What happens when asphalt shingles age? Weathering is the term used to describe long-term exposure to the elements. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the shingles are damaged already. It is the natural deterioration of shingles, eventually damaging them, leading to the need for roof repair.
What Causes Shingles to Deteriorate
A number of factors affect the rate at which asphalt shingles weather including: quality, structure orientation, degree of roof slope, climate, thermal cycling, roof color, elevation and maintenance quality. Multiple factors can combine to extend or diminish the service life of shingles.
The more it deteriorates, the more asphalt shingles are vulnerable to exposure to UV radiation. Random surface cracking certainly adds to shingles’ failure. Meanwhile, cold climates boosts the potential for damage due to moisture expansion. Heat and thermal cycling causes shingles to split.
Also, distortion exposes more of the under-surface of the shingle to moisture, and boosts chances of roof leakage because rain can penetrate more easily.
Can You Slow Down Aging?
Copper can slow down the aging process for asphalt, making shingles last for many years, according to research. You can achieve this by placing a 12-inch-wide roll of very thin copper on top of the cap shingles across the ridge of your roof and any hips.
For more about this topic, roofing companies, like Expert Contracting, have a crew of roofing contractors with extensive knowledge and roofing expertise. To avoid major roof damage, take preventive measures and contact roofing contractor Expert Contracting Inc.
Turn to Expert Contracting for roof replacement and other roof services. For more ideas, call (716) 508-3700 now for a free consultation. We serve clients in Hamburg, NY.