What Happens When Your Asphalt Shingles Age?

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the country due to its availability and versatility. However, they require frequent maintenance services, especially in areas with inclement weather. Another issue that you will eventually run into is aging or weathering, wherein your shingles lose their minerals and binders, causing cracks and granule loss. 

In today’s post, your trusted residential roofing contractor, Dior Construction explains what happens to your asphalt shingle roof as they age.

Installation

Your asphalt shingles begin to deteriorate right as they’re packaged. The deterioration process is extremely slow at first, only to be progressed by exterior elements such as oxidation, and other external factors such as heat, pressure and even transportation conditions. It rapidly accelerates once your shingles have been installed and exposed to the elements. Since the asphalt shingles don’t have enough time to cure, the deterioration process continues until it has finally set. At this point, minor granule loss occurs due to excess granules separating from the shingles. The excess granules are then washed off by rainwater.

Prolonged Aging

Once the asphalt shingles installation project is complete, it enters into a slow and lengthy deterioration phase that speeds up incrementally. Initially, it won’t be noticeable as the deterioration occurs in a minute scale with tiny cracks on the asphalt, and other chemical reactions. The rate at which it deteriorates is also affected by factors such as the weather, material quality, slope and roof orientation.

Accelerated Deterioration

During this phase, visible shingle issues start to appear. For instance, your asphalt shingles will start to crack due to thermal cycling and sustained UV radiation, that will eventually lead to your shingles splitting. In cold areas, these issues are amplified due to the presence of moisture and frost that will freeze your shingles.

How Do I Slow Down My Shingles from Aging?

Before installing your shingles, be sure to have copper roof coatings to slow down the weathering process. In turn, this reduces the effects of weather elements not only on your roof, but other components of your home such as the attic.

If you need quality residential roofing services, contact Dior Construction at (201) 470-5077 or fill out our contact form. We are a GAF Master Elite® contractor and have been in the roofing industry since 2010. We serve Bergen County, NJ, and all of New Jersey.