Asphalt shingles are one of the most widely used residential roofing materials in America. They're popular due to their cost-effectiveness, durability and availability. Whether you're building a new property or replacing an old roof, asphalt shingles are a practical and versatile roofing material for homes or commercial premises.
If you've owned your home for a significant time, it's worth checking your roof for signs of visible wear and damage. This article will guide you on when to get roof maintenance repair or replacement for asphalt shingles and why you should choose a professional roofing contractor to handle the job.
Signs You Need Asphalt Shingle Roof Repair
While asphalt shingles are durable, regular and proactive roof maintenance can help them last much longer. Well-maintained asphalt roofing shingles also prevent premature replacement, helping you save in the long term. If your roof has issues, note that the extent of the damage determines if it can be fixed with repairs or if it might require total replacement.
Watch out for these five signs that indicate your asphalt shingle roofing needs repair:
Curled or cracked: Asphalt shingles curl or buckle at the corners over the years when they become dry and brittle. When this occurs, the fiberglass that supports it becomes resistant while the asphalt diminishes slowly. Curled or cracked shingles are susceptible to weather damage, such as strong winds and rain.
Broken or missing: Torn or missing shingles are often caused by storms or blowing debris that tear at roofs. When asphalt shingles break away, they expose the roof's underlayment, making it more vulnerable to wear and tear. If this happens to a significant portion of your roof, you'll need professional repairs
Loss of granules: Over time, exposure to changing weather causes granule loss on asphalt shingles. This layer of tiny stone granules covers the asphalt on shingles and protects them from the elements. Once plenty of granules wear away, your roof becomes susceptible to leaks, compromising its longevity.
Valleys in the roof: Roof valleys are areas where water pools after rain. Over the years, accumulating water weakens the roof structure under asphalt shingles, which can further deteriorate your roof. The moisture can also cause moss to develop, which eventually damages asphalt shingles.
Moss on shingles: Moss on one area of your roof indicates moisture buildup that might cause leaks. Proper cleaning is required to prevent the moss from spreading. However, if the moss is widespread, it can develop mold and fungus that rot shingles and damage the roof's underlayment.
When Do You Need Roof Shingle Replacement?
Asphalt shingles generally need replacement when there's extensive damage and multiple issues that compromise the roof's structure. To ensure you require asphalt shingle replacement, it's best to get a thorough inspection from a trusted roofing contractor. An expert with years of professional experience can make the right call to save your roof and protect your home. They are also highly skilled in properly installing asphalt roof shingles.
The following factors can help confirm if you need asphalt shingle replacement.
Significant Roof Age
Most asphalt shingle roofs can last as long as 25 years. If your roof is close to the 20-year mark or much older, it's time to consider replacement, even if you don't notice apparent issues. There are three main types of asphalt shingles, which vary in durability and life span:
Three-tab shingles: If you're looking for affordable asphalt shingles, these are for you. Three-tab shingles typically last between 15 to 20 years.
Laminate shingles: Also called architectural or dimensional shingles, these are heavy, more resistant to wear and tear, and can last for 20 to 30 years.
Luxury shingles: Known as the most expensive asphalt shingles, luxury shingles can withstand harsh weather and last between 25 to 40 years.
Persistent Leaks
If your roof has continuous leaks and is of considerable age, it's a sign you might need roof shingle replacement. Years of wear and tear, and exposure to moisture cause shingles to lose their ability to repel water.
Persistent and widespread leaks on your roof might indicate more serious problems that repairs cannot resolve. Moreover, recurring water damage inside your home may also cause molds, which can deteriorate wood and other valuables inside your property.
If your roof has continuous leaks, don't hesitate to call a professional for a roof inspection and replacement. A highly skilled contractor can assess whether your asphalt shingles are beyond repair and will help determine the best solution to prevent further damage.
Uneven or Sagging Roof
Another issue related to moisture infiltration is a sagging or uneven roof deck, which suggests that your roof's key supporting materials have weakened. As water repeatedly accumulates in the sagging areas, your roof will continue to deteriorate.
To prevent further issues with a sagging roof deck, prioritize replacement, especially before the rainy season.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Roofing Company
The main benefit of hiring a professional roofing company is safeguarding your home or commercial property. While opting for a do-it-yourself option might be tempting, a skilled roofing expert will likely have the knowledge, skills and tools to do the job properly. Here's why you should trust the experts:
Experience: Professional roofers have years of training and experience to hone their skills. They know how to handle complex projects efficiently. An expert is well-equipped to solve problems and will likely do the job right first, minimizing costly construction mistakes.
Safety: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falling is the number one reason for construction fatalities in America. Working on a roof is risky, especially if you're not used to heights. Hiring a professional roofer reduces the risk of falls because they know the right safety precautions.
Quality materials: Established roofing companies can access top-quality materials at favorable costs with connections to reliable suppliers. They can choose the best roofing material to help your roof last longer. In contrast, you might not secure the best price for materials if you're buying them yourself.
Warranties: Professional companies typically offer warranties for workmanship and materials. If you have roofing issues in the future, a warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that you don't need to cover significant costs.
Contact Lifetime Quality Roofing for Superb Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Rely on a professional roofing company for superior asphalt shingle repairs and installations. At Lifetime Quality Roofing (LQR), we address your roofing concerns with excellent workmanship. Whether you're dealing with broken asphalt shingles, storm damage, leaks or old roofing, trust us to go the extra mile to meet your residential roof repair and replacement needs. We provide a lifetime warranty for every roof we install.
Book a free roof inspection today. Contact LQR for top-quality residential roofing services throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
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