Watkins Construction & Roofing has put together an article on the factors that influence the asphalt shingles lifespan. Knowing how long the different asphalt shingle types can last may give you an idea of what to expect from them. However, you should not accept that information at face value if you plan to install a new roof. Indeed, your new shingles’ life will vary depending on several factors.
Elements such as your shingles’ quality, the climate, and how much you care for them will obviously determine their lifespan. However, other not-so-common circumstances may affect the duration of your roofing shingles.
Let’s see how these unusual factors can influence the lifespan of your new shingles.
- Roof Ventilation
The quality of the attic ventilation heavily influences your asphalt shingles’ lifespan. Over time, the heat buildup in an improperly vented attic can cause significant structural damage. When the temperature in your attic rises above the temperature outside, it can slowly fry the components in your roof.
- Regular Weather Patterns
The typical climate in your region is another important aspect that might affect how long your asphalt shingles last. All roofs eventually deteriorate due to weathering.
Shingles can deteriorate much more quickly in harsh climes than in milder ones. During the winter, Alabama receives an average of 4.23 inches of rain and has high winds that constantly blow it around. The highest temperature is often about 83 degrees in the summer.
Taking a brief stroll in such conditions could be bearable. But being outside permanently is a different thing! That is exactly what your shingles will do. During these seasons, your shingles may suffer. This is important to take into account while investing in new shingles.
- Direction That Your Shingle Roof Points
Many homeowners overlook the orientation of their homes when trying to predict how long their asphalt shingles will last. The time your roof spends in direct sunshine is directly proportional to how long it will last.
Consider a home that has windows facing both east and west. During the day, both sides of this house will receive the same amount of sunshine.
Therefore, asphalt shingles will age uniformly on both sides. Let’s now picture a home that is oriented north to south. Shingles on the south side of this house will soak up the sun for the better part of each day. Because of this, the shingles on the south side of the house will wear out before those on the north side.
- The Amount of Sunlight Exposure
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down the asphalt in shingles, causing them to fade, crack, and deteriorate. Shingles exposed to a lot of sunlight will have a shorter lifespan than those that are not.
If you live in an area with a lot of sunlight, you can extend the lifespan of your roof by choosing shingles with a high UV resistance rating. You can also plant trees or shrubs around your home to give shade to the roof.
- The Presence of Trees or Other Objects Near the Roof
Trees and other objects near the roof can create wind gusts that can damage the shingles. If you have trees near your house, trim them regularly so they do not overhang the roof. You should also avoid planting tall trees or shrubs near the roof.
Besides wind damage, trees can drop leaves, needles, and branches onto the roof. Debris can clog gutters and downspouts, which can lead to water damage. It is necessary to clean the roof regularly to remove any debris that may have accumulated.
Professional Roofing Contractors
When it comes to roofing, it is critical to remember that the crew you hire to do the job makes a significant difference in how long your roof lasts.
We can help with that! Watkins Construction & Roofing has a proven track record of installations. So, you can trust that we will install your shingles properly to ensure their maximum lifespan.
The time your roof lasts also depends on how often you inspect it. A professional contractor should examine your roof at least once a year. This way, we can detect issues and address them before they escalate.
If you do not have your roof inspected annually, your shingles may last only half as long as they should.
Watkins Construction & Roofing can provide you with the help you need. You can get in touch with us by calling us at 251-299-8151. We service areas in Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Foley, Fairhope, Robertsdale, and Orange Beach, AL.
