If you’re like many people, you don’t think much about your roofing materials – in fact, you probably only think about your roof when you notice that there’s something wrong with it.
Unfortunately, asphalt roofing shingles and other types of roofing materials don’t last forever. Eventually, whether it’s due to poor installation or age, roofing shingles fail and can cause significant damage to the materials they’re supposed to protect.
When roofing shingles fail, which can happen in one of several ways, the materials beneath them can be exposed to water, pests and several other risks.
In many cases, you can hire a professional roofing company to repair them; if you act quickly enough, you may be able to put off a complete roof replacement for several years. However, if the damage is too severe, you may need to have your roof replaced to protect your home’s structural integrity
Free Roof Inspection by one of our Dallas Roofing Experts today!
Asphalt roofing shingles typically last for 20 to 30 years. Several factors can affect how long shingles last, though, such as the quality of the materials, whether they were properly installed and how old they are.
(A good rule of thumb to follow: If your home is about the same age as many of the other homes in your neighborhood and you see your neighbors having roofing work performed, it may be time for you to get a free roof inspection to see how much longer yours should last.) Other roof types have various lifespans. Generally, you can expect the following:
Naturally, your roof will last longer if you maintain it properly. You should have your roof inspected at least once per year. That way, you’ll know if it’s been damaged – and you can make repairs that can help you put off a complete roof replacement.
The best way to determine whether your roofing shingles are damaged or worn is to get a free roofing inspection from an expert. Your inspector will climb up on your roof and visually inspect common problem areas, as well as check for other signs of damage. He or she will also enter your attic to check for signs of roof damage, which may be more apparent from inside than from the outside.
You can also do a visual inspection yourself. However, you shouldn’t climb on your roof unless you’re very familiar with its pitch (the angle of its slope) – and even then, only when it’s dry and safe for you to do so. From the ground, you can look for:
Here’s a closer look at each.
Your shingles can’t protect the materials beneath them if they’re cracked, broken or missing. Walk around the outside of your house and look for any that appear to be damaged or sitting at an angle, which may indicate that they’ve come loose from their fasteners.
Asphalt shingles are coated in small granules that help them shed water and resist UV rays. If the granules come off, the shingles are susceptible to damage. Check your gutters and the areas around your downspouts for small, black pellets, which may be shingle granules, and if you see them, contact a roofing contractor for an inspection as soon as you can.
Shingles dry out and degrade over time, which can result in curling or lifting. Shingles should lie flat against your roof, so if you see any curled edges or shingles that appear to be lifted from their natural position, you need a roof inspection. Your inspector will find out whether you simply need to replace a few shingles or if there’s damage beneath them that must be repaired.
Flashing is the sealant that goes around items that stick out from your roof, such as chimneys and skylights. It seals out water, so if you see that flashing is cracked, broken or otherwise damaged, you should have a professional check it to make sure it’s not letting in moisture.
If your roof appears saggy or droopy, it can be a sign that the wood holding it up has been damaged. This can be a serious indicator that you need a new roof – and if you don’t act in time, your roof could collapse. It’s very important that you call a professional roofer to inspect a sagging or drooping roof.
Mold and mildew spots generally indicate a moisture problem. Sometimes it’s an easy fix – you simply have to clean the roof and trim away branches that are keeping the area too shady. However, if the mold has infiltrated your roofing materials, you may need to replace them. Sometimes you can replace only part of a roof; you may not have to replace the whole thing.
From your attic, you should also check for:
If you’ve noticed any damage on your asphalt roofing shingles, if it’s been more than a year since your last roof inspection, or if your house has recently weathered a bad storm, it’s time to call the experts at Brotherhood Roofing. We’ll be happy to send an inspector to your home to check your roof and see if it’s time to make repairs.
Free Roof Inspection by one of our Dallas Roofing Experts today!
