Your asphalt shingles can really take a beating. Excessive UV rays, heavy snow storms and summer heat can all take its toll on the lifespan of your asphalt shingles. While the typical lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is between 10-15 years, the extreme weather conditions of Bristow, Virginia often degrade this lifespan to less than eight years. With the right care, biannual roofing inspections and the correct maintenance techniques, you can extend its lifespan for many more years to come. Spotting shingle trouble and performing the correct roof repair before problems have a chance to become worse will ensure that your asphalt shingles have the longest life by preventing premature roof replacement. Use this guide to pinpointing asphalt shingle troubles and you can be sure your home or business will be well protected from the elements for years to come.
Here at Roof.net, we recommend that your Bristow, VA home or businesses roof is inspected twice a year. This will help to stave off the inevitable but costly roof replacement.
• Shingles - The main barrier that separates your home from the elements are your shingles. While asphalt shingles aren’t meant to last a lifetime, spotting and repairing problems before they have a chance to become worse can help prevent an entire roof replacement.
• Stacks - Plumbing stacks and vents are often damaged sooner than shingles and must be thoroughly inspected to ensure that no decaying or cracking sealants are in place.
• Flashing - Metal flashing is used to protect the home from water intrusion where shingles can’t provide enough protection. All flashing should be checked for signs of corrosion or rust.
• Drip Edge - Aluminum or vinyl drip edge, fascia and soffit work in unison to protect the sensitive edge from water intrusion. Roofers should look for these damaged materials to prevent future roof repair problems.
• Attic Ventilation - No roof inspection is complete without an attic inspection. Your homes attic ventilation system works together to provide proper ventilation to help prevent premature shingle decay, attic condensation and mold or mildew growth.
Even with the most experienced roofers available, you’ll never be able to find all of the hidden shingle weak spots without stripping back each layer to the core. That’s why here at Roof.net we use state of the art thermal imaging equipment to find your hidden roofing damages and make the right roof repair before problems are allowed to get worse. Give us a call today at (703)303-8546 or fill out the form in the upper left hand corner of your screen for a complete thermal imaging scan and inspection of your Bristow home or businesses asphalt shingles. Learn more about all of our past thermal imaging projects in our roofing contractor’s reviews forums direct from our long list of past satisfied customers and you’ll see why we are the best roofers in Bristow, Va.
No matter if you live in Bristow or elsewhere in the Northern Virginia area, you can be sure that the average shingles lifespan is less than in other areas of the country simply due to the fact that weather conditions are more extreme on this side of the globe. To prevent future roofing problems, check your roof twice a year for any of the following symptoms:
• Cupping - Cupped shingles often happen because granules have eroded from shingle edges and heavy UV rays have dried the ends of the shingles. This causes them to shrink and curl on the edges, turning them into a brittle, leak prone mess.
• Missing Tabs - Older shingles often show signs of decay when smaller tabs and pieces break away. This can expose the interior of the structure to water intrusion and should be repaired by licensed, insured and experienced roofers right away.
• Stains - Discolored shingles stains and rust marks can all be sure signs that a roof replacement is going to be necessary soon.
• Curling - When shingles still have plenty of years of life left in them but hey are beginning to curl, it can be a sign that attic ventilation is insufficient and your shingles are feeling the effects of excess heat.
• Granule Loss - Heavy granule loss can be a sure sign that shingles are well past their prime and need to be replaced.