Posted by Roofco August 31, 2018
Here is a question one of our customers asked us: My 25-year old asphalt roof shingles are getting close to the completion of their life. My roof does not display any signs of leaks or additional obvious issues; therefore, I am not certain whether to get it re-shingled. What will a roofer search for while making the decision on whether it is time for new roof shingles? If it is time to replace the shingles, will it make sense to pay the additional money for lifetime roof shingles?
Here is the answer we provided:
Besides leaks, there will include some indications that shingles must be replaced. Shingles that are blown off are not always a sign of impending failure, yet if they are blowing off under harsh weather conditions, it often is an indication of brittleness and aging. We additionally check the granule coating of the shingle, which not just provides the shingles their color yet protects against ultraviolet damage. A little granule loss is normal for shingles that are aging, yet excess granule loss will leave bald patches, causing the roof shingles to rapidly dry out and split. Also, you want to be on the lookout for lifting and curling, both signs that your roof shingles are drying out.
Reroof vs. full replacement
If the shingles on your roof are shot, there are two options: a reroof (new roof shingles are installed over older roof shingles) or complete replacement (strip down a roof to its sheathing and putting new roofing in). Reroofing is acceptable so long as there’s just one shingle layer and none of them are curling or lifting. If there are more than two layers, or if the existing layer is lifting, curling, or otherwise unsound, a reroof is necessary.
We’ve discovered that a reroof decreases the lifespan of new shingles by 20 to 40 percent. This significant reduction in lifespan is a consequence of the initial roof shingles, and not being as great a substrate as its sheathing underneath. As compared with underlayment over wood sheathing, older roof shingles are an uneven surface. That means the new roof shingles do not sit as flat, which makes them more vulnerable to movement and blowing off. Over a period of time, the subtle bends that are created in the newer shingles will be the first spaces to develop cracks. In addition, fastening through the older roof shingles decreases the nail’s pullout resistance. As manufacturers do not come out and state that reroofs do not last as long, they’ll make the point in a roundabout way because their warranties only apply to full replacements and new installations, and not reroofs.
Labor will probably be the same irrespective of the roof shingle grade, so I’d invest in the highest shingle grade you can afford. The price difference is probably minimal, and the increase in thickness and weight of roof shingles will make them more high-wind-resistant.
For more information on the best time to reroof a house contact the roofing repair company of Roofco today!