Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roof coverings for homes and businesses. They are easy to install, inexpensive, and aesthetically work with the vast majority of homes. But to get the most out of your asphalt shingles in Canton Michigan, it is important to understand more about the materials. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material used today in Michigan. It has many advantages over other roofing systems but understanding the maintenance requirements is a must to ensure they last a long time on your home.
How The Life Cycle Of Your Asphalt Shingles in Canton Michigan Impacts Your Home
With any type of roofing system that is installed on your home you’ll want to pay close attention to the maintenance needs of the roofing. Asphalt shingles does not require much maintenance but should be regularly inspected to prevent problems with the roofing. Annual roof inspections should prevent many of the common problems that may affect your roofing. Here are some details about the life cycle of asphalt shingle roofing and why roof inspections are so important:
Parts Of Asphalt Shingles
There are three distinct parts of an asphalt shingle: the base, the asphalt and the granules. The base can either be made of an organic material like wood fiber, cellulose, or waste paper, or made of a non-organic material called fiberglass. These bases are then covered with asphalt on one or both sides, and then the top is infused with granules. The granules are tiny particles made of materials like slate, quartz, schist, stone, vitrified brick or ceramic. These granules are used to help add greater durability and block UV rays from absorbing and damaging the shingles.
Types Of Asphalt Shingles
You can choose between architectural or three tab shingles. Three tab is the most common option and is the least expensive. This is because it is a uniform shape and size and is completely flat.
Architectural shingles are more expensive, but are also designed to be more aesthetically appealing. They are thicker and stranger than three tab shingles, and can very in shapes and size. You can create more interesting patterns on your roof and make it stand out as a feature with architectural shingles. They will last longer as well, but aren’t for every home because of the additional weight.
Installation of the Asphalt Shingle Roofing
For the best possible results, you should install asphalt shingles in moderate weather that has no rain, snow, and very little wind. Windy days can cause the shingles to go flying before applied. Days that are too hot can cause damage to the shingles, and temperatures that are too cold can cause the shingles to become brittle. The adhesive used to attach asphalt shingles also won’t properly stick if the temperatures are too cold.
It is completely normal to see granules in your gutters after new shingles are installed. this is especially true for after the first rainfall. But after a month you should not see any granules in your gutters. If you do, this can be a sign of problems.
Maintenance Requirements for Asphalt Shingle Roofing
To get the most out of your asphalt shingles, it is important to perform regular maintenance to help prevent problems. You should keep gutters clear, remove any debris like leaves once you see them on your roof, and keep nearby trees trimmed. You can also use a chemical solution to help remove and prevent mold, mildew and algae from growing on your shingles.
You should always check your roof after a storm, especially one with strong winds or hail. This will help you spot damage quickly and avoid it being able to become any worse.
Roof Replacement with Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Three tab asphalt shingles last around 15 to 20 years, while architectural shingles last around 35 to 50. But if damage occurs, you will need to replace the shingles affected. This is relatively easy because you can simply remove the damaged one and replace it with something new, without having to remove anything else. You should replace shingles that are bruised, dented, cracked, loose, or missing as soon as possible.
It’s important that when you need roof repair or roof replacement in Canton Michigan that you only use fully licensed and qualified roofing contractors. Be sure to call Twelve Oaks Roofing today for a free estimate on your roofing needs at 248-525-6950.