How Long Do Roof Shingles Really Last in Minnesota?
This is perhaps the most common and the most important question one might ask when looking for a new roof, getting a new roof or just having installed a new roof.
Like most things, the answer is: IT ALL DEPENDS!
VARIABLES AFFECTING LONGEVITY OF SHINGLE LIFE:
Minnesota in particular, and northern states in general that have extreme winter weather conditions, has many weather-related factors that can negatively impact one of your homes most important components. Let’s briefly discuss the big ones here:
INSULATION:
One of the benefits of insulation is to prevent the movement of air, mainly, the movement of the warm air within your livable spaces to the colder outside air that exists in your attic. Warm air inside of attics creates frost in the winter time which deteriorates your roof sheathing at a much faster rate. This deterioration can negatively affect your shingles over time.
VENTILATION:
A vital component of any roof system, ventilation allows any warm (moist) air to escape the attic cavity thereby reducing the likelihood that frost can build up. Additionally, in the summertime, good ventilation can exhaust the hot air that builds up from the heat of the sun. In both instances, adequate ventilation greatly reduces the temperature swings within your attic and in so doing increases the life expectancy of your shingles.
ORIENTATION TO THE SUN:
Believe it or not, a shingle that prominently faces East-West will have a longer life expectancy than a shingle that faces North-South. The suns’ powerful rays deteriorate anything that it shines directly onto and an asphalt roof is no exception. Additionally, the north side of roofs, which see limited sunlight have a greater likelihood of moss/algae growth which can cause damage to the granules integral to any shingle.
QUALITY INSTALLATION:
As with anything, if it’s not done right to begin with than it can’t be expected to last as long as it otherwise would. Attention to detail items such as flashing work, roof penetrations and nailing can all affect longevity.
SURROUNDING VEGETATION:
Believe it or not, tree cover, lakes/rivers or wide-open spaces around one’s home can affect longevity of shingle. Trees drop leaves, twigs and sometimes limbs on our rooftops which over time can have a negative affect on longevity. Excessive moisture levels associated with bodies of water can affect longevity through an increase of mold/mildew and algae/moss growth. And wind can play a big role in the likelihood of “blow-off” of your shingles or other components.
All of these factors can be mitigated with knowledge of their existence and a good game plan as to how to deal with them. At TCR we have a working knowledge of these factors and take them into account with any re-roofing project.
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