Roof Repair

There are plenty of things for a homeowner to worry about without having to replace a roof that should have lasted longer. Taking every step necessary to lengthen the life of your roof always makes good sense. Today’s homeowners are finding out just how much the price of all building materials, including asphalt shingles, has surged just in the past two years.

How Long Should an Asphalt Shingle Roof Last?

The number of years homeowners can expect their investment in a new asphalt shingle roof to last before it needs to be replaced is variable. In general terms, a newly replaced roof can last somewhere between 30 and 100 years. That’s a huge span of time and depends on a number of factors, so it’s difficult to arrive at a reasonable average.

Things like the type of roofing material used and the weather in your area are just a few things that impact the expected lifespan for an asphalt shingle roof. Eventually, all roofs need to be repaired or replaced and you’ll know the time is right if you see missing shingles, find leaks inside your home, or come upon soft spots in your roof’s decking.

With a little time and attention, however, homeowners can actually be proactive about roof maintenance, preventing some of the troublesome signs mentioned above – signs that signal it’s probably too late to avoid an expensive repair or replacement.

Extending the Life of Your Asphalt Shingle Roof

Even if your budget doesn’t allow you to select the highest-end asphalt shingles for your roof repair or replacement, or if you live in areas where there are extremes in temperature, there are some things you can do to make sure your roof stays in excellent condition. The only thing required is a little attention and regular maintenance. Of course, If you aren’t physically able to climb a ladder and inspect your roof yourself, it is advisable to find a professional roofing contractor in your area to assist you with at least an annual inspection.

In fact, your roof should always be on the list of things routinely checked with each new season. Some of the things that can be done proactively to avoid expensive roof repair costs fall under the category of general maintenance:

  1. Keeping Your Gutters Clean – If your gutters fill up with leaves, mud, and other debris, this can do a lot of damage to your existing roof. Not only does the wet sludge sit and degrade the supporting structure, it also can’t adequately drain water away from your home’s roof. This leads to damage to the roof decking which forms the underlying base for your home’s shingles.
  2. Keep Your Roof Free of Debris and Moss – A little bit of moss can quickly turn into a bigger issue if left unchecked. As the moss grows, the shingle itself can degrade. In this same vein, if debris ends up on your roof, it can create a space where moisture is captured, and this can lead to damaged shingles.
  3. Make Sure Trees Are Trimmed Back and Away from Your Roof – Trees are typical culprits of asphalt shingle roof damage. When storms blow through, sharp branches may poke holes in shingles, leading to trouble down the road. In addition, trees growing near your home should be carefully trimmed back and away from the roof, so they can’t repeatedly scrape back and forth causing damage.
  4. Ensure Your Attic and Roof are Properly Insulated – Insulation is important because it helps protect your roof from extreme heat and temperature fluctuations. Because they are made of asphalt, shingles are susceptible to heat and can deteriorate if attic insulation isn’t adequate.
  5. Prevent Ice Dams – When ice or snow collects on your roof, it can cause moisture to back up underneath your shingles as it goes through its natural freeze-thaw cycle. This leads to leaks in ceilings or even exterior-facing walls. Removing snow and ice is easily accomplished with a roof rake.
  6. Consider Applying Roof Max® Protectant – In addition to the simple and ongoing maintenance tasks that help extend the life of your roof, there are sustainable options available that help preserve asphalt shingles and even protect those roofs that have already started to show signs of wear. Time, weather, and inadequate maintenance can cause damage, most of which is directly related to the shingle losing its natural oil. When shingles become brittle, they are more susceptible to breakage and the elements. This soy infusion technology is all-natural and re-moisturizes shingles to help them stay flexible.

Protect and Extend the Life of Your Asphalt Shingle Roof with Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding and Roof Maxx®

If you’re looking for more ways to extend your roof’s life expectancy, Roof Maxx® can help. We begin with a detailed inspection, perform any needed maintenance or repairs, then apply the roof rejuvenation treatment to restore your roof’s flexibility and weatherproof protection. Treating your shingles every five years can extend the life of your roof by up to 15 years. Find out more about protecting your roof for the long haul with Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding and Roof Maxx®.

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