“Weathering” refers to the general effect that long-term exposure to the elements has on asphalt shingles. Weathered shingles do not necessarily have damage, but weathering will eventually lead to damaged shingles, the result of natural deterioration over time. How damage on your roof develops, however, is affected by several things.
These include:
1. Shingle quality – Poorly made shingles will fail earlier than their high-quality counterparts when subjected to the same kind of conditions. Shingle quality varies among manufacturers so it’s important to choose products from a reputable brand. However, it’s also important to note that variances in quality also occur within a brand’s asphalt lineup.
2. Maintenance – Routine care will go a long way toward making asphalt shingles last, but only when maintenance programs are well-designed and carried out properly by an expert roofing contractor. Otherwise, you’re just wasting money on upkeep that does nothing to extend the service life of your asphalt shingle roof.
3. Roof design – Flatter roofs are more likely to fail sooner because they are more directly exposed to the sun and drain water more slowly compared to roofing systems with steeper slopes. Poor ventilation and darker colors also accelerate deterioration.
4. Roof orientation – Asphalt shingle roofs facing south have shorter lifespans because they are more exposed to the sun and are likelier to experience thermal cycling or fluctuations in temperature that exacerbate contractions and expansions. This orientation may also put certain portions of the roof in the path of prevailing winds, upping risks of shingles being blown off.
Planning a roof replacement project? For more than 25 years, Tedrick’s Roofing has been the name to trust for all things roofing in Auburn, WA, and the surrounding communities. With our expertise, we are confident we can address whatever roofing requirements you might have. To learn more about what we can do for you, simply give us a call at (206) 824-3440, or fill out our contact form. Request a FREE estimate today!