It is often difficult to know exactly when to replace a roof. When making your assessment, it is important to have an experienced, trustworthy roofing contractor like Redwood Roofing help you with the process. This article will provide a few tips specific to composition shingles, asphalt shingles, dimensional shingles or architectural shingles. All different words to describe the same type of roofing system.
There are a few major factors in the longevity of a roof, the first being the quality of installation by the roofing contractor when the new roof was originally installed. Did the roofer take into consideration the different slopes to the roof and use correct materials accordingly? Was the roof installed over rotted wood? Did the roofing contractor install according to manufacturers specifications? Did the roofer take the necessary precautions at valleys, chimneys, roof vents, pipes and other protrusions? Some of these important details can be seen upon visual inspection while other potential problems might be out of sight.
Another important factor in the longevity of the roof is of course the roofing material used. In the composition shingle world there are a mountain of different options. Some upgrades are worth while others are not. A knowledgeable roofing professional can help you understand the roof you have installed and approximately how much life remains before replacement becomes necessary. Keep in mind that this is not an exact science. No credible roofing company will be able to say for certain which rainy season will bring the first leak.
One of the most obvious visual clues that your shingle roof might be in failure is when the protective granules begin to come off to such an extent that you can see the fiberglass backing of the shingle. Other hints at a failing roof could be protruding nails, shingles that have slid down, curled or have blown away entirely. Metal flashings around pipes, chimneys or skylights should be inspected for rust and wear.
Location will make a difference in the longevity of your roof. A roof installed on a shady slope in Santa Cruz Ca might last much longer than that same roof installed on a sunny hill in Aptos Ca. The most obvious example of this is to compare the shady side of your roof to parts more exposed to the sun. The sunny side will always wear out faster. Rain totals, weather patterns, heat wind and ventilation will all play a part in the life expectancy of your shingle roof.