When should asphalt shingles be replaced?
Asphalt roof shingles are the most common and popular roofing material in the country, and in Missouri, this time of the year sees a lot of need for shingle roof repair contractors. Yes, we are talking about springtime and storms that include hailstorms and high winds along with tornadoes. Sometimes, after these acts of nature have passed, homeowners wait on the insurance company to decide if they are being afforded roof shingles repair or replace.
A repair damaged roof shingle is sometimes not possible. Sometimes, asphalt roof shingles simply have reached the end of their life expectancy. As a homeowner, if you’re familiar with the signs that tell you it is about to reach that time, you can be financially ready when the time comes to do more than repair a few roof shingles.
During the monthly inspection of your home, or the annual inspection by a professional roofing contractor, these are the indicators you need to watch for:
- Curled, cupped asphalt roof shingles
- Missing granules that have created bald spots
- Cracked or missing shingles
- Age of your asphalt shingle roof is 20 years or older
- An asphalt shingle roof is looking aged and worn
- Your neighbors are getting a new roof
- Black, dark streaks of algae and moss
There are a few home repairs that can be delayed for the foreseeable future. However, a leaking roof isn’t one of those repairs. Therefore, a monthly inspection is recommended. Finding those issues that we’ve listed or noting the age of your roof gives you the opportunity to get the repairs made before a problem starts or plan the budget for a replacement.
What type of roof shingles are best?
While they may not consider asphalt roof shingles the best by roofing experts, they remain the most popular choice. Why? They are inexpensive, offer easy installation, and are available in a multitude of colors that can match any home exterior.
In the southwest part of the country, like Florida, tile roofing is popular because of the Mediterranean style of homes and its reflection of the strong UV rays. In the Northeast, slate roofing is the most popular choice where homes are of Gothic and Victorian style dating back to the 1800s. All around the country, especially in the countryside, metal roofing is popular. All roofing materials are as good as they are installed and maintained, but we have known metal roofing to last up to 50 years while a slate roof can last up to 100 years.
Are all roofing shingles the same?
If you’re in the market for a new roof, it’s hard to decide if you want asphalt roof shingles or another type of roofing material, or if you are going with asphalt roof shingles which type. You must interview some roofing contractors for quotes, and they are the best person to provide reliable information on roofing materials.
As you interview these roofing contractors, ask about their insurance, licensing and customer referrals. Check with those clients about workmanship and how the company honors their shingle repair on the roof they’ve installed.
There are three choices in asphalt roof shingles:
- Three-Tab Shingles
- Architectural Shingles
- Premium Shingles
Similar materials are used to make all three asphalt roof shingles, but the differences are:
- Three-Tab Asphalt Roof Shingles are affordable and can last 20 years or longer in the right climate. They don’t have as many aesthetic options and come off easily in high winds.
- Architectural Shingles are durable and strong. With their multi-dimensional texture and appearance, who can resist them and their lifespan of 30 years or more? You get a longer lifespan, but it will cost you.
- Premium Asphalt Roof Shingles offer that multi-dimensional appearance and durability, but compared to cedar or slate roofing material options, they are affordable.
How long do roof shingles last?
The climate and unexpected events can make the determining factor how long any roofing material will last. Asphalt roof shingles typically last 20 years, however, there are some high-quality asphalt roof shingles the manufacturers quote up to 30 years. Wood shake roofing has a life expectancy of 30 years and experts quote fiber cement roofing shingles to last 25 years.
What color shingles are best?
Asphalt roof shingles come in many colors, but there is more to those color choices than the esthetics they offer. There is functionality and purpose to consider. Dark color asphalt roof shingles have a solar absorptance of 97% and white shingles offer 76% absorptance. Depending on what part of the country you’re in should be considered when choosing the color of your next asphalt roof shingles.
The roof of your home is an investment for your largest investment. Choose the best roofing that you can afford when the time comes for replacement, and in the meantime, stay on top of possible repairs that can make your roof last longer. Call 816-896-4195 today for more information on shingle roofing in Grain Valley and Kansas City, MO.