Premature asphalt shingle aging is not as common nowadays, yet sometimes roofs have problems such as cupping and curling in as short as 10 years after installation. In this blog, local roofing company Ken Morton & Sons takes a look at why asphalt shingle roofs fall apart prematurely and what can be done to prevent it.
Why Do Asphalt Shingle Roofs Fall Apart Early?
To better explain the causes of premature asphalt shingle aging, let us first share an overview of how asphalt shingles are made. Sheets of backing material, either made of fiberglass (“composite”) or cellulose from recycled paper (“organic”), are run through several rollers while being saturated with hot asphalt. Before granules are applied, air is blown into the sheets, creating bubbles in the asphalt. These serve as expansion gaps, which prevents asphalt from overflowing when it expands from solar heat.
Sometimes a manufacturing error could occur where a batch of shingles may have too much air blown into the shingles. When installed on a roof, these shingles are more vulnerable to moisture intrusion. Normal wear and tear will cause premature aging and may have a shorter life span. There are no visual cues that would alert roofers to this defect, which means the problem won’t make itself known until after installation.
How to Prevent Premature Asphalt Shingle Aging
A high quality roofing system, with extensive material and workmanship warranties, is much less likely to develop signs of premature aging. Make sure you’re hiring a roofing contractor that’s certified by the manufacturer. In the event that a defective batch of asphalt shingles are installed, getting it replaced with good ones shouldn’t be as difficult.
Algae-resistant asphalt shingles, such as GAF StainGuard Plus™ Shingles, can also help reduce the likelihood of premature asphalt shingle aging. Algae-resistant shingles contain copper granules, which releases copper ions when it gets wet from rainwater. As the copper ions bond with the asphalt, it significantly slows down the aging process. Some homeowners have reported similar success with installing copper strips at the ridge, but doing this yourself may void your roof’s warranty.
Ken Morton & Sons is your leading provider of roofing and siding replacement services. Give us a call at (856) 582-8800 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Pitman, NJ, and surrounding areas.
