The common asphalt shingle roof found on many North American homes is also known as the ’30-year roof’. Which kind of asphalt shingles lasts the longest amount of time? Plus, tips to extend a shingle’s life.
Armour Shield Roofing strongly discourages homeowners from going up and down ladders or doing repairs on their roofs. The accidents and fatalities sustained by untrained individuals are tragic and avoidable by calling a professional roofing contractor.
The reality is that this type of roof can last around 30 years if it is maintained properly. The best solution is to purchase the longest-lived shingle available. As your shingles age, there are ways to combat some of the age-related issues.
Which shingle will last the longest?
An architectural or laminate shingle has been constructed to last longer; typically they are made three times thicker than the original three-tab shingle.
Beautiful to see on a roof, they add value aesthetically and a long-lived shingle has one of the highest return on investment (ROI) in the world of renovations at 68% of recouped value.
Armour Shields’ complete team is installation-certified for IKO, CertainTeed, and BP roofing products.
Purchased warranties can extend the value of your roof and allow the possibility of further work.
What can lessen your shingle life and how can you combat it?
Roof moss – How to prevent its growth:
It is no longer environmentally allowed to use toxic chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite, copper sulphate or zinc on your roof. Although toxic to the point that it prevents moss growth, we now know it is extremely toxic to our water, soil, plants, animal life and humans.
If left unchecked, moss will lift the edges of your shingles. Algae/moss thrives in the humid conditions of Canadian summers and grows on a roof surface that is usually on the north side and receives less sun or is shadowed by (an otherwise useful) tree canopy. Algae and fungus may look like a slightly darker stain’ or discolourations on shingles. The darkness is in fact the beginning of the fungal growth.
Green products are available; generally hand-removal of the moss/fungus and either hand-scrubbing or power washing from the top down using the green cleaner will help. You should contact your original roofing company for advice as power washing may void your warranty. Generally, your mossy roof should be replaced sooner than other roofs.
If you have a heavy tree canopy, your shingles may remain wet and moss may grow. As well, branches that constantly brush your shingles will rub their protective coating away, allowing water to get under the edges:
Call a professional arborist to keep limbs and branches from completely hiding a roof section or brushing against the shingles. Proper gear and trucks keep everyone safe and prevent damage to your roof during the cutting.
Your roof requires maintenance to get the most out of its expected lifetime and you can feel confident using Armour Shield Roofing in the London ON area for any roofing associated work.
We have been in business for 26 years, during which time we have proudly never received one complaint. Armour Shield has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and won the 2012 Business Integrity Award, acquiring the finalist position for two other years.
Please call us at (519) 858 5044 or use our Contact Form.
Armour Shield Roofing strongly discourages homeowners from going up and down ladders or doing repairs on their roofs. The accidents and fatalities sustained by untrained individuals are tragic and avoidable by calling a professional roofing contractor.