The 4 Essentials Every Homeowner Should Know About Replacing A Roof

At some point, every homeowner is confronted with needing to repair or replace a roof. Unless they have a custom house built, it is likely that the roof is getting up there in age. Eventually, there are issues that arise that can affect the integrity of some elements of the roof and even the structure of the house itself. 

It’s really important to address any roof issues right away before they become significant problems that will cost more time and money to fix. It’s also very likely that the roof in question is an asphalt shingle roof which brings with it its own set of challenges. In this article, we will go over what you need to know about replacing a roof, especially one with asphalt shingles. 

1 – Asphalt shingle lifespan

Asphalt shingles, like any other product, come with an expiration date, though it’s not always set in stone. There are a lot of factors that go into how long shingles will last so there isn’t a definitive answer that works for everybody. 

They are made to last between 20 to 30 years and in ideal conditions you can expect them to do their job well during that time frame. However, as we all know, conditions are almost always far from ideal. There is the fact that they are exposed to many different climatic elements such as high heat and sun exposure, high winds, storms, freezing temperatures, and many more. 

Another factor that affects how long your shingles will last is the quality of the shingles themselves. Not all of them are equal. Some companies that do roofing might use the cheapest shingles on the market and the homeowner is none the wiser. Some companies like Thunderstruck Restorations that do roofing replacement in “Forest lake MN” will use good quality shingles that are designed to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at them. 

How the shingles are installed is also a factor in their longevity. If they were not installed properly then they might not hold up as long as they’re supposed to. Always read the reviews of the company you plan to hire to do the work to make sure that you are dealing with professionals that will take the installation seriously. 

2 – Signs your shingles need replacing

Inspecting your roof occasionally will give you some insight as to whether it’s time to replace the asphalt shingles. One of the first and most obvious signs to look out for is curling. 

Over time, as shingles age, their edges might start to turn upwards or inwards, forming a curl. This curling can occur due to direct exposure to sunlight, inconsistent moisture levels, or even the lack of ventilation in the attic. Once they start curling they are no longer effective at keeping the elements out and need to be changed. 

If you’re missing some shingles from the roof then replacement should be your top priority. Check your roof after a major storm to make sure that the shingles are still in good shape and none are missing. 

Something that is less obvious than the other signs is the loss of the granules on the surface of asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are coated with tiny granules that protect them from the sun’s UV rays and give them their color. 

As the shingles age, they may start shedding these granules, which often end up in gutters. If you notice a build-up of these granules during a gutter cleaning, it’s a hint that your shingles are deteriorating.

Lastly, cracked or broken shingles are an undeniable sign of a problem. These cracks can be the result of severe weather conditions or simply the natural aging process of the material. Regardless of the cause, cracked shingles can compromise the integrity of your roof and make your home more vulnerable to external elements.

3 – Signs they’ve already worn out

If you haven’t checked on your roof in a while, or you have and didn’t see any signs they need to be replaced, you should be looking for some other signs. Shingles that are no longer able to do their job will leave behind some evidence of the fact. Once they begin to fail, you’ll have some problems on your hands. 

One of the clearest indicators of this is the presence of leaks or water damage. If you begin to notice water stains on your ceilings, especially after a heavy rain, it’s a strong signal that your shingles might be letting moisture through. Even small leaks can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and other structural issues, making timely intervention crucial.

Energy bills are also impacted by shingles that are not up to the task. Leaky shingles that don’t properly block winds from getting through, or allow cold air into your attic will make your boiler work harder to keep the house warm. When you see an ever increasing energy bill, and you haven’t turned up any obvious reasons why then this is likely the culprit. 

4 – What happens if you don’t replace

Putting off the replacement of aging asphalt shingles may seem like a money-saving decision in the short term. However, not replacing your shingles in time can have some serious consequences for your roof and structure of the home over the long term. 

Even a small leak can lead to significant water damage, causing mold growth and rotting wood. These issues don’t just threaten the aesthetics of the interior but can also pose health risks due to mold and compromise the structural integrity of the home.

A roof that’s already showing signs of wear is less equipped to handle strong winds, hail, or heavy snow. The next major storm could be disastrous for your wallet. 

Conclusion

Whenever you are dealing with anything regarding your home it’s always best to remember that prevention is the best medicine. Be proactive and get ahead of problems that your roof could cause you. Prevention is often simpler, more economical, and far less stressful than repairs.

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