Shingle Lifespan 101: When To Replace Vs. Repair
Your roof is more than just a hat for your house; it is the ultimate protector against the elements of your home. Unfortunately, roofs cannot last forever; eventually, they will fall against the tides of time. In this case, as a homeowner, you have an essential decision to make – shingle replacement or roof repair. Today, we will walk you through the concept of shingle lifespan and the best way to navigate the decision-making process between shingle replacement and roof repair. Common Shingle Types and Lifespans While there are a variety of roofing materials, like clay and metal, today, we are focusing on the types and lifespans of asphalt shingles. With asphalt shingles, there are three primary types. #1: 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles 3-tab shingles get their names from the three tabs on each strip that allow the shingle to lay flat. They used to be the most commonly used shingle until architectural shingles came along. Today, 3-tab shingles are the cheapest option, with a lifespan of 20 years at the most. #2: Architectural Shingles Architectural shingles are the most common shingles on the market today. They are affordable, easy to repair, and available in various colors. These shingles typically last 22-25 years, less so if your region is prone to frequent hailstorms. #3: Premium Shingles Also known as luxury or designer shingles, these are the high-end shingle options designed to look more like a slate roof. Given their extra durability, they typically last 30 years or longer. Factors Affecting Shingle Lifespan As with anything related to the home, various factors can affect how long your roof will last. The big three are the roof itself, the region’s climate, and weather events. #1: Quality of Materials and Installation The first aspect that will determine the longevity of your roof is the quality of the materials and the installation. Of course, cheap shingles will not last as long as premium shingles. They are simply not as thick and sturdy. As you can see in the difference between 3-tab shingles and premium shingles, the difference can mean at least a decade of lifespan. In addition to the material quality is how well the installation was performed. If the roof isn’t installed properly, it could lead to your shingles deteriorating quickly, along with other roof issues. #2: Regional Climate Where you live will affect the lifespan of your roof. For instance, here in the Tri-Cities, we experience hot summers and cold, wet winters. These extreme temperature fluctuations force the shingles to expand and contract, leading to cracking and brittleness over time. Plus, heavy rain and snow can lead to trapped moisture, causing leaks and mold growth. #3: Weather Events Storms can severely impact roofing, particularly those bringing hail and high winds. Hail can dent or crack shingles, compromising the roof’s integrity, while strong winds may lift or even rip shingles from the roof, exposing the underlying structures to further damage. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the regional climate and weather events from affecting your roof. Plus, most homeowners buy a home with an installed roof, so they typically can’t control the materials without a complete replacement. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sit around and wait for problems. The first step is to be aware of the signs. Signs You Need Shingle Replacement or Roof Repair The first sign that a roof repair is coming is the age of your roof. If your roof is at or close to 20 years old, it’s time to start keeping an eye out. It may take years for there to be an issue, but it’s good to be aware. The next sign is if your roof has multiple layers of shingles. While it used to be standard practice to layer up the shingles of your roof, up to three layers, until you got a roof replacement, it is now recommended to keep it as two or less due to fire concerns. So, if you just bought a home with two or more layers, it’s likely time for a roof repair. For the subsequent warning signs, it’s time to get on the roof. As a homeowner, you likely have a maintenance checklist you go through throughout the year to keep your home in top condition. If you don’t already have a roof inspection on that list, now is the time to add it. We suggest performing quarterly inspections yourself if you feel comfortable doing so. In addition, you should get a roof inspection performed by a professional once a year. During your inspections, here are the signs to be aware of. Missing or loose shingles Cracked or curling shingles Granule loss on shingles, noticeable in gutters and downspouts Visible signs of sagging or uneven roof lines Water stains or leaks in the attic or ceiling Damaged or missing flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights Moss, algae, or mold growth indicating moisture retention Punctures or holes from storm damage or wildlife Exposed or rusted nail heads Clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts affecting water drainage When to Replace vs. Repair? If you notice any of these signs, it is time to decide between shingle replacement and roof repair. Shingle replacement is typically the best option for minor damage, such as missing, curled, or damaged shingles. If you have just a few patches where your roof needs a little TLC, this can fix the problem without high costs. On the flip side, if your roof has experienced extensive damage or is beyond repair, a roof repair and replacement may be the only viable option. As a homeowner, you can expect to do this about every 20 to 30 years. However, there is a middle-ground option. If your shingles are starting to show signs of aging but still have some life left in them, and your roofing structure hasn’t sustained extensive damage, opting for a roof repair combined with the RoofMaxx Treatment could be your ideal solution. The RoofMaxx Treatment is a revolutionary, eco-friendly application designed to rejuvenate aging shingles. By deeply penetrating the
