Chances are, your home has an asphalt roof. Asphalt shingles are affordable, easy to install and relatively long lasting, so it’s no wonder why they are the most common roofing material used by homeowners. However, just because they are a common roofing material doesn’t mean that your average homeowner has the information they need to make the smartest decisions about their asphalt roofs. That’s why the roof replacement experts in Edmonton from Sargeant’s Roofing have come up with this guide to replacing your asphalt shingle roof.
How do you know when to replace your asphalt shingle roof?
Here are a few warning signs that indicate the need for asphalt shingle roof replacement:
- Curling Shingles – Age and prolonged exposure to heat can cause shingles to start to curl or “claw.” When shingles start to curl, they become easy to break and are much more susceptible to wind damage.
- Missing or Broken Shingles – If any of the shingles on your roof are missing or broken, it can severely compromise your roof’s ability to repel water, and they create vulnerable points for roof leaks. Physical damage, usually from walking on the roof, or high wind can cause shingles to break or tear off entirely.
- Loose or Missing Granules – If your gutters aren’t working properly, or if the downspouts were poorly placed or the valley wasn’t designed properly, it can cause water to wash over the shingles, while simultaneously washing away or loosening the granules. Those granules are important for preventing damage caused by sun or heat exposure, and when they are washed away, it can cause your roof to age much more quickly. Be on the lookout for shingle granules in the gutters and around the perimeter of your home.
- Buckling Shingles – Buckled shingles often have a wavy or distorted look to them, and everything from wet underlayment to the age of your roof can cause buckling. Shingles that are buckled are much more susceptible to damage from ice and wind.
- Damaged Roof Flashings – Roofing flashings help to protect the most vulnerable areas in your room from leaks, such as around the chimney and skylights, rakes, eaves, valleys, etc. There are many things that can cause flashing to become compromised, which can leave you susceptible to leaks.
To remove shingles or roof over them, that is the question.
When it comes time to replace your asphalt shingle roof, you have the choice of removing the shingles and starting from scratch or simply adding an additional layer of shingles over the existing shingles. Here are the pros and cons of roofing over your existing shingles:
Pros
It’s much more affordable to simply add a new layer of shingles over your existing shingles than it is to completely replace your roof. This is because it’s a much faster process, and it can save you hours of labour. While most roofing professionals can strip a roof quickly, if you plan to replace your roof on your own, it could make the process a lot faster to simply roof over the existing shingles. Additionally, this method will help to reduce waste.
Cons
The main reason why many roofing companies suggest replacing a shingle roof rather than just roofing over one is the additional weight that layers of shingles can add to your roof. Roofing over shingles can create structural problems in some homes, particularly in older homes. Additionally, roofing over existing shingles can make it difficult to minimize surface irregularities that can hurt the aesthetics of your room and your home.
Turn to Sargeant’s Roofing for roof replacement in Edmonton.
Is it time to replace your asphalt shingle roof in Edmonton? Turn to the experts you can trust by turning to Sargeant’s Roofing. Contact us today to get started.