We all know that the minute you drive a new car off the lot, the car begins to depreciate, but did you know something similar can be said for a new roof? When installing your new roof, your residential roofing specialist should inform you that the minute the final nail is in the last shingle, your new roof will begin to age and depreciate.
If you have never heard that before, don’t panic! Your roof is on the exterior of your home and because of this it is constantly exposed to harsh environmental conditions and weather. Everything from sunlight, wind, rain, a rogue frisbee, pesky squirrels, and more can contribute to the aging of your roof. While this can be frustrating, it is also just a fact of homeownership.
As a residential roofing specialist in Denver, Wichita, and Kansas City, the Farha Roofing team wants to make sure you are fully aware of the expected lifespan of your roof. Today we are going to walk you through the full lifecycle of an asphalt shingle roof so you know what to expect.
The Lifecycle of an Asphalt Shingle Roof
Stage One: New Roof
Your residential roofing specialist should tell you that stage one begins as soon as the last shingle is nailed in place and the last roofer is off the ladder. This stage lasts for approximately 10-15 years, but can vary based on your local climate.
During the new roof stage, you may notice rapid signs of aging, but this is normal. As the new roof and shingles adjust to their environment there tends to be more significant granule loss, a bit of curling around the edges of shingles, and the occasional blister. This rapid aging process tends to slow around the two year mark and as long as the structural integrity of the roof is sound, there is no cause for concern.
Recommended: When Should You Replace the Roof on a Rental Property?
Stage Two: Mid-Life Roof
The mid-life stage typically begins after the 15-year anniversary of your residential roofing specialist finishing the project and lasts for up to 35 years. During this time you will likely notice signs of aging and weathering, but there shouldn’t be a significant amount of aging just yet. We do recommend adding a maintenance plan to your roof after the 18 year mark or so.
During the mid-life stage the most important thing you can do to protect your roof’s longevity is keep up with routine maintenance. Work with the team at Farha Roofing or your residential roofing specialist to schedule regular inspections and act quickly on necessary repairs. Doing so will ensure that your roof does not deteriorate any quicker than expected.
Stage Three: Old Roof
After the 35 year mark, your roof is officially an older roof. Once it reaches this stage you will likely notice the aging process begin to accelerate and you may begin to toss the word replacement around with your residential roofing specialist again.
If during your routine inspection your inspector notices excessive signs of aging such as cracked or missing shingles, staining, blistering, and exposed bald spots it likely is time to replace your roof. You should also start paying special attention to water spots or stains on the ceiling as you are more susceptible to leaks during this stage.
At Farha Roofing, we know that your roof and shingles are longterm investments that enhance your property and keep your family safe. In order to best protect your investment, work with a trusted residential roofing specialist who uses the highest quality materials and holds the proper licensing and certifications for your area.
If you think your roof might be entering Stage Three, give the team at Farha Roofing a call today to schedule a free inspection with our experts!