Give enough time, even the most durable roofing materials can eventually wear out. Asphalt roofs are definitely no exception. High quality asphalt shingles can last decades before showing the first signs of weathering. You’ll often notice that your roof is nearing the end of its life span when it starts to need repairs and maintenance more frequently than before. Therefore, it helps to understand the signs of an aging roofing system to help you decide whether it is more prudent to keep paying for repairs or to invest in a new roof.
Read on as our roofing and siding experts at UHQ Construction show you the telltale symptoms that your roofing system is approaching the end of its service life.
The Life Cycle of Asphalt Shingles
Shingles begin to age immediately after they are manufactured and even before they are installed. During this initial stage, the deterioration happens at an almost negligible rate. Certain factors can accelerate this process, however, depending on how the shingles are handled and stored. This means that you only want professional and certified roofers to handle your materials.
Installation and Curing Stage
After the shingles are exposed to the elements, the deterioration rate increases rapidly. During this stage, it’s normal to have some granule loss on your roofing system. These are excess particles that did not adhere to the shingles during its manufacture. It’s at this stage that the asphalt begins to cure and harden as well, creating a tough outer layer that serves as its primary protection. Roof repair won’t be needed for a long while.
Aging Asphalt Shingles
A lot of factors can affect the rate at which your asphalt shingles degrade. These include the quality of installation, the quality of the shingle itself, the orientation and slope of your roof, and even the intensity of the weather your roof is exposed to. At this point, the individual shingles become cracked and visible physical damage begins to appear. When this happens,, it’s time to consider getting a new roof.
At UHQ Construction, we are your trusted number one provider of roofing, siding and other exterior services. Give us a call at (317) 744-1133 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a visit or request a free estimate today. We serve homeowners in Carmel, IN, and all neighboring areas.
