. If the roof wasn't installed properly or if cheap shingles were used, you can end up with roof problems within a few years after the roof was installed.
Asphalt Shingles Eventually Break Down
You will first notice that your asphalt shingles start to fade after a few years on your roof. This is a normal process, and this doesn't mean your shingles are not protecting your home. You may start to see asphalt particles on the ground after it rains, another sign that your shingles are slowly breaking down. After a few more years, your shingles may start to crack. This can lead to leaks in your roof that can be repaired. If shingles start to crack and curl throughout your roof, you are going to need a full roof replacement.
Pay Attention to Small Leaks
If you have a small leak in your roof, get it repaired right away. Any leak that you see in your home is causing damage to your attic and insulation. You could have water in your attic that you don't see, and it will cause damage to the interior of your home.Your residential roofing contractor can fix the leak and look for other potential problems with your roof. If the rest of your roof looks good, you can get away with a repair. If the structural integrity of your roof is diminished, your residential roofing contractor may suggest a new roof for your home.
Poor installation can give you problems with roof leaks, even when it is new. It is possible that a few changes can be made and your roof will be fine. When you have consistent leaks in your roof, it's time to investigate the issue further. A new residential roofing contractor can inspect the work of a previous one to see if the job was done right. When your shingles are getting older and you have loose shingles on your home, it's probably time for a roof replacement.
Share30 September 2019
When it came time to install a new roof on my home, I had no idea where to start. In fact, I was exploring roofing options that were a really poor fit in my climate. It wasn't until I reached out to a local roofer that I got some lessons on how to choose the right roofing material for my home and the weather exposure it is subjected to. I built this site to share my journey, including the mistakes I made and the things that I learned along the way. If you are considering replacing your home's roof, I hope that the information here can help to guide you through the process.
