It would be ideal if roofs lasted forever, but as with all things, roof shingles will age and deteriorate. However, not all shingles will age at the same rate. The best way to assess how long your shingles will last is to check the manufacturer’s warranty and speak with the contractor about some of the things that affect a roof’s expected life. Shingles that are exposed to direct sunlight all day will wear much faster than those that are protected by shade. Shingles that are taking a lot of wind and rain, such as those on the northwestern side of the house will take more punishment than those on the southeastern side. A good Minnesota roofing contractor will be able to let you know what you can expect in your area, and how to best protect your roof as the years go by.
Minnesota’s changing weather brings natural heating and cooling temperatures that will expand and contract the roofing material, causing it to separate. Once these small separations occur, water will get in and begin to do damage. Each passing season takes a little more out of every roof, so it is vital to keep up with maintenance so that a small partition doesn’t become a much larger one by the end of the year.
When shingles become old or begin to show signs of aging, they begin to crack, curl or become loose. They may even break off. You should never ignore these signs of roof deterioration. When you begin to see signs of aging such as this in your shingles, contact an experienced roofing contractor and have the roof inspected right away. Delaying small roof repairs can result in much larger, more expensive ones.
One of the best protection methods is to have an annual roof inspection. Some roofing manufacturers require these to keep the warranty in effect. The reason is that roofing wears out gradually over a long period of time. It is rare that any one single event will damage a roof, but a series of smaller, less noticeable things over time accelerates deterioration. Insurance companies will cover damage but not neglect, so make sure you keep up with your annual inspections. Roofing inspections are free with Iron River Construction, a licensed roofing contractor serving Minnesota homeowners.
If an experienced roofing contractor determines that shingles need to be replaced, it is not advisable to attempt to do the work yourself. In fact, you may void your roofing warranty if you do. Always have an experienced roofer handle your roofing needs, including replacing or repairing any aging or damaged shingles. By hiring a professional roofer, you will get it done right, as well as protect your warranty in the process.
Some things are better left to a professional, and roof repair is definitely one of them. Iron River Construction is a licensed, experienced and professional roofing contractor serving Minneapolis and outlying areas in Minnesota. Call today for a free roof inspection – 952-442-1762.
