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What Factors Affect Asphalt Shingle Aging?


What-Factors-Affect-Asphalt-Shingle-Aging?

Roof Crafters is here to explain what factors affect asphalt shingle aging. Asphalt shingles were first used in the 1920s and have remained a popular roofing material. Today’s most popular roof shingle material is asphalt, known for its durability, ease of maintenance, waterproofness, and affordability. However, you will eventually need a roof replacement since asphalt shingles deteriorate as they age.

Different factors can contribute to asphalt roofing systems aging, including:

What Factors Affect Asphalt Shingle Aging

1. Shingle Quality

Shingles that are high in quality will last longer than those of low quality. Manufacturers’ shingles have different lifespans and quality levels.

2. Thermal Cycling

Roofs undergo thermal cycling during the day as they become hot and then cold at night. As a result of temperature changes, asphalt shingles can expand in hot weather and contract in cold weather. In a short period, extreme temperature changes can damage shingles, as they cannot expand and contract as naturally as they should. It may result in splits and cracks in the shingles due to the inability to adapt to the changes. Roofs constantly subjected to thermal cycling tend to have a shorter lifespan.

3. Roof Orientation

The north and south sides of a roof receive equal amounts of sunlight during the day. Roofs with northern and southern exposures tend to degrade more quickly than those facing north and south. Additionally, some roof areas are more vulnerable to prevailing winds.

4. Roof Slope

Flat roofs generally last less than pitched roofs because they shed water more slowly. A flat roof is also more vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation than a sloped roof. The steeper the roof, the better it sheds water so it can’t accumulate.

5. Multiple Layers

When a new roof layer is placed on top of an existing roof, it is called a multiple-layer roof. Asphalt shingles have a short lifespan in such situations.

6. Elevation

UV radiation can deteriorate most roofing materials on houses located at higher elevations.

7. Maintenance

When was it when you had your roof checked by a roofer? Repairs delayed or neglected can cause a roof’s deterioration to accelerate. You can prolong the life of the roof by performing regular maintenance and preventing leaks that could lead to costly water damage.

8. Roof Ventilation

Attics with inadequate ventilation shorten the shingle’s lifespan by trapping hot and cold air. If shingles are not kept cool, they lose more volatile compounds and experience more thermal cycling. Your roof system can also be burned, requiring a replacement of the entire roof.

9. Climate

Roofs can be damaged by harsh weather and climate conditions. Roofing systems can be compromised by wind, moisture, and thermal cycling. When the roof freezes and thaws over the winter, the water in cracks expands, causing damage to the roof. Algae and fungi can also flourish in moist conditions.

10. Color

Darker roofs absorb heat while lighter ones reflect it. Thermal cycling is accelerated when heat is present. In warmer climates, light-colored shingles will help reduce heat absorption and prolong the life of your roof.

11. Trees Near the Roof

Tree branches that grow closer to the roof can cause excessive wear on the asphalt shingles. Also, acidic leaves from the tree can accumulate on the roof. Further, debris traps moisture, which prevents the shingles from drying, resulting in the deterioration of the shingles. Asphalt shingles’ lifespan can be reduced by rubbing, acidity, and moisture.

What Is the Average Life of an Asphalt Shingle Roof?

The above factors will affect the lifespan of your asphalt shingles. By checking your roof regularly, you can identify problems and get them repaired right away, which will extend the life of the roof. Weather conditions and the quality of the installation may compromise the roof’s lifespan.

A roof made of asphalt shingles has an average lifespan depending on the materials used. A three-tab shingle can last between 15 and 18 years, and an architectural shingle can typically last between 24 and 30 years.

Asphalt shingle roof longevity is affected by the climate, however. In warm climates such as the Southwest, asphalt shingles typically last around 14 years, whereas, in cooler climates like the North and Northeast, the last 19 to 20 years.

As your roof endures all four seasons, your asphalt roof will eventually wear out. With a Roof Crafters asphalt shingle repair service, your roof will be restored to its former glory, ensuring maximum protection for your family for years to come.

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