When to Replace an Asphalt Shingle Roof
The shingles on your roof can be patched over their lifespan, but there comes a point where a roofing professional will recommend replacing your asphalt shingle roof. Keep an eye out for the following signs that it's time to replace your roof.
Also, be sure to check shingle granules regularly. Shingles that are losing granules will bruise, allowing UV rays to destroy the shingle underneath.
1. Water Damage
Asphalt shingle roofs are typically low maintenance, but there are times when the right time to replace your roofing system comes around. The right roof will increase your property value, cut energy costs, and protect your home from water damage and other problems.
Asphalt roof shingles are designed with a black asphalt top layer that creates a waterproof, UV- and wind-proof cover over a base of organic materials and cement fibers. This enables the roof to last for up to 20 years.
The shingle also has a protective layer of granules that helps shield the shingle from the sun's damaging rays. When the granules are missing, it's time to get your roof replaced.
Specialty shingles are available to help extend the expected lifespan of your roof, including shingle varieties that fight algae growth and provide enhanced resistance to hail damage. Maintaining your roof with biannual inspections and regular cleaning will also help reduce the need for repair and replacement.
2. Old Shingles
As shingles get older, they tend to wear down faster. A sign that a roof is nearing the end of its lifespan is when you see bits of shingle granules in your gutters.
During a roof replacement, old shingles are removed and new ones installed. You can also opt for a shingle overlay, which is laying a layer of new shingles on top of the existing ones. However, roofing experts do not recommend this option because it raises the weight on your roof and prevents full inspections of your roof.
If you opt to overlay your roof, it's important that you break all sealant bonds between the old and new shingles. Also, it's best to apply asphalt plastic roof cement under the new shingles to help them adhere and to match the color of your existing shingle roof. This will help ensure your new roof lasts as long as possible. Ultimately, the longevity of your roof will depend on how quickly you catch and repair problems like curling shingles or fading.
3. Wind Damage
Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for homeowners because of their durability, low cost and design flexibility. They are available in a variety of grades, styles and colors. They are also designed to withstand different weather conditions. These include wind, fire and hail damage.
High winds are a common cause of roof damage to asphalt shingle roofs. If a shingle hasn't been nailed properly or the adhesive strip has been compromised, it will be more susceptible to being lifted by the wind. This could lead to shingle tabs breaking off or the entire shingle blowing off, increasing water damage inside the home.
If you notice that a few of your shingles have been blown off of your roof, it is important to have the roof replaced as soon as possible. It's even more urgent if your roof has already been damaged by severe storms like tornadoes, hurricanes and huge hail. If these damages are not repaired, they will shorten the lifespan of your asphalt shingle roof.
4. Hail Damage
Whether or not roof hail damage warrants an insurance claim is a big question for homeowners. Hail can damage asphalt shingles by leaving dents, or by scratching the mineral granules off of them. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to tell the difference between animal damage and hail damage by doing routine roof inspections.
If the dents are large enough, it's definitely time for a new roof. If the granules are scratched off, it's likely just cosmetic damage and can be repaired with little expense.
A roof replacement is a great investment for homeowners, and can make their homes more attractive, increase real estate value, and cut energy costs. Asphalt shingle manufacturer warranties usually guarantee from 15- to 30-years of useful life. However, if your home is in an area that experiences a lot of hail storms, you may need to have it replaced sooner than that. If so, it's wise to consider a more durable roofing option such as metal or slate.
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The shingles on your roof can be patched over their lifespan, but there comes a point where a roofing professional will recommend replacing your asphalt shingle roof. Keep an eye out for the following signs that it's time to replace your roof. Also, be sure to check shingle granules regularly. Shingles that are losing granules…