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Asphalt remains the most widely used and readily available material for roof replacement and new installation thanks to its low upfront price and relative ease of installation. Many homeowners assume that it’s the least resilient of the available roofing types due to its availability, unaware that things are more complex than they seem.
In this post, Deschutes Roofing & Insulation shares the factors that affect how well an asphalt roof ages.
Shingle Quality
Not all roofing materials are made the same, and even among asphalt shingles, the difference in quality can mean a lot to how well the resulting roof resists weather and the slow aging process. It’s always a good idea to ask the roofing contractor you’re working with the manufacturer of the asphalt shingles they install and how it compares to similar products. A higher quality like GAF shingle systems doesn’t just last longer, but it stays in good condition longer, too.
Roof Slope
The pitch of the roof also affects how long it generally stays in good condition. Flatter roofs generally have shorter lifespans since the way they are pitched makes it more difficult to naturally shed moisture, on top of it surface being more directly exposed to harsh UV light.
Asphalt, in general, isn’t the best material for low-slope roofs because of this. If you really want a roof with a low or generally steeper roof, roofing membranes and metal roofs are a better choice.
Installation
Finally, how well the roof is installed plays a major role on how long your roof stays free of trouble on top of your home. While asphalt shingles are relatively easy to install, a simple mistake or oversight can be costly. What’s dangerous about it is that installation related problems manifest very late in the life of a roof, and this often blindsides homeowners when it starts acting up suddenly.
Installation related roofing problems are the reason why you should always hire an experienced local contractor to do the installation for you. At Deschutes Roofing & Insulation, you can count on us to properly install your new roof. We also provide complete roof repair and maintenance services.
Get in touch with us at (541) 241-5720 to learn more. We are a local roofing contractor serving homeowners throughout Oregon.