Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing material in the United States. Still, just because something is popular doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its pitfalls. While there are many benefits of asphalt roofing, there are several problems you should be on the lookout for.
Very Short Life Expectancy
The life span of the average asphalt roof is only 10-20 years. After that, you will have to replace your roof. To get your roof to last the full 20 years, you’ll need to perform consistent and proper roof maintenance.
Maintenance for asphalt roofing means you need to have regular roof inspections. You would also need to regularly clean your gutters and fix minor issues before they turn into extensive repairs.
Common Repairs
There are several repairs that you’re going to come across when you have an asphalt roof. The good news is, once you know what you’re looking for, they’re easier to spot. Then, you can fix them before they get worse.
Blistering
Blistering is when water or moisture is trapped underneath the asphalt. Eventually, the moisture will cause the shingle to expand, and the blister will pop. Blistering creates small holes and weaknesses in your asphalt roofing that will leave your home vulnerable to water infiltration.
Curling
Curling occurs when the shingle shrinks, and the corners and edges lift off your roof. There are several causes for shingle curling, and you should correct all of them as soon as you notice this roof problem.
First, curling can occur when your roof is at the end of its life span. Next, similar to blistering, it can happen when there is moisture caught under the shingle. Improper installation of your asphalt shingles can also be the cause of curling.
Curling will leave your roof vulnerable and cause it to leak. If your shingles are curling, they’re also more susceptible to high winds. It will be easier for the wind to tear curling shingles completely off your roof.
Cracking
Cracking asphalt shingles is impossible to avoid because it will happen as your roof ages. Temperature changes, wind, and other factors can all play a part in cracking. While it’s normal for older roofs to show signs of cracking, you have a serious problem if a new roof is cracking.
If your new roof is cracking, it could be due to improper installation, improper venting, or even a problem with the roofing manufacturing. No matter what the cause is, you need to have it repaired right away. Cracking, like other roofing problems, can lead to leaks and more extensive issues.
Granules
Your asphalt roofing will drop granules when you first install them and again when you need to replace your roof. They drop them after installation because most manufacturers will add an excessive amount of new shingles. Shingles drop granules at the end because they’re becoming brittle after all of the sun exposure.
You can attribute an abnormal granule loss to improper installation, improper ventilation, or overheating. You should be careful, especially in South Florida, in regard to overheating. If you notice the fallen granules soon enough, you can repair the problem before it gets worse.
You’ll notice the granules at the bottom of your gutter’s downspouts. They usually fall off after it rains, so keep an eye on your downspouts. Call a professional roofer immediately when you notice a high volume of granules coming off your roof. If you leave it unchecked, it could block your gutter and create even more roofing problems.
Asphalt Roofing In South Florida
When you notice any of these problems with your asphalt roofing, call AABCO Roofing at 954-426-8500. We can repair, install, or reinstall your roof to your satisfaction. We’re professional roofers, and we’ve been family-owned and operated since 1988. You can trust us with any of your roofing needs.
