Asphalt shingle roofs are a favorite among homeowners in the country. They're durable and dependable. Plus, they have a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from. On average, they have a 30-year lifespan, which several factors can shorten over time.
Timely asphalt shingle roof replacement ensures your property remains safe from water damage and insulation issues. Identifying the following signs of asphalt shingle degradation and failure is the best way to plan your replacement.
Cracking
Asphalt shingle cracking happens because the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) protecting it from the sun has washed over and bared its inner layer. Continued exposure to the sun leaves asphalt shingles vulnerable to cracking.
However, don't be alarmed seeing your asphalt shingles shed granules after it's installed; these are excesses to protect it during transport. If this happens during its 10th or 15th year, we recommend saving up for a new roof to avoid problems.
Splitting
Asphalt shingle splitting occurs due to thermal expansion. Every season, your asphalt shingles contract during winter and expand during the summer. The material's movements cause it to loosen the adhesive joints protecting its top layer. As a result, the asphalt shingle starts splitting in diagonal formations.
Splitting usually occurs within 15 to 20 years after your roof was installed. It's a sign that it's nearing the end of its lifespan and needs replacement within one to three years.
What are the best replacements for asphalt shingle roofs that have aged? Here are a few recommendations from Innovative Building Materials.
1. Steel
Steel metal roofing is making a comeback in construction as modern styles adapt to a more residential aesthetic. Incredibly durable and long-lasting, steel roofing is the type of above-head protection you can certainly count on to weather a bad storm.
Steel is also a great fire-proofing material. As you may know, steel is rust-resistant, too, and it will not require the same amount of upkeep that traditional roofing options demand. While it requires a larger financial investment at the start, steel roofing certainly delivers the high performance you’d expect of a heavy-duty roofing project.
2. Wood
Many alternatives to asphalt shingles are those that are not necessarily new but are experiencing a resurgence because of their timeless aesthetic. Wood is one example of these. While wood shingles may sound old and outdated, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
With new engineered wood and special weather treatments, wood shingles are stronger and more durable than they’ve ever been in the past. Homeowners looking for the traditional charm of wood shingles with the upgraded defense of new technology will be pleased to know that there are many options on the market today.
3. Aluminum
Another type of roofing that is making a comeback is aluminum. While aluminum roofing is not nearly as durable or steadfast as some of the other alternatives to asphalt shingles on this list, aluminum is certainly an affordable option that catches the eye of some homebuilders.
4. Synthetic Asphalt
Many homebuilders like the look of asphalt, but they wish it were more reliable and durable. That’s where synthetic asphalt shingles come into play. You can think of synthetic asphalt as like a new and improved version of the old classic. Boasting traditional and modern styles, synthetic asphalt is actually a composite material that offers the look of individual shingles in larger sheets, simplifying installation and repair.
In addition, the synthetic material is incredibly stronger, boasting a Class A Fire Rating and a Class 4 Impact Rating. If strength, durability, and protection are your top priorities, this is one of the alternatives to asphalt shingles that you definitely want to check out. (Continue reading here to see the rest)
Trust Roper Roofing & Solar to install top-notch roofing materials and solar panels for your property. We have a reputation for successfully completing projects with full warranty cover in your area. Call us today to set an appointment.
