Data shows that approximately 90% of US asphalt roofs have fiberglass shingles. Shingles are America’s most popular roofing material, and it’s no secret why. Shingle roofs are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and come in many colors. Yet even a shingle roof faces factors that impact its longevity and lifespan.
Learn more about how to ensure your shingle roof enjoys a lengthy lifespan so you don’t end up forking over thousands of dollars on a new roof before it’s time.
Five Factors That Impact the Longevity Of A Shingle Roof
Shingle roofing systems can be tricky. Fortunately, if you’re aware of the following factors, you have a better chance of ensuring a shingle roof that will last you nearly a lifetime.
1) Quality Of Installation
Let’s face it, most of us don’t want to spend a small fortune installing a shingle roof system. Unfortunately, cheaper doesn’t always mean better. If you go the cheaper route and sign up for a poorly installed roof, you’ll likely encounter countless problems during its shortened lifespan.
On the other hand, quality installation will play a big role in ensuring your shingles last as long as they are designed to.
2) Poor Or No Maintenance
With the millions of things on your schedule, it can be easy to place “roof maintenance” last, or near the bottom of your to-do list.
This is the last thing you should do if you want your shingle roof to have a long lifespan. This is because routine maintenance can help you identify minor issues before they become big problems.
For example, routine maintenance will help you determine if you have any cracks on your shingles or weather damage. You can then have these issues addressed with a professional roofing company that will cost you a pinkie instead of an arm and a leg.
3) Inferior Roofing Materials
According to industry experts, roofing material is the biggest factor affecting a roof’s lifespan. If you install asphalt shingles – which are most commonly used – you’re likely to enjoy a lifespan of 15 and 20 years, if maintained.
Often, if you get your roof installed by a professional, your shingles will come with a warranty. This warranty will tell you how long your shingles should last. It’s recommended to hire a qualified roofing contractor who can tell you more about the most durable shingle brands and how long they will last based on your home’s location, environment, and upkeep.
4) Volatile Climates
One of the leading causes of roof failure is long-term weather exposure. In South Florida, roof damage commonly occurs because of extreme heat and hurricane season between June and November. During these months, the weather is unpredictable, leading to devastating consequences for your roof.
For example, cracked or ripped-off shingles and water damage can lead to rotted framing. In addition, temperature fluctuations can lead to roof failure due to a process called thermal cycling. This is when expansion leads to cracks and breakages that expedite the wear and tear of your roofing shingles.
5) Poor Ventilation
Poor roof ventilation can lead to several problems, including rust, mold and mildew, saggy or spongy decking, roof system deterioration, and increased energy costs. Poor ventilation can lead to heat and moisture becoming trapped in your roof, which can cause shingles to deteriorate faster than they should.
This is why proper ventilation of your roof is crucial for its health, your health, and the overall integrity of your home. If you notice any signs pointing toward poor roof ventilation, like a drooping roof, discolored flooring, window condensation, and wall tile discoloration in your attic, it might be best to speak with a professional roofer. Professionals can examine a roof and explain what improvements or repairs can be done to keep shingles sturdier for longer.
Ways To Improve The Longevity Of Your Shingle Roof
Now that you know more about the factors impacting roofing longevity, it’s time to learn how to improve your shingle roof’s lifespan. Let’s dive into these details below.
Trim Overhanging Foilage
One of the best ways to improve the lifespan of your shingle roof is to trim overhanging foliage. Get rid of fallen branches, trees, and other materials that can damage your roof. Removing overhanging trees will protect against two-fold damage. This prevents tree branches from ripping off or cracking your shingle.
Secondly, you won’t have to fret about bird dropping. Yes, you read that right! It’s been proven that constant bird droppings shorten the lifespan of an asphalt roof due to the acidity in the droppings.
Additionally, eliminating overhanging tree foliage will prevent drainage issues. Sometimes leaves, moss, twigs, and other debris can clog gutters, leading to shingle damage when water looks for places to travel along your roof.
Avoid Walking On The Roof
You don’t want to have your foot go through the roof, or have a few shingles fall off, because you had to retrieve a wayward ball. This would cause property damage with loose or broken shingles, and you will likely walk away with a few injuries. Roofing accidents are a serious issue in the US.
There are any number of scenarios (a wayward ball being one of them) that can have you climbing atop your roof. However, no matter the circumstances, this should be avoided. It’s best to hire a roofing professional to address the issue if it cannot be avoided.
Additionally, you should avoid placing heavy objects or equipment on the roof, as these can also cause damage to the shingles and the roof’s underlying structure.
Shingle Roofing and More In South Florida
Numerous factors can impact the longevity of your shingle roof. Fortunately, there are also numerous ways to improve its lifespan. You can start by having a professional roofing company look at your current roofing system to determine what repairs are recommended.
At ABC Roofing, we can help you extend the lifespan of your roof with skilled and reliable maintenance. We also offer a unique, non-toxic formula for cleaning rooftops, called Roof-A-Cide.
To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call 954-344-4622 today.
