If you own a home in the Bay Area, there’s a good chance you have an asphalt shingle roof. Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material in the country, and for good reason. They offer an attractive appearance, good durability, excellent waterproofing capabilities, and a reasonable price point compared to alternatives like tile, metal, or wood shake.
However, asphalt shingles do have some limitations. They are not as long-lasting as more premium roofing materials like tile or standing seam metal. On average, a typical asphalt shingle roof will last about 15-25 years in the Bay Area climate before needing to be replaced. Factors like intense UV radiation, high winds, heavy rains, and salty coastal air can all accelerate the deterioration of asphalt shingles over time.
Additionally, asphalt shingle roofs require more monitoring and proactive maintenance than some other roofing materials to reach their full lifespan potential. Small problems like cracked or missing shingles can quickly turn into expensive leaks if not promptly repaired. Shingles in shaded areas can become streaked with dark algae growth. And asphalt shingles are more prone to damage from overhanging tree branches and clogged gutters compared to harder roofing materials.
But this doesn’t mean asphalt shingle roofs are inferior – they can still provide decades of reliable protection for your home when properly cared for. With a regular maintenance routine and timely repairs, you can extend the life of your asphalt shingle roof and postpone an expensive full replacement. In this article, we’ll go over four essential tips that Bay Area homeowners can follow to get the most mileage out of their asphalt shingle roofs.
Schedule Annual Professional Roof Inspections
One of the best ways to stay on top of your asphalt shingle roof’s condition is to have it professionally inspected on a regular basis. We recommend scheduling a roof inspection at least once per year, and ideally twice – once in the spring and once in the fall.
During an inspection, a qualified Bay Area roofing contractor will carefully examine your entire roof, looking for any cracked, curled, loose or missing shingles that need to be repaired or replaced. They’ll also check for signs of moss or algae growth, which can prematurely age shingles and compromise their waterproof seal. Other key inspection points include the flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof vents, the rubber boots around pipe vents, and the condition of your gutters and downspouts.
The goal of an annual roof inspection is to spot and fix small issues before they turn into big, expensive problems. By catching a few cracked or loose shingles early, you can prevent a leak that could damage your attic insulation, interior ceilings and walls. It’s important to be proactive since many home insurance policies in the Bay Area have limited coverage for roof leaks and water damage.
When hiring a roofing contractor to perform your annual inspection, be sure to choose a company that is fully licensed and insured to perform work up to current California building codes and regulations. An inspection is also a great opportunity to get a professional opinion on how many more years of life you can expect from your current shingle roof.
Keep Your Gutters Clean and Flowing
Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of premature asphalt shingle deterioration that we see as roofing contractors serving the Bay Area. When gutters get backed up with leaves, twigs, pine needles and other debris, rainwater and runoff from your roof can’t properly drain away from your home.
Pooling water along the edge of the roof will eventually work its way under the shingles, leading to leaks, wood rot, mold/mildew, and structural damage to fascia boards and soffits. Clogged gutters can also lead to the formation of ice dams along the eaves in the winter, which can force water under the shingles and into your attic.
To avoid these problems, it’s important to clean your gutters at least twice a year – once in late spring after the trees have finished shedding their blossoms and seeds, and once in late fall after most of the leaves have come down. If you have a lot of tall trees around your Bay Area home, you may need to clean your gutters even more frequently.
Cleaning gutters is a messy and sometimes dangerous job that is best left to the pros. Most roofing contractors also offer gutter cleaning services, or you can hire a company that specializes in this task. If you decide to DIY, make sure to use proper safety equipment like gloves, goggles, and a sturdy ladder.
For homes with a lot of mature trees, it may be worth investing in gutter guards or covers that allow water to flow through but block most debris. There are many different types of gutter protection systems available. Talk to your local roofing contractor about the best options for your specific roof and budget.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
While we all appreciate the shade and beauty that mature trees provide, overhanging branches can wreak havoc on an asphalt shingle roof. The constant rubbing of branches on the roof surface can loosen or dislodge the protective granules that help deflect UV rays and repel water.
Tree limbs that overhang the roof can also break off in a heavy windstorm, often crashing right through the shingles and roof decking. Large leaf and needle drops from trees promote moisture retention on the roof surface and gutters, which accelerates mold/moss/algae growth and wood rot. And of course, tree branches make it easier for squirrels, rats, and other rodents to access your roof and attic.
To minimize these problems, it’s important to keep tree branches trimmed back at least 6-10 feet from the roof line. This is a job that is best left to a professional Bay Area tree service, as they will have the proper equipment and training to do major pruning jobs safely and correctly. Improper pruning can damage the tree and often stimulates new branch growth. Your local roofing contractor can likely recommend a good tree trimming service.
Promptly Repair or Replace Damaged Shingles
High winds, heavy rains, hail, and fallen tree branches can cause asphalt shingles to get cracked, torn, dented, or completely dislodged – even if your roof is relatively new. It’s important to have any damaged shingles repaired or replaced as soon as possible by an experienced Bay Area roofing contractor.
Ignoring missing or broken shingles will allow water to seep into the underlying roof structure, potentially rotting the roof decking and eventually leaking into the attic. Exposed roof decking and underlayment will quickly begin to deteriorate and lose its waterproofing capabilities. A small, inexpensive shingle repair can turn into a major rebuild of the entire roof structure if the damage is ignored for too long.
Fortunately, asphalt shingles are among the easiest and least expensive roofing materials to fix, especially when compared to tile, slate, wood shake, or metal roofs. The key is catching and repairing the damage early, before it has a chance to spread. Depending on the age of your roof and the availability of matching replacement shingles, your roofing contractor may be able to replace a few shingles, or they may recommend re-roofing a larger section for a seamless appearance.
Extend The Life Of Your Shingle Roof
As you can see, getting the most life out of your Bay Area home’s asphalt shingle roof requires a proactive approach to maintenance and repairs. By scheduling annual inspections, keeping your gutters clean and clear, trimming back overhanging tree branches, and promptly repairing damaged shingles, you can extend your roof’s lifespan by years or even decades.
If you’re in need of a roof inspection, repair, or replacement in the greater Bay Area, contact the experienced professionals at Elm Roofing Contractors. As a leading asphalt roofing contractor, we offer comprehensive residential and commercial roofing services, all backed by our 10-year workmanship warranty and industry-leading customer support.