Categories: Roofing

The Life of an Asphalt Shingle

The shingle deterioration process starts as soon as the roofing system is packaged. It deteriorates in three parts: the incipient or early stage (where decay is slow), the accelerating stage (where decay worsens) and decelerating stage (where the shingles no longer function). This is affected by weathering or the effects on shingles of long-term exposure to different elements.

To help you better understand the asphalt shingle lifespan, your local roofing contractor has come up with this quick guide.

Shingle Quality

The type, thickness and size of the shingle matters because low-quality shingles will fail before high-quality shingles. It is important that you choose a manufacturer that provides high-quality shingles and installation, such as Quality Assurance Roofing.

Color of Shingle

This may sound simple, but it has proven to be effective: the lighter-colored asphalt shingles last longer because of their tendency to resist the sun’s heat. This is most helpful especially when the summer season arrives. You may choose strip shingles, which are single-layered and designed to look like slate. Contact your residential roofing contractor for more information on them.

Degree of Roof Slope

Based on the roofing guidelines of National Roofing Contractors’ Association and the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers’ Association, roof shingles should not be used on slopes less than 3 inches of rise in 12 inches of run on a roof slope. Flatter roofs have shorter lifespans because of the moisture they retain and their exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Roof Ventilation

Roofs without vents will have a higher surface temperature, especially during summer. Poor ventilation will also shorten the shingles’ lifespan because your shingles won’t stay cool, resulting in rapid loss of volatiles. Commercial roofing contractors will help clients in the industry to prevent these kinds of damage.

If you have other questions regarding asphalt shingles, Quality Assurance Roofing caters to residents in Branson West, MO. Call us at (281) 392-5570 today.

Erica Bray

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