The Few and the Fearless: A Blog About Roofers

Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing option, but they can also be one of the least durable types of roofing that your home can use. As a result, there are many problems that these shingles can experience.

Granules Washing Off The Asphalt Shingles

The surface of the asphalt shingles will be covered with granules. As the shingles start to approach the end of their lives, these granules will start to wash off the roof. This can severely compromise the performance of the shingles and can allow them to suffer a number of other structural problems. This problem will often be recognized by these granules collecting near the downspouts for the gutters. If you are noticing this occurring with your roof, it may be a sign that the roof needs to be replaced.

Shingles That Curl At The Edges

As the shingles age, they can tend to curl on the edges of the shingles. This can lead to the shingles not properly fitting together, which can allow far more water to make it under the shingles where it can cause considerable damage. Periodically assessing your roof for signs of curling shingles can give you a chance to address this problem soon after forming. Performing regular maintenance of the shingles can lessen the risk of this problem occurring as it will remove debris and other substances that can get under the shingles and contribute to warping or moisture damage. Roofing contractors are able to perform this work for their clients so that the lifespan of the roof can be easily maximized without requiring the homeowner to do difficult or even dangerous work.

Cracks In The Shingles

Another issue that aging shingles can experience is that they will tend to develop cracks. These cracks can be a serious problem as they can impact the overall performance of the shingles. For example, shingles that are cracked can allow large amounts of moisture to seep under the roof, and it can significantly increase the amount of heat exchange that occurs through the roof. If the shingles have suffered damage due to branches falling on the roof, it may be possible to address this issue by replacing the damaged shingles. However, if the cracking is occurring due to the shingles reaching the end of their lifespan, replacing all of them is likely to be the best option for restoring the roof and preventing this from causing serious damage to the home.

If you've noticed any of these problems with your shingles, contact a roofing contractor.