Wind Damage And Shingles: Navigating Replacement Post-Weather Events
Has your roof been caught in a big storm? Do you fear the wind has damaged your roof and needs repair? Don’t worry; with RoofMaxx at your side, we will walk you through the essential next steps in navigating repair or shingle replacement post-weather events. The Perils of Wind-Damaged Shingles Wind damage to your roof is not something to take lightly. If you have recently experienced a considerable storm, checking your roof for issues is the first step to preventing major problems from occurring in the future. First, let’s quickly talk about spotting signs of wind damage. If you see missing shingles, granule loss from shingles, exposed or damaged flashing, loose or dented roof vents or chimneys, or debris or tree branches on your roof, there is a high chance your roof suffers from wind damage. If wind damage is not promptly repaired, the consequences can be extreme. There is a high chance for further roof damage, water leaks, and so much more that can end up costing thousands, if not tens of thousands, to repair later on. What can you do to prevent this? Let us introduce ourselves. RoofMaxx of Tri-Cities: Your Shingle Rejuvenation Specialist In the heart of the Tri-Cities, where wind can whisk away the years from your roof in a matter of moments, we at RoofMaxx stand as a beacon of innovation and resilience as your local shingle rejuvenation specialist. What does this mean? At RoofMaxx of Tri-Cities, our mission is to provide homeowners with a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to complete roof replacement. Using a groundbreaking treatment process, RoofMaxx rejuvenates dried-out asphalt shingles, restoring their flexibility and enhancing their weather-resistant properties. What sets us at RoofMaxx apart from other roofing companies is our dedication to preserving the integrity of your home’s roof with minimal disruption. Unlike traditional roofing projects that can leave homeowners dealing with long construction periods and significant expenses, we offer a swift and efficient treatment that revitalizes roofs in a fraction of the time and cost. This focus on shingle rejuvenation rather than shingle replacement underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, distinguishing our services in the dynamic roofing industry. How the RoofMaxx Treatment Revitalizes Your Roof The secret behind the success of the RoofMaxx treatments lies in our revolutionary approach to roof restoration. Designed to tackle aging shingles head-on, we utilize our scientifically formulated, soy-based treatment that penetrates deep into the asphalt shingles. Similar to the soy technology used in Good Year tires, our treatment mimics the natural oils lost from asphalt shingles over time. Over time, shingles age, dry out, lose their protective granules, and become more susceptible to cracking and breaking, especially under the stress of high winds. The RoofMaxx formula is engineered to reverse this aging process. By reintroducing essential oils into the shingles, RoofMaxx gives them back that indispensable flexibility for resist wind damage. Overall, the RoofMaxx treatment returns flexibility to weathered shingles, extends a roof lifespan by five years per treatment, and provides homeowners with a cost-effective alternative to whole roof shingle replacement while reducing unnecessary waste! Assessing Wind Damage for Treatment Solutions Of course, our treatment isn’t going to be the right choice for every single roof. That’s when a critical assessment is needed to determine what would be the right solution for you. The right time to get the RoofMaxx treatment is when your roof is starting to show signs of aging and basic wear and tear. If you see shingle dryness, loss of granules, and some minor cracking or brittleness, but the roof structure itself is still in good shape, we are a smart choice. We can easily repair minor problems and then apply the RoofMaxx treatment to get your roof back in fighting shape. However, if your roof structure is starting to fail, such as leaks, sagging, or major shingle loss, then it may be time for a total roof and shingle replacement. In this case, it is best to fix the underlying problem and start renewed. If you aren’t sure what your roof’s current status is, don’t fret; we can help. Give us a call for a free roof inspection and estimate to determine what level of care your roof needs to provide you and your home with the best protection from the elements. Maintenance Tips to Prevent Wind Damage While no one can control the wind, you can take steps to minimize wind damage to your roof. If you know a big storm is approaching, we suggest taking the following steps. Deal with trees and shrubs: Cut down or trim trees or shrubs that are rotting or have damaged limbs. This will prevent them from falling and damaging your roof during a storm. Secure movable items: Small items and furniture can become a flying hazard during a rough storm. We suggest bringing in children’s toys, décor, plants, yard equipment, or anything else that could be lifted in the wind. If you have a rooftop deck with furniture, either bring the furniture down or secure it with weights and rope to prevent it from sliding onto the roof. Clean your gutters: Full gutters during a storm can cause various problems, including breaking off and taking part of your roof with them. We suggest clearing out your gutters and ensuring they are ready for wind and water in mass. Listen to weather warnings: Weather warnings can often seem blown out of proportion, but when they hit hard, homeowners wish they had listened. When it comes to weather warnings, it is always better to be safe than sorry! Secure Your Roof with RoofMaxx Don’t wait for the next storm to protect your roof! You can take preventive measures today at a fraction of the cost of a total shingle replacement. Contact RoofMaxx of Tri-Cities today to learn more about our shingle rejuvenation services and how we can help extend the life of your roof with our innovative RoofMaxx treatment.