An asphalt shingle roof is a good choice for your home. It's one of the most popular types of roofing because it's one of the more affordable options and it can protect your home during typical storms. Here are four things to know about shingle roofs.
1. The Granules Are Important For UV Protection
The granules on asphalt shingles are what give shingles their rough surface. The purpose of the granules is to protect the asphalt shingles from sun damage. As your roof ages, the granules fall off. The loss of granules causes your roof to age faster. Your roofer can often tell if your roof needs to be replaced based on the number of granules left on it.
Since the granules are so important, you don't want to lose them unnecessarily. Try to keep debris off of your roof so wind won't blow it around and scrape off granules in the process. Also, be sure to keep trees cut back so branches won't sway against the roof and sweep granules off.
2. The Shingles Come In Different Grades
Three-tab shingle roofs are common since this is the least expensive grade of shingles. You may not know you can buy higher-quality shingles that are thicker and more durable. High-quality shingles even have a different appearance.
If your area gets a lot of hail and strong storms, consider upgrading your shingles so they can withstand wind and hail impacts better. The shingles cost more, but they also have a longer life and are more durable.
3. Winter Isn't The Best Time To Install Shingle Roofs
If you live in a climate where it gets cold and snowy during the winter, you might be limited on the days when the roofer can put new shingles on. That's because the adhesive that's used won't adhere very well in cold temperatures. That might cause the shingles to blow off in a storm.
Unless you live in a mild climate, it's best to put your roof on during the warmer spring through fall months. However, if you need a new roof in an emergency, talk to the roofer to see if getting a new shingle roof in the winter might be possible.
4. Asphalt Shingles Need Proper Ventilation
Your roofer will probably check for signs of heat damage on the asphalt shingles to determine if your attic has enough ventilation. If the old shingles are curled up, that might be a sign of heat damage. Ventilation through your attic is usually passive since hot air rises to the top and flows out the top of the roof. If necessary, your roofer can install a turbine vent that spins and pulls heat out of the attic.
Proper ventilation helps prevent ice dams in the winter and helps your asphalt shingles have a longer life since they won't heat up so much in the summer.
To learn more, contact a residential roofing service in your area such as Pelican Roofing.
Share14 September 2022
When you want to make your home shine, there are some very important basic components you should be mindful of. For starters, you should evaluate the exterior of your home to determine whether or not the siding or exterior cladding needs to be replaced. Next, you should check to see if the roofing needs to be replaced, since it really can make a powerful difference. Roofing can take up a great deal of the visual space from the outside, so think carefully about how yours looks. Pay attention to issues like aged, curling shingles or roofing that contains dips or divots. Check out this blog for great tips about roofing.
