The shingles that protect your roof and keep your house dry will deteriorate over time. It is important to learn how to recognize the aging signs in shingles. Everyone hopes that his or her roof will last forever, but as with all things, roof shingles will age. All fabricated shingles tend to display the same symptoms as the years take their toll. Just knowing a few of these can tell you when it is time to consider getting a new roof.
One thing to remember is the fact that not all shingles will age at the same pace. Different shingles have different life spans and the best way to assess how long your shingles will last is to check with the manufacturer’s warranty and also to have your roofing specialist determine the best installation method to use.
For instance, if your warranty lasts for fifteen years, then you may want to begin checking for serious wear and tear around that time. However, to truly keep your roof in prime condition, you should have your roof properly inspected by a qualified roofer at least twice a year.
When shingles become old or begin to show signs of aging, you may notice that they begin to crack, curl or become loose; they may even break off. You should never ignore these signs or put them off. When you begin to see signs of aging in your shingles, you should contact a qualified roofing contractor and have the roof assessed.
As shingles age, they also tend to lose their ability to retain the granules on their surface. This is a combination of a hardening of the shingle itself and the weather and elements loosening the granules. The wind and rain push the granules down the slope of your roof and either fill your gutters or fall onto the ground around your home.
While shingle granules will almost always end up in your gutters or on the ground around your home, a few does not signal that the shingles are aging. When the amount seems large, it’s time for a closer look at the shingles themselves. Again, you should schedule an appointment with a qualified roofing contractor and have them provide you with an assessment of your roof, especially if you are experiencing any leaks or have recently noticed stains on the ceilings around your home.
Hail and high winds can also crack and break shingles. Even a newer roof needs to be inspected at least twice a year to assure that it has not lost its integrity. Storms can speed up the aging process for shingles. They will also do more extensive damage to older shingles.
You should always have an experienced and qualified roofing contractor handle your roofing needs, including replacing or repairing aging or damaged shingles. By having your roofing contractor repair shingles as they become damaged you will protect your investment by extending the life of your shingle roof and you will most certainly have peace of mind.
Call Amherst Roofing today for a FREE ROOF INSPECTION. Amherst Roofing serves all of Naples, FL, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Golden Gate. All of Collier County, FL and Lee County, FL.
