Shingles for your roofing system
We are through the typical spring storms that keep everyone in Tornado Alley on our toes. That doesn’t mean we aren’t going to see more storms through the next few months that can do damage to a home, especially with asphalt shingle roofing. In fact, there is a good chance that many homes in this area of Missouri has shingle roofing damage now and isn’t aware of that damage.
Shingle roofing is the most common type of roofing on residential homes in the part of the country. It is without saying that if there has been any hailstorms or high winds, there is damaged shingle roofing. So, how do you know when shingles are going bad?
If you’ve been checking your shingle roofing from the exterior to see if it was ready to be replaced, you’ve been looking in the wrong place. With a flashlight in hand, go in the attic and if you see any light coming into your attic from outside, you need a new roof. Or if you see any water stains or streaks on the underside of the decking, wet on the insulation, you have a leaking roof.
From the exterior, if you notice any of the following things about your shingle roofing, call a professional roofing contractor for an inspection:
- Broken, cracked, loose, or missing shingles. These are leaving gaps in the roof, exposing the decking and your home vulnerable to the elements. Any time you have a weather event with hard, high winds, loosened or missing shingles are a possibility.
- Curled shingles. As shingle roofing is exposed to the hot sun here in Missouri, they will begin to curl on the corners and edges. If your attic is poorly ventilated, the extreme heat from the UV rays will become even hotter through the roof, causing the shingle roofing to curl. As these shingles are curled, this makes them more vulnerable to being ripped off from high winds.
- Shingle roofing granules are thinning. As a roof ages, the granules on a shingle roofing will erode and wear thin, taking away a layer of protection from your roof. As you clean your gutters and downspouts, if you’re noticing an increase in those granules, or you see dark spots on the existing shingle roofing, call a professional roofing for an inspection.
When should roof shingles be replaced?
The general recommendation for replacing your asphalt shingle roofing is between 12 and 15 years. With a professional bi-annual inspection of your roof, small issues can be discovered and resolve before they become bigger problems, like a roof leak.
As the homeowner, it is important to do your own visual roof inspection after every weather event or once a month. The professional roof inspection every 6 months is a backup to catch things you may miss. The suggested time frame of 12 to 15 years can vary based on the climate and weather your roof is exposed. A severe winter and then hot and humid summer can wear out shingle roofing materials more quicker.
Is it OK to put shingles on top of shingles?
There are few factors that can determine if installing new asphalt shingle roofing over an existing roofing material is acceptable. Yes, the roofing contractor not removing the old shingles, the tear off procedure, is a money and time saver, but is it in the best interest for your home? Things that need to be considered:
1). If your home is within a POA division, or the city where you live, may have ordinance against reroofing over an existing roof.
2). The structure of your home and the roof may not withstand the extra weight off asphalt shingle roofing material.
3). Your homeowner’s insurance may not cover any future shingle roofing claims when the adjuster discovers the original roofing is still in place.
4). Some roofing contractor won’t install new shingle roofing material over an existing roof.
How long do shingles last on your roof?
It is reasonable to expect when you buy a high quality shingle roofing product and pay a professional that knows how to put shingle roofing on, that you will get the lifespan the shingle manufacturer stated. While those are 2 important factors in getting a roof that lasts, there are 5 other factors that can affect your roof’s lifespan:
- Attic Ventilation – If your home has inadequate attic ventilation, there is going to be cold and hot air trapped in the attic that will shorten any quality level of asphalt shingle roofing material lifespan. As the top of the roof heats up in the summer, the trapped heat in attic will bake the shingles if the attic can’t breathe.
- Roofing Contractor – As we mentioned already, you need to hire a roofing contractor that is local and has a reputable history. Ask for credentials, insurance, and recent references in your area.
- The Weather – No matter where you live, the weather there will have an effect on the your shingle roofing . The weather is the enemy of any roof, and extreme weather can wear a roof out faster. From a hot summer sun to hailstones of the spring to the ice and snow in winter, the weather is brutal on a roof.
- Roof Direction – The direction your home faces has an impact on your shingle roofing . The more direct sun, the shorter life your roof will have. A roof that faces east to west will get more balance sunlight.
- Roof Maintenance – Keeping your shingle roofing clean is important in how long your roof will last. Any debris left sitting on an asphalt shingle roofing will rot the shingles through to the decking. Professional roof cleaning at least once a year is recommended, twice a year if you have a lot of trees around your home.
How long does a 30 year roof really last?
Well, it won’t be 30 years! The truth is, a professional shingle roofing installation with 30-year shingle and routine maintenance and upkeep is done, will give you up to 25 years of service. A 30 year roof that isn’t maintained and kept up, and has gone through different types of weather, you can expect 12 to 15 years at the most from your asphalt shingle roofing.
If you’re in the market for a new roof, you may wonder which is the most durable in Tornado Alley, shingle roofing vs metal roofing? When comparing metal roofing to asphalt shingle roofing, you’ll up to 4 times longer lifespan from the metal roofing. If you don’t want to be replacing your roof again, go metal! Call 816-896-4195 today for your shingle roofing needs in Grain Valley and Kansas City, MO.