If asphalt shingles lived in a vacuum, we could very specifically estimate their life expectancy. However, due to a variety of reasons including climate and storm conditions, the 15-year countdown to when you will need to replace your roof starts on day 1 of installation and could be accelerated due to other factors.
What Affects My Shingles
Climate
High heat from the sun can scorch surfaces that could raise roof temperatures up to 75 above regular temperatures. This coupled with ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) have been shown to accelerate the aging of asphalt shingles. As shingle granules are lost over time, heat and UV rays become a more corrosive factor on a roof.
Conversely, a sudden weather change that causes the temperature to drop quickly will cause asphalt shingles to rapidly contract thus placing strain on them. In areas with frequent storms, this process can be played out many times during a typical summer season. Roofing in these areas will likely see a shortened lifespan.
Storms
In areas frequently affected by storms, a roof’s integrity can be compromised at almost anytime due to hail and wind damage. A roof that is newer will withstand an amount of damage much better than an older roof, but it does not provide a guarantee that storm damage won’t occur. For this reason, it’s important for homeowners to have their roof inspected each season by a professional with a trained eye.
Construction
The overall construction of a home’s roof will affect its lifespan as well. For example, improperly ventilated air space in an attic prevents proper airflow thus allowing moisture to accumulate in the space. In the wintertime, an attic lacking proper air flow and insulation will create the right conditions for ice dams to form. As these ice dams form, melted water can leak into the home causing damage. The ice dam will also wear against the roof and breakdown the shingle granules thus further compromising its integrity.
Signs of An Aging Roof
- Curled shingle edges
- Blistering shingles
- Streaked stains from algae
- Cracked surface
- Missing shingle due to a storm
- Hail marks on siding or gutters indicate there is likely roof damage too
An asphalt shingled roof is at its prime within the first decade of its lifecycle. Even if you haven’t experienced storm damage to your roof, there are other factors that come into play. It is important to get an inspection done if your roof is reaching its 15th year of life.
Revive Restoration offers free inspections and will work with your insurance company. A trusted locally owned and operated company, Revive Restoration service Minnesota and Wisconsin for residential and commercial roofing, siding, and gutter needs. Check out our reviews online, and then give us a call to schedule your free inspection today!
