15 Feb The Biggest Enemy of Asphalt Shingles
There are lots of roofing materials on the market, each offering different pros and cons. One of the most popular roofing materials is asphalt shingles. They might be popular, but asphalt shingles are not the most reliable or cost-effective form of roofing on the market. To illustrate the weakness of asphalt shingles so homeowners can make the right call for their property, we’ll dive into the biggest enemy this roofing faces.
Facing the Elements
The biggest enemy of asphalt shingles is more of a group than it is one unique item. That group is: the elements. More specifically, local weather conditions can cause issues for asphalt shingles, shortening their lifespan exponentially. Even wind can diminish the structural integrity of asphalt shingles, allowing moisture to penetrate the roof’s surface.
Not only can this lead to mold growth on your roof, but it can result in mold growing inside your house as well. Moisture getting underneath asphalt shingles can also cause blistering. When asphalt shingles blister, they bubble over time, eventually popping and exposing the roof underneath.
Moisture Problems
Out of all the elements, the biggest enemy of asphalt shingles is moisture because of the different ways it’s able to accumulate. As briefly mentioned above, rainwater can seep into a home and cause damage. A lack of good ventilation in your attic can also lead to moisture problems and reduce the integrity of the shingles.
Ice isn’t a friend to asphalt shingles, either. Whether it’s hail plummeting onto the surface, ice dams forming on top, or snow refusing to move and eventually becoming those ice dams—winter can spell disaster for asphalt shingles.
As you can see, asphalt shingles are far from being the most reliable form of roofing out there. Luckily, if you want the look of shingles without the problems, consider options like Oxford metal shingles. Shingles provide a classy appearance to roofs, but homeowners shouldn’t have to suffer the hazard of asphalt shingles just to enjoy the aesthetic. With more durable, long-lasting materials like metal roofing on the market, it’s much easier to avoid those risks than you might realize.