If you are considering what roof to install, one of the most common choices is asphalt shingles. While asphalt shingles are the most popular option by far, they do raise their own challenges to homeowners. This includes the need to perform maintenance, repairs, and replacement from time to time.
The Benefits of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the United States. As such, their use comes with certain benefits you can take advantage of. First of all, they are one of the cheapest possibilities on the market for roofing. They are fairly durable and require little maintenance compared to some other roofing choices. What’s more, they are rather easy for professionals to install, repair, or replace. They are also now available with different colors and textures for various looks.
The Downsides of Asphalt Shingles
Unfortunately, there are also downsides to the use of asphalt shingles, and you should be aware of them when making your decision about your roof. These include the fact that strong winds can lift them up and off. You should also be aware that shingles can crack over time after sustained exposure to the elements. They require a significant roof slope to operate property, and they can grow mildew when they don’t drain sufficiently. Other options such as metal roofing may be stronger and last longer.
Long-Term Asphalt Shingle Maintenance
While asphalt shingles are low-maintenance compared to other roofing choices, they still require some long-term care. This should include cleaning out your gutters. If your gutters are operating properly, your shingles and entire roof will be in less danger of failure.
Your shingles may also require cleaning once every season to remove things like dirt, debris, sticks, and more that may become stuck on your roof. If discovered, algae and mold can be removed with a bleach and water mixture.
When to Repair and Replace Asphalt Shingles
One of the downsides of asphalt shingles is that nothing lasts forever. At some point, individual shingles, or even all of them, will have to be replaced. Signs of damage that requires repair or replacement include the following:
- Missing shingles
- Cracked shingles
- Curling shingles
- Blistering shingles
- Loose shingles
- Shingles with dark streaks
Repairing individual asphalt shingles isn’t practical. They are so cheap that it is usually best to simply replace them. Installing a new shingle or shingle panel to replace a damaged one can be done quite easily by a professional. However, in certain cases, such as after a strong wind storm, so many shingles may be damaged or missing that it may be best to replace the entire roof.
If you live in the Rochester, MN area and need to hire professionals for roofing repair, just contact our experts at Heyn Brothers Roofing to ensure that the job is done right.
