Sometimes a roof can naturally reach the end of its useful life without experiencing a roof failure. It just looks old and worn, and you want to do some preventive maintenance on your home. In some years, a wind or hail event whipped through town and you notice many neighbors getting new roofs. Your home may or may not have significant damage.
You need to take a closer look (or get the team at Coastal Roofing up on your roof.) The coating asphalt provides waterproofing qualities. The mineral granules protect the shingles from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and give the shingles color and added protection against fire. Only by closely inspecting the surface will you know the extent of damage.
Asphalt shingles come in two varieties: organic and fiberglass. Fiberglass shingles are made of a woven fiberglass base mat, covered with a waterproof asphalt coating, and topped with ceramic granules that shield the product from harmful UV rays. Less asphalt is needed to give the shingles their durability and strength; the result is a lighter weight and thinner roofing material. Developed in the 1980s, fiberglass shingles have 1) higher fire rating 2) longer warranty.
The traditional organic mat-based shingles are made from a recycled layer of felt paper, asphalt-saturated for waterproofing, and coated with adhesive asphalt into which the ceramic granules are embedded. With 40 percent more asphalt than their fiberglass counterparts, the traditional organic mat-based shingles are heavier and thicker.
How Long Do Asphalt Roofs Last?
Manufacturer warranties guarantee asphalt shingles a 15- to 30-year useful life. Climate, weather and environmental factors vary a lot. Homes in Hilton Head that endure summers with high heat may need to replace roofing sooner than homeowners in cooler regions. Most damaging are sudden spiking temperatures—from 40 or 50 degrees at night to well over 100 by midday, for example.
Over many seasons, or when hail hits your roof, it causes small imperfections in shingles. These spots of missing granules increase the risk of greater damage over time. Luckily, most homeowners insurance policies will cover hail-related roof damage. But your warranty may not include the cost of labor for shingle repair or replacement. Read the fine print.
Signs of Potential Problems
Watch for these warning signs that you may need to repair or replace it:
- Granule loss – Over time, shingles will weather and lose granules or pieces, exposing the surfaces underneath. If you see granule-like particles on the ground of your property, it’s a sign of balding shingles.
- Broken shingles – Shingles tend to break easily when severely damaged by extreme weather conditions. They must be replaced at once to prevent leaks.
- Splitting – Shingles split when they expand then suddenly contract due to sudden changes in temperature.
- Curling – The edges of shingles can either curl inward (clawing) or outward (cupping) due to lack of moisture or excessive heat. Either scenario spells disaster.
- Shrinkage – Some shingles shrink due to weathering or normal aging.
- Lifted shingles – If shingles shrink or curl, their edges can also lift and allow water to seep underneath.
- Visible wear and tear around roof objects and openings.
- Staining on interior ceilings or walls or leaks in the attic after a rainstorm.
- Moss can grow on roof surfaces that don’t get much sunlight and hold moisture against the roof surface.
- The roof just looks old and worn.
Roofing Repair Company In Hilton Head Island
Coastal Roofing has over 35 years of roof repair experience serving the Lowcountry from Hilton Head Island to St. Simons Island. If the leak in your roof causes other interior problems, the roof repair experts at Coastal Roofing and Restoration will make those repairs along with fixing your roof. Coastal Roofing and Restoration is your one stop shopping for all your roof repair needs; they offer complete end to end service.
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