When you take a stroll outside and have a look at your neighbors’ roofing system, more often than not, it’s going to be an asphalt shingle roof. This is because asphalt shingles remain one of the most popular roofing materials due to their versatility and accessibility. As such, it’s important to know the factors that contribute to how they age. In this post, LePage Sons and Roofing LLC, the top roof replacement company, shares the factors that affect asphalt shingle aging or weathering.
What Is Asphalt Shingle Weathering?
“Weathering” or aging is a term used to describe the effects of the elements on your shingles after extended periods of time. However, this doesn’t automatically mean that you have damaged shingles if you’ve noticed signs of weathering as this is a natural process that will happen over the course of your roof’s lifespan. Remember, no matter how advanced or durable your shingles are, they will show signs of wear-and-tear as the years go by. However, the rate at which they can show signs of weathering can be affected by some of these factors:
1. Shingle Quality. Your roofing contractor will tell you that the quality of the shingles you picked will be a huge factor in the weathering of your roofing materials. Shoddy, second-rate roofing material will show signs of weathering earlier than top-grade shingles. Remember that quality can differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, even within their own products. As such, it’s important to conduct thorough research before choosing a roofing material.
2. Climate. Another major factor that affects shingle weathering is the local climate. If you live in an area that suffers from weather extremes on a regular basis, you can expect your shingles to show signs of weathering faster since the elements can accelerate issues like thermal cycling which can cause asphalt shingle deterioration.
3. Roof Slope. Most of the time, a flat roof will have a shorter lifespan compared to sloped roofs since they shed moisture at a slower rate. They’re also more prone to UV exposure since a wider area is directly under the sunlight, compared to roofs with steeper slopes.
LePage Sons and Roofing LLC are here to ensure your investment in your roof is one that supports long-term performance. We’re the trusted roofing company in your area. As a GAF Master Elite® roofer, our team provides efficient and courteous service, making sure we perform roofing work that follows the manufacturer’s standards. To get started with your roofing project, call us today at (508) 295-6483. You may also fill out our contact form for a roof estimate.