Manufacturers build roofing materials to last and withstand extreme weather. That said, asphalt shingles have a 20-30-year lifespan. However, are the lifespan estimates of asphalt shingle and other roof materials only a reference? Can you use a functional roof beyond its estimated expiration? Roofers believe it's a semi-defined reference.
Roof materials deteriorate as it protects your roof. For example, a hailstorm hit and loosen the asphalt shingle roof's protective granules. These life-prolonging components continue to lose volume as seasons change. By the roof's 25th year, it may have lost all its granules.
Granule loss is one of the signs you need roof replacement. Others are loss of integrity, such as shrinking asphalt shingles, and wide-spanning blisters, cracks, and splitting. If you want an accurate evaluation, ask a roofer to check the system's condition and their professional opinion.
Replace your roof within a few years before the roof's expiration date. To be safe, replace it even if it remains functional, resistant to leaks, and appealing from the curb. Furthermore, you can avoid the challenges and added expenses of replacing rotted sheathing and attic and the roof material.
Absolute Roof Solutions has an excellent post discussing when to replace your roofs. Learn more about them in this post below.
There are a number of easily observed warning signs that indicate your roof is wearing out and that you can expect future leaks and trouble down the road. When these indications start popping into view on your roof, it is a good idea to start thinking about replacement or repair if that is possible.
1. Missing Granules
Missing granules, when viewed from the ground, look like dark patches on light shingles or lighter patches if the shingles are black or dark. You will also see large amounts of granules in the gutters when you clean them.
The loss of granules do not affect the waterproofing of the roof, so if they are missing you won’t necessarily get leaks. But the granules protect the asphalt in the shingle from being damaged by the UV rays of the sun. So once they go, the shingles will wear out faster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFM7HmAA3-8
2. Curling Shingles
Curling Is the result of the asphalt in the shingles drying and shrinking over time. They become brittle as a result. In high winds, they will begin to get blown off. There is no repair for this other than replacing the tiles affected or, if widespread on your roof, time to replace the roof..
3. Lots of Moss
Moss growth on shingles doesn’t necessarily mean that shingles are old or worn out, particularly if it is only in one area. Often the affected shingles can be simply cleaned to remove the moss.
However, if the growth is widespread abundant and been there a while, the shingles become damaged. The moss will also get under them and start to lift them up. This hurts the ability of your roof to drain and will lead to leaks.
If moss is taken care of early, then it won’t affect the roof. But if it is left to grow unchecked it will damage and prematurely shorten the life of a roof. (Continue reading here to learn more)
Get top-notch residential roof replacements by hiring GAF Master Elite roofing companies. Roper Roofing & Solar is a contractor with decades of experience, knowledge, and capacity to prolong your home's lifespan with proper installations and repairs. Call us today to get started.
