It’s a question we hear all the time, so we decided to write a post about the life expectancy of roof shingles. We do free roof inspections all the time, so call us or send a message if you’re ever in doubt.
If you just had your house re-shingled, you’re likely expecting the roof to be problem-free for about 15-30 years. Well, that’s often true. But the lifespan of your roof shingles actually depends on several factors such as the type and quality of shingles you used, the climate in your area, how the roofing contractor installed them and lastly but very important, how well you maintain your roof.
Most homeowners in Alabama pick asphalt shingles because they are the most economical option available compared to other roofing products. Asphalt shingles are also very easy to install and maintain.
But like any other kind of roof shingles, they are not maintenance-free. How well you take care of your roof shingles, will directly affect how long they will last.
Here’s a few tips to help you maintain and get the most out of your new roof shingles.
Always use quality shingles.
Going for cheaper roof shingles may sound tempting for cost-saving purposes. But remember that cheaper isn’t always a good thing. Cost is directly tied up to quality. Quality shingles produced by a reputable manufacturer like GAF will stand the test of time.
Going cheaper may save you money now but may cause you expensive repairs down the road. Always think about quality first and price next. This is especially true if you own and plan to stay in your home for a while.
Trust only professional roofing contractors.
Properly installed roof shingles will give you peace of mind that they will protect your home for many years. Only trust licensed and professional roofing contractors to do the work. Don’t know who to choose? Check out our post on the top 10 qualities to look for in a roofing company.
Regular maintenance.
As mentioned earlier, roof shingles should be given enough attention and proper maintenance for them to last as long as they should and even longer. Neglected roof shingles tend to deteriorate faster causing them to break sooner than expected which then leads to costly repairs or worst, replacements. Here’s just a few of the things to be on the lookout for.
- Dirt and debris
- Moss or algae
- Damaged flashing
- Clogged or damaged gutters
- Pitting or peeling
Many of these common issues can be difficult to spot by the untrained eye. This is especially true of pitting caused by hail damage which can be practically undetectable without a close-up inspection. It’s important to have your roof inspected regularly by a reputable local contractor. If a contractor discovers signs of hail damage, your insurance may cover the repairs with little or no out-of-pocket costs.
Ventilation.
You would also want to ensure your home is well-ventilated to promote air circulation. Proper ventilation will bring outside air in and allow air inside your attic to escape. This exchange of air in your attic would help prevent condensation from forming which contributes to your roof deck durability.
With Alabama’s unpredictable weather, there’s no assurance that your roof shingles will last as long as we hope they will. But by ensuring everything was properly installed and well-maintained, you can prevent unnecessary problems and costly repairs.
For all your roofing needs, contact 5 Star Roofing and Restoration at 205.518.8433 for a FREE roofing estimate.