Making Your Asphalt Roofing Last

Tips from Ottawa Roofers on Getting The Most out of Your Shingles

The roof over your head – where would you be without it? It’s what keeps you dry when it rains, cool when it shines, and let’s admit it: our homes would look a little silly without them (not to mention they would attract much more environmental damage). It’s such an important element of your home, but it’s also typically one of the most overlooked. This may account for why, when it comes to asphalt roofing, the true lifespan of your roof is largely dependent on how you treat it. With a little advice from Ottawa roofers and a lot of love, you can keep that roof over your head for longer.

The Shingle Life

Depending on the quality of the asphalt shingles, the typical lifespan can be as low as 15 to 20 years. Better-made shingles will obviously last longer. Other factors that come into play are the colour of your roof, the quality of the installation job, the local climate, and even the direction that the slopes of your roof face and how much sun exposure this brings them. Some of the elements, like a good installation or the colour, are within your control. Others aren’t, and may serve to underscore the importance of proper care and maintenance.

What You Can Do

When was the last time you gave your asphalt roofing a serious inspection? If you answered, “When I moved in,” or simply looked at your feet and felt guilty, then this is the best place to start. Ottawa roofers suggest you keep a vigilant eye on your roof between professional inspections (which you should have every two or three years). A lot of this will revolve around keeping your gutters clean, clearing debris, and breaking up ice dams in the winter. (An ice dam is a layer of ice that builds up at the bottom of the roof and prevents moisture drainage, resulting in damage to your shingles.) If you notice damaged or missing shingles, have them replaced immediately – any roof is only as strong as its weakest link!

Algae is a notorious asphalt shingle-killer. To prevent algae damage and extend your asphalt roofing’s life, you can request that your Ottawa roofer install a copper or zinc strip at the peak of your roof. Then, every time it rains, metal particles will rinse over your roof, killing algae growth as it does so and creating a protective layer over time.

Ensuring proper attic ventilation and insulation are also good ways to increase the lifespan. If you are having your roof replaced, consider using lighter-coloured shingles. Dark asphalt roofing absorbs heat, but lighter colours reflect it. By reducing heat absorption, you also reduce heat damage and warping, further extending the life of your roof.