Breaking Down the Flaws: Understanding Why Your Asphalt Roof is Failing - Insights from a Metal Roofing Expert
/ Metal Roofing, Phoenix/Tuscan Metro / By

As a homeowner with discerning tastes, you may own the highest quality asphalt shingle roof on the market. However, it will fail eventually, and you’ll need to replace it. Age. Wear and tear. External forces. Over time, roofing materials degrade. This erosion process can accelerate when an asphalt roof does not receive adequate maintenance and upkeep. Understanding typical issues with asphalt shingles can help you know what steps to take next – whether you pursue a roof repair or travel down the path toward replacement.

Typical Problems Associated With An Asphalt Roof

Although asphalt shingles are widely available and affordable, they present numerous crucial issues and challenges that homeowners must consider when evaluating a new roof. Unfortunately, asphalt shingles are fraught with problems that other roofing types do not incur in similar measures.

After moisture becomes trapped within a shingle, a bubble forms. This bubble expands until it pops. Blistering is frequently observed during the warm summer when temperature extremes cause this effect. Unfortunately, blistering causes exposed spots on the roof, leading to leaking/moisture intrusion and other performance issues that shorten a roof’s life.

When people age, they develop lines and wrinkles. Shingles function much the same way. Cracks form on the surface due to wear and tear. This effect is natural and unavoidable. Eventually, enough cracks will cause shingles to no longer perform optimally or efficiently. Consequently, the shingles will split, tear, or separate. Cracked shingles require replacement.

As shingles age, they show signs of shrinkage as materials gradually compress together. This shrinking effect manifests as curling at the edges of the shingles. Misaligned shingles also curl over time. Roofs with ventilation issues often experience curling when excess moisture becomes trapped in the shingles. Thermal shock also creates this phenomenon.

As the top layer of shingles, granules offer a protective barrier to prolong a roof’s life. Unfortunately, as roofs age, granules shed due to weathering and exposure to outside elements. If sufficient quantities of granules fall off the shingles, the roof no longer performs optimally. UV damage often results. But other issues appear as well, including roof leaks.

Even the best roofing product can face challenges. In cases where the installer lacks the intricate knowledge of roofing, a roof becomes susceptible to heavy damage. Many installers are novices. In various instances, they lack experience, training, or judgment. When a roof is installed improperly, the homeowner suffers the adverse consequences.

High winds and other catastrophic events can cause shingles to become dislodged. Missing shingles invite all manner of problems. Imagine if a window or door remained open around the clock. Outside elements would enter the home unimpeded—a missing shingle functions in much the same way. External forces like water use this avenue as a de facto entry point.

Asphalt shingles can be more affordable than other roofing alternatives. One reason for this is that asphalt shingles are made from less durable but more plentiful materials. Many suppliers will offer a warranty to stand behind their products. However, asphalt shingles remain subject to factory defects, many of which do not receive warranty coverage. Even when they are covered, it can be a tremendous hassle to ensure that the manufacturer lives up to the warranty & the new installation may not be covered.

More often than not, the development of mold or mildew results from moisture intrusion entering heavily shaded or dark spaces. As mold or mildew takes hold in these dank locales, the health and safety of a home’s occupants become compromised. Aging shingle roofs invite mold and mildew as the roofing materials decompose gradually over a period of time.

Excess moisture and indirect sunlight commonly enable moss and algae to form on shingles, especially in warmer or humid climates. Unfortunately, moss and algae produce black streaking, making the roof unattractive. However, the persistent existence of moss and algae on a roof contributes significantly to the degradation of the asphalt shingle material.

Are High-End Shingles Impervious To Typical Roofing Issues?

Absolutely not. High-end shingles encounter many of the same challenges and difficulties as standard, off-the-shelf shingles. They just may not face them as early, as frequently, or as severely. Much of this analysis boils down to why some homeowners choose higher-end products. They hope to receive better quality and improved performance to offset the additional price.

Why Metal Roofing May Be A Better Option Compared To Asphalt Roofing

Metal roofing avoids many of the common issues associated with asphalt shingles. On average, metal roofing lasts two to three times as long as asphalt shingles. Metal roofing is far more durable, requires much less maintenance, and offers a higher return on investment. Homeowners also appreciate the sustainability of metal roofing as it is 100% recyclable. Asphalt shingles do not extend this environmental benefit. Almost universally, metal roofing has a much higher energy efficiency rating and better fire rating than asphalt shingles.

Choosing A Qualified Contractor To Install A New Or Replacement Roof

Finding the right roofing company can be extraordinarily difficult. Homeowners have a lot of choices. If you own a home in Northern Minnesota, Greater Phoenix, or Greater Tucson, don’t take a chance with just any contractor. Be selective. Choose a roofer that has your back.
At Vertex Roofing, we have the knowledge and experience to provide expert guidance. We are metal roofing specialists. We encourage homeowners to consider metal roofing a viable – and affordable – alternative to asphalt shingles. Contact us today to learn more about metal.

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