Routine roof maintenance is essential to keeping your roof in good condition. Not to mention it can help improve its lifespan. Of course, there’s only so much roofing maintenance can do. As it nears the end of its lifespan, your roof will require more frequent repairs.
Individually, roof repairs may not seem that much. However, the costs can quickly add up. And at a certain point, it makes more financial sense to get a roof replacement. Not to mention your insurance provider can increase your premium or drop your coverage if your roof is too old.
How can you tell if it’s time for a roof replacement? By keeping an eye out for the warning signs.
Signs of an Aging Asphalt Roof
There are several reasons why asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the country. They’re cost-effective, relatively durable, easy-to-install and have a fairly long lifespan of about 20 years.
As your asphalt roof approaches the end of its lifespan, you may start to notice the following
- Shingle Curling – Constant exposure to the elements, particularly heat from the sun, can peel away the layers of an asphalt shingle over time, causing the edges of the top layer to curl. Note that while curling shingles usually indicate your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it could also be a sign of inadequate attic ventilation. Without adequate ventilation, moisture may make its way to your roof, causing shingles to curl.
- Granule loss – Manufacturers embed granules in asphalt shingles to protect them from ultraviolet rays. Over the course of its lifespan, a certain degree of granule loss is to be expected. Manufacturers embed about 40% more granules than needed, but 12% to 15% of this don’t fully adhere to the surface. As such, granule loss can be a sign of weathering.
Under what circumstances is granule loss a cause for concern? When granule loss becomes so severe that bald patches start to appear on your roof. What if your asphalt roof started losing a lot of granules even though it was recently installed? Installation errors might be to blame. That’s why only professional contractors from a reputable residential and commercial roofing repair services company should handle roof installations.
- Large cracks – As your asphalt roof gets older, granule loss is expected to become more extensive. Without these granules, the asphalt layer beneath the granules is left vulnerable to ultraviolet damage and the elements. The natural wear and tear process is also accelerated thanks to the exposed shingle substrate’s faster absorption of moisture. Eventually, cracks will start to form on the asphalt shingle.
General Warning Signs of an Aging Roof
- Increasingly frequent repairs – The warning signs may vary depending on the type of roofing material that’s used. However, an unmistakable sign of an aging roof is increasingly frequent repairs.
- Higher heating and cooling costs – Heat and regulated air can escape through gaps in your roof, forcing your HVAC system to consume more electricity to keep indoor temperatures at a comfortable level.
- Cracked sealant – Sealant—which is used to close off seams or gaps between roofing panels—will become brittle after years of exposure to the elements.
- Dark spots – Dark spots are usually caused by moss and algae, which are unlikely to cause any damage. The usual concern with dark spots is that they make roofing systems look more decrepit and lower their curb appeal. However, for metal roofs, dark spots are a cause for concern because they may indicate rust, which eats away metal and weakens structural integrity.
- Damaged underlayment – Not all of the warning signs are visible from ground level or outside. Your roof’s exterior layers might look okay from the outside, but it’s possible that its underlayers have deteriorated over time. The only way to tell if your roof’s underlayment has been damaged is to have professional contractors from a reputable residential and commercial roofing repair services company inspect your roof.
Keeping a Roofing File
To keep track of your roof’s lifespan and its maintenance, contractors recommend keeping a roofing file, which should include:
Basic Roofing Info
Basic roof info includes the dimensions of your roofing system, the kind of roofing material installed, and the manufacturer or the brand that was used. (Sticking to the same brand helps ensure your roof’s performance remains consistent.)
Receipts Issued by Your Contractor
These receipts serve as proof your roof underwent routine maintenance in case you need to file an insurance claim for emergency roof repair or storm damage repairs. Remember: failure to maintain your roof can void your insurance policy.
Inspection Reports
Your contractor will need these inspection reports to determine the parts of your roof that have yet to undergo thorough inspection. This helps them rule out certain areas of your roof and detect potential roof issues faster.
Warranty Info
You should go through the details of your warranty at least twice to make sure you don’t miss any important details.
Your Contractor’s Contact Details
Don’t forget to include your contractor’s info. That way, you can immediately contact them should you have a roofing emergency.
The Estimated Lifespans of Different Roofing Materials
Having an idea on the average lifespans of the most commonly used roofing materials can also help you keep track of your roof’s lifespan.
Here’s an overview:
- Asphalt shingles and composition roofing – 20 years
- Fiber cement shingles – 25 years
- Wood shake roofs – 30 years
- Metal or steel roofing panels – more than 50 years
- Slate, copper, and tile roofing – more than 50 years
Choosing a Roof Replacement
Of course, not all roofing systems will last as long as their estimated lifespans. Several factors can shorten their lifespan. For starters, a roofing system isn’t likely to last long without regular maintenance, which is why routine roof maintenance is a must. There’s also the suitability of the roofing material to your area’s climate. A roofing system—no matter how durable it is—won’t last long in a climate that it isn’t suited to.
To help you choose a roof replacement, here’s an overview of some roofing materials ideal for temperate climates:
- Fiberglass asphalt shingles – Fiberglass asphalt shingles are cost-effective and durable enough to withstand harsh weather. If you decide to install asphalt shingles, we’d recommend choosing architectural shingles instead of three-tab shingles. Architectural shingles are more durable than three-tab shingles and last longer.
- Metal roofing panels – Metal roofing panels are a smart choice if you’re living in areas that frequently experience heavy snowfall. Ice and snow easily slide off slick metal surfaces, so snow or ice-build-up shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Keep in mind that ice and snow falling off of your roof can pose a safety hazard, which is why contractors would usually recommend installing snow guards and heating cables to reduce the risk of accidents. You’d also need to install insulation layers to make sure heat doesn’t escape from your metal roof.
- Concrete tile roofing – An alternative to metal roofing panels would be concrete tile roofing. They’re durable enough to support the added weight load from the snow that’s been piling up on your roof. Keep in mind that concrete tile roofing, as the name suggests, is quite heavy. Before considering this option, have a contractor inspect your home’s structure to see if it can support the additional weight load from concrete tile roofing. If not, it’ll have to be reinforced.
Having trouble choosing between the three? It’d be helpful to consult a local contractor. Since they’re more familiar with the local building codes and climate, they can make better recommendations.
Looking for experienced contractors near you?
Superior Construction Co., a family-owned and -operated roofing company with three decades of experience in the industry, offers a wide range of professional roofing services, including emergency roof repair and roof installation services. To request an estimate or schedule an inspection, call us at (978) 807-1401 or fill out this form. Talk to us today!