Causes of premature asphalt shingle wear on your roof
Age alone cannot be used to determine the condition of your roof, as certain factors can cause premature wear of the asphalt shingles on your roof.
Although asphalt shingles are recognized as the most popular roof covering due to their many advantages, including high strength and durability, there are factors that can cause early wear and tear. If you notice signs of shingle deterioration after only a few years, rather than all those promised by your warranty, it's time to check whether the following factors apply to your situation.
Poor installation or defective coating
Installing asphalt shingles is quick and easy, but you still need to know how to do it properly. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home or building, so it's strongly recommended that you call in a professional roofer to ensure perfect, watertight installation of the shingles. Poor installation can damage the shingles, for example if nails are missing to hold them in place. Winter installation, especially of fiberglass shingles, reduces adhesion and can lead to shingle breakage during installation. Warranties do not cover damage caused by shingle deterioration due to improper installation or temperature. It's also possible to come across defective shingles, such as those lacking glue.
Roof slope and support
Since the slope of your roof influences the type of shingles to be installed, a poor choice of shingles could affect their durability and watertightness. In fact, shingles are not designed for flat or very low-slope roofs.
For a roof with a gentle slope, three-tab shingles are recommended, as they improve water flow properties across the entire surface. For a roof with a medium to steep slope, architectural shingles can be chosen. A roof support in need of repair can also cause premature wear of asphalt shingles. It may need to be re-gapped, sealed or reinforced, and boards or panels may need to be replaced. Warranties do not cover deterioration of shingles due to mechanical defects in the building.
Poor ventilation or insulation
Deficient ventilation or insulation causes premature deterioration of the shingles. A vapour-barrier film should prevent moisture from the inside reaching the attic. The attic must be perfectly ventilated and insulated to avoid large temperature differences between inside and outside. Signs of wear and tear will quickly appear if the heat of the house melts the snow on the roof in winter. If the attic overheats in summer, the shingles will warp. Water infiltration and wood rot in the attic will also age the cladding faster.
Extreme weather conditions
Extreme and repeated weather conditions can shorten the life of asphalt shingles.
- Constant high winds can cause a weaker, lighter shingle to peel off faster than a higher-quality shingle.
- On the part of the roof most exposed to strong sunlight, the edges of the shingles may curl up faster than elsewhere.
- Repeated overloading with snow or ice can cause shingles to age prematurely.
- Rainy weather or a damp environment accentuated by too many trees near the roof can also cause premature wear and discoloration of shingles.
Walking on a roof can sometimes damage asphalt shingles. That's why we recommend a close-up or binocular visual inspection of your roof every two or three years. Call on the specialists at Toitures Martin Lafleur to inspect your asphalt shingles. They'll answer your questions and find the cause of your roof's wear and tear.