Asphalt Shingle Aging: Can It Be Slowed Down?

Asphalt shingles, like everything else that’s constantly exposed to the elements, wear down over time. This is why roof replacement is an inevitability. In this blog post, STARR Roofing & Gutters explores whether it’s possible to get more years out of your asphalt shingle roof.

Signs of Asphalt Shingle Aging

The best way to determine your roof’s condition is to visually inspect it. Some of the signs can be seen with the naked eye, while others may require binoculars or something similar. We do not recommend climbing the roof because of the risk of injury.

• Curling or buckling. As asphalt shingles age, they begin to curl or buckle from the edges. When this happens, gaps are created between shingle pieces, exposing the underlying layers. They’re fairly easy to spot: from the ground, they would look as if the shingles are flaking off.
• Missing flashing or shingles. Prolonged exposure to high winds, as well as the impact caused by hail and airborne debris, can cause flashing and roofing fasteners to get knocked off the roof.
• Balding shingles. Asphalt shingles have an outer layer made of granules, which can get eroded over time and result in “balding” shingles. In this condition, the underlying asphalt layer is exposed, which is especially noticeable on light-colored roofs. A significant amount of sediment from the loosened granules may also be found in the gutter troughs.

Strategies for Slowing Down Asphalt Shingle Aging

Fortunately, it is possible to slow down asphalt shingle aging. It’s important to remember that at some point, roof repair may not be a practical option anymore. These strategies are not meant to avoid roof replacement, but to help get a few more years out of it and prepare for its replacement.

Regular roof inspections are essential to maintaining your roof’s condition. As the homeowner, you are, of course, not expected to fix your own roof. However, only you can keep an eye on it. Regular inspections, conducted at least once a year, will keep you up to date on your roof’s condition. Your roofing strategy should also include having a good local roofer on your contacts list, as there may be situations when you need your roof repaired on short notice.

When it’s finally time to get a new roof, consider investing in a quality roofing system. You’d be investing not just in durability, but also on a longer life span and better limited warranty coverage. You’d also be investing in important components like proper roof ventilation, durable flashing and a wider selection of roofing colors and styles.

STARR Roofing & Gutters is your trusted provider of residential and commercial roofing services. Give us a call at (512) 736-6539 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.