Asphalt shingle roofs are highly desirable for their long lives and relatively low maintenance requirements.
Still, these roofs installed by shingle roofing companies are not indestructible and can suffer damage when not properly cared for.
The best way for homeowners to get a full life from their roofs is to know what things can ruin them over time, especially if maintenance is ignored.
A yearly or semi-yearly inspection performed by experienced shingle roofers and good maintenance will ensure a roof ages well and withstands these conditions as long as possible!
- Moisture - As ironic as it might sound, moisture in the form of rain, snow, and ice causes damage to the roof in areas that are allowed to stay wet and eventually rot. Though the top of the shingles are designed to shed all moisture, any moisture that gets under the exterior layer via clogged gutters, damaged flashing, and damaged shingles tends to stay wet for longer periods, gradually reducing the water resistance of the roof and promoting further damage.
- Wind - Shingle roof services find that strong winds can cause a variety of damage to shingle roofs. Wind may break or blow off shingles in the worst cases, but it can also loosen them enough that they look fine from the outside, but allow water to get underneath to cause serious hidden damage.
- UV Exposure - The ultraviolet rays present in normal sunlight are extremely damaging to asphalt shingles and many other roofing materials, drying them out and making them more brittle over time. Shingle roofing companies recommend that homeowners in hot and high-sun climates choose premium shingles with extra UV protection to slow this type of decomposition.
- Trees - Overhanging trees can also severely damage a roof, either by scraping it, puncturing it, dropping large branches that can fall through, or even falling on it. They are also responsible for leaves that clog up roof gutters, resulting many times in water damage to the roof edges and decking due to water absorption.
- Organic Growth - Mold, moss, lichen, and other organic growth on asphalt shingles can start on roofs that stay moist for long periods, especially if there are overhanging trees or other vegetation nearby. This growth will eventually eat away at the shingles, drying them out and causing wood to rot beneath them.
Noting these 5 things that shingle roofers find will ruin a roof, what can homeowners do to prevent that from happening?
Homeowners who hire shingle roof services to perform routine inspections on their roof and do required maintenance to keep it clean and resolve any roofing issues are the best solutions.
With proper care from an experienced shingle roofing company, any asphalt shingle roof will provide years of trouble-free service!