Can You Slow Down Asphalt Shingle Aging?

If you’re like most homeowners, you’re probably concerned about when your roof will be due for replacement, and whether you can get more years out of it. In this blog post, roof repair contractor LePage and Sons Roofing LLC takes a look at how asphalt shingle aging can be slowed down.

What Causes Asphalt Shingle Aging?

First, let’s take a look at the primary cause of asphalt shingle aging: the elements. It’s important to think that your roof is exposed to the elements 100% of the time. As your roof approaches the end of its life span — which is usually 20 to 30 years — expect to see signs such as buckling or curling shingles, as well as a “balding” outer layer. Both are caused by the outer granule layer being worn down by wind and rain. Fasteners and flashing may also fail at this time, which can result in pieces falling off the roof.

How to Slow Down the Asphalt Shingle Aging

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your asphalt shingle roof in good condition and mitigating the effects of wear and tear. Sticking to your scheduled maintenance allows your roofing contractor to spot signs of premature failure and fix them before wear and tear turns them into bigger problems.

The following are some maintenance tasks that you, the homeowner, can do without the aid of a roofing contractor:

• Visual inspection. Visual roofing inspections involve nothing more than using a pair of binoculars to inspect every inch of the roof, keeping an eye out for signs of damage or premature aging. These inspections are ideally done once a year.
• Roof cleaning. Leaves, twigs and needles on the roof can make their way between shingles and create openings for water infiltration. Sharp branches and pieces of debris can scratch the protective granules off the shingles and expose the asphalt layer underneath. You can clean the roof without climbing it by using a telescoping brush or a blower with an extension. You can also simulate rain on the roof using a garden hose, however, you have to make sure that the gutters are also clean.
• Tree trimming. If you have trees on your property, keep an eye out for branches that may be touching the rooftop. Maintain a clearance of about 10 feet between the roof and the outermost branches to prevent damage to the roofing surface.

Learn more about how LePage and Sons Roofing LLC can help you get more years out of your asphalt shingle roof. Give us a call at (508) 295-6483, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment or request a roof estimate.