Asphalt shingles are one of the most common materials used to protect homes from the elements. While you can expect roughly 20 years from your asphalt shingles, there are factors that can lead to an early demise of your asphalt shingle roof. Harsh temperatures, direct sunlight, or excessive storms can all cause your asphalt shingles to break down faster than normal. You might notice fading after a couple of years, which is a normal part of the aging process. A new asphalt shingle roof shouldn't need any repairs for a number of years, beyond dealing with damage from fallen debris or high wind and having to repair damaged shingles.
Fading and Cracking
Asphalt shingles fade because of exposure to UV rays, rain, and wind. It is a slow process and one you can expect when you use asphalt shingles on your roof. The structural integrity of your shingles starts to become altered when your shingles begin cracking from the deterioration process. Faded shingles are only the first sign of wear for your shingles, while cracking can mean it's time to replace the shingles.
When You Have Roof Leaks
Roof leaks can be localized, caused by storm damage or poor installation of flashing material. A roof leak needs to be repaired right away to avoid further damage to your home. If you have leaks throughout your roof and the damage is more systemic, you probably need a new roof on your home to keep your property protected. While you can repair any existing leaks, your roofing company is likely to recommend a new roof to keep your home safe from the elements.
Curling Shingles and Breakage
Curling shingles are never a good sign for your asphalt shingle roof. Shingles that are deteriorated beyond repair will crack and curl up, breaking apart and often falling to the ground. When you can see visual bumps in your asphalt shingle roof, it is likely time for a replacement roof. Even when your roof isn't very old, shingles that are poor quality or exposed to harsh conditions can begin to curl faster than you might expect.
When you have problems with your asphalt shingle roof, have a roofing company come and check out the issues. You don't want to have leaks getting into your home and causing property destruction. Pay attention to small leaks and get them repaired. Your roofing company will explain why you need a new roof and give you options for a replacement as needed.
For more information, contact a company like Earl Hayes Roofing & Remodeling.
Share23 October 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.