Asphalt shingles are among the most common materials used on a residential roof. However, as with anything else on your home, it will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Typically, an asphalt shingle will last for about 20 years, however, there are a number of factors that will determine exactly how long your roof will remain in adequate condition.
Weather Conditions
A roof that is exposed to humid weather, extreme temperature changes or a lot of rain or snow will likely fail sooner than one that is exposed to relatively calm weather conditions. This is partially because moisture breaks down the shingle itself over a long enough period of time, and as the shingle weakens, it becomes vulnerable to pests or other damage. At that point, you’ll have no choice but to either repair or replace your roof even if it was installed less than 20 years ago. You should also be aware that a lack of insulation in the attic could create humid or moist conditions that could damage the roof even if outdoor conditions are relatively mild.
Maintenance Matters
Ideally, you will have the roof inspected at least once a year to ensure that you aren’t missing issues that could impact the roof’s useful life. For instance, you might not notice that granules are collecting in the gutter or downspout. However, this can be a sign that shingles are failing and need to be replaced. You may also fail to notice or understand the possible damage that a few curled shingles might cause.
The folks at Evenhouse Roofing in Davenport, IA will be happy to take a close look at the roof to ensure that it is in good condition. We will also look at the gutters, downspouts and other items that might impact your roof’s overall performance.
If there are any issues, we can fix them in a timely and affordable manner. Our team will work with you to determine whether repairs or a full replacement is necessary to ensure that your home is adequately protected from the elements.
Random Events Could Alter the Roof’s Lifespan
These days, shingles can be rated to handle winds of more than 100 miles per hour. However, if you have older shingles that might not be as strong as newer products, gusty winds during a thunderstorm could be enough to rip shingles off of your home. Shingles may also be vulnerable to being blown away if they are curled, weren’t properly installed or experienced other types of damage prior to a storm.
Other elements related to a storm could also damage shingles to the point that they need to be repaired or replaced. For instance, if shingles are pelted by hail, they could be rendered ineffective even if they are brand new. A lightning strike that causes a fire may also cause shingles to be damaged beyond repair.
Fortunately, the cost of repairing damage caused by a storm might be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. It’s also possible that repairs will be covered under warranties offered by your contactor or the shingle manufacturer. Our team is trained to help fix damage caused by storms, and we may be able to work with your insurance company or provide guidance as to the process of filing an insurance or warranty claim.
Proper Installation Is Important
Asphalt shingles that are not properly installed are unlikely to reach the end of their useful lives for a variety of reasons. First, if a starter row is not installed, it gives water an opportunity to flow under the shingles that are installed on the roof, which can result in damage to the shingles as well as other roofing components.
Next, if shingles are not nailed correctly, they could be at risk of curling or not lying flat. This can be especially true when trying to put a second layer of shingles on top of those currently on the roof. Finally, improper nailing could result in a product that is not actually secured to the roof, which can increase the chances that you’ll lose shingles because of high winds.
If you are in need of roof repair or replacement services, don’t hesitate to contact the folks at Evenhouse Roofing right away! In addition to working on your roof, we can also repair or replace gutters or siding in a manner that meets your needs and budget.
