Are you wondering what causes asphalt shingles deterioration? Watkins Alabama is here to help. Roofers began using asphalt shingles in the 1920s. Since then, the material has been a popular choice. Asphalt shingles are currently the most used roofing material. They are noted for their durability, ease of care, and waterproof qualities. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, degrade with time, which leads many homeowners to plan for new roofs.
When it comes to asphalt roofing systems getting older, several factors come into play.
-
Shingles’ Quality
The “economy” shingles will not survive like the high-quality ones. Manufacturers’ shingle lifespans and quality standards differ.
-
Thermal Cycling
Roofs warm up during the day and cool down at night. Likewise, asphalt shingles may expand in the heat and shrink in the cold because of temperature fluctuations. Fast temperature fluctuations harm shingles because they can’t expand and contract at their regular rate. As a result, splits and cracks may form, allowing water to enter. A roof’s lifespan might be shortened if it is constantly exposed to heat cycling.
-
Roof Orientation
Sunlight is evenly distributed on both sides of a roof that faces east and west throughout the day. Because of the higher sunshine exposure on the south side and thermal cycling, north and south-facing roof slopes degrade more quickly. Additionally, certain areas of the roof are more vulnerable to the prevailing winds than others.
-
The Roof Slope
Because they shed water more slowly, flat roofs often have a shorter lifespan. They are also more vulnerable to UV rays than sloped roofs.
-
Several Layers
When a roof has multiple layers of shingles, the typical lifespan of that roof is drastically reduced.
-
Elevation
Most roofing materials degrade faster in higher elevations because of the increased exposure to UV light.
-
Maintenance
Do you have your roof checked out by a professional every few months or so? Delaying or avoiding necessary repairs can hasten the deterioration of your roof. Proper maintenance will help your roof last longer and avoid costly water damage from leaks.
-
Roof Ventilation
As a result of the trapped heat and cold in the attic, shingles have a shorter lifespan due to insufficient ventilation. When shingles are not kept cold, volatile loss and thermal cycling are aggravated.
-
Climate
Harsh climatic conditions can shorten roof lifespans. Factors such as wind, moisture, and thermal cycling might threaten your roofing system’s structural integrity. Winter’s freezing and thawing cycles induce roof movement, which expands water in the gaps, causing problems. Besides, moisture can help algae and fungal development.
-
Color
Darker roofs absorb heat while lighter ones reflect it. Heat speeds up volatile loss and thermal cycling. If you live in hot areas, install light-colored shingles to reduce heat absorption and extend the roof life.
-
Installation Quality
The quality of the asphalt shingles depends on the method of installation. Poorly installed roofs have a shorter lifespan.
-
Trees Near the Rooftops
Branches from a tree that is too near to the roof might damage the asphalt shingles. The acidic leaves of the tree can also collect on the roof. Debris also collects moisture, which can lead to the deterioration of the shingles. Thus, the combination of friction, acidity, and moisture can shorten the lifespan of asphalt shingles.
What Causes Asphalt Shingles Deterioration?
The elements stated above affect the longevity of your asphalt shingles. It is possible to extend the life of your roof by keeping a close watch on it and making repairs as soon as issues arise. However, environmental factors and poor installation quality may shorten the lifespan.
Three-tab and architectural asphalt shingles may survive for over two decades under normal conditions.
An asphalt shingles roof’s lifespan depends heavily on the weather, though. While asphalt shingles can last anywhere from 14 to 20 years in the Southwest, in the North and Northeast, they can last anywhere from 19 to 20 years on average.
Your asphalt roof in Alabama is subjected to all four seasons, causing it to wear and tear. Watkins Construction offers a comprehensive asphalt shingle repair service to safeguard your house and family.
Take Advantage of Our Free Asphalt Shingle Roof Estimate.
Trust Watkins Roofing for all your roof repair and replacement needs. Our specialty is the installation, repair, and maintenance of new roofs. For seamless rain gutter and downspout installations, we are here for you!
We proudly serve Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Foley, Robertsdale, Orange Beach, and the surrounding area. Because we are a family-owned roofing company, our community vested us. Besides, with our Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor accreditation, we are the area’s asphalt roof specialists. Only a few roofing firms in the country have this distinction.
For more information, contact Watkins Construction and Roofing at 251-299-8151.
