Thanks to their affordability, durability, and versatility, asphalt shingles are quite common. However, asphalt shingles are not indestructible and may need to be replaced after a certain period or due to damage from weather, pests, or other factors. When it's time to replace your asphalt roof, you might wonder if you should choose a different type of roof. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.
Curling or Cracking Shingles
This can result from moisture, wind, or temperature fluctuations. Curling or cracking shingles can allow water to seep into the roof deck and cause rot, mold, or leaks.
Missing or Loose Shingles
This problem results from storm damage, animal activity, or poor installation. Missing or loose shingles can create gaps in your roof, compromising its integrity and allowing water, debris, or pests to enter.
Granule Loss
Over time, the granules found on an asphalt roof can wear off due to natural aging or erosion. Granule loss can reduce the effectiveness and appearance of your shingles and expose them to further damage.
Sagging or Buckling
This can indicate a severe structural problem with your roof deck or rafters. Sagging or buckling can suggest that your roof cannot support its weight or has been damaged by water, insects, or rot.
Alternative Roofing Options
If you decide that your asphalt roof needs to be replaced, you may want to consider some alternative roofing options that offer different benefits and drawbacks.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is made of metal panels or tiles that are durable, lightweight, fire-resistant, and energy-efficient. Metal roofing comes in many styles that suit any home design. However, it's pricier than asphalt roofing, requires more maintenance, and is noisy during rain or hail storms.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing lasts a very long time. However, slate roofing can also be heavy, expensive, and fragile. Slate roofing requires a substantial roof structure and skilled installation and repair.
Wooden Roofing
Wooden roofing is made of wood shingles or shakes that are natural, rustic, and aesthetically pleasing. Wooden roofing also comes in different types of wood, such as cedar, pine, or redwood, with different characteristics and colors.
After considering each of these options, you may choose to replace your asphalt shingles with a new roofing material. However, asphalt shingles are a great option and you may simply choose to add new asphalt shingles or upgrade to architectural asphalt shingles. Regardless of the option you choose, your home will be better off after your roof has been replaced.
For more information on a residential roof replacement, contact a professional near you.
Once you watched someone put a roof on a home, you have a much deeper understanding of what's involved in this sort of work. Roofing is not easy. There's a big mental component since the roofers need to decide how how many shingles to use, how to best lay them out, and so forth. Then, there's the physical aspect of roofing. Lugging packages of shingles onto the roof is not easy, and nailing them down take a lot of work, too. With that in mind, we welcome you to read more about roofing on this blog. Let the articles inform your opinion of the profession.