Shingles have always been a popular roofing choice. That’s because of their easy accessibility, pocket-friendly price, and ease of installation. Roof shingles can be made of slate, wood, clay, ceramic, asphalt, etc… but asphalt shingles are the most common. But they also present many problems, which is what’s encouraging people to shift to other materials, primarily to metal roofing.
One of the major problems faced by those who have traditional shingle roofing includes low life expectancy and the durability of shingle roof material. Asphalt is an oil-based product, and will dry up over time, this is at the root of many other issues like… blistering, curing, raising, etc. All of this is leading to frequent and expensive maintenance or a complete roof replacement.
Before choosing shingles for roofing because they are more pocket-friendly, let’s look at some of the problems you’ll likely face when it comes to traditional shingle roofing.
What are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt Shingles are roofing products, i.e., a covering for the roof. They are usually rectangular in shape and are laid out all over the surface in an overlapping style. Asphalt shingles are popular roofing materials because they are relatively cheap and fast to install. Traditionally, a shingle roof is extremely popular around the world.
Roof shingles are considered a part of the aesthetics of your home, because of how highly visible they are. The most common type of shingle are “3-Tab asphalt shingles” and “Designer, or Architectural Shingles“. However, the type of shingle to be used is determined even before home construction starts, as it will have an essential impact on the look and overall protection of the roof itself. They will also take the pitch into consideration for deciding the best roofing shingle choices.
Problems with Traditional Shingle Roofing
Even though shingles have been a popular choice for a long time, they present many problems. Let’s take a look at these individually.
a) Low Expectancy
One of the major drawbacks of traditional shingles, especially asphalt ones, is that they do not last for too long. They will need a replacement within a matter of 10-20 years. While the cost is less, let’s not forget the overall hassle of new shingle installation – especially when you have to do it so frequently.
b) Bacterial Growth
A less talked-about issue with traditional shingle materials like asphalt is bacterial growth. Glockenspiel Magma is a common bacteria with a green-blue appearance like algae. You get ugly back streaks. It is a challenge to avoid this as the bacteria is carried by birds or the wind. It affects the roof’s life and strength.
c) Blistering
Due to exposure to extreme heat, poorly ventilated traditional shingles start to get blisters. This is an outburst of the moisture trapped inside the shingles, which expand due to heat. As a result, the granules on shingles become loose and reduce the protective effects of shingles, eventually reducing the roof’s life.
d) Curling
You may notice that individual shingles of a traditional roof start to curl upwards. There are plenty of reasons behind this. These include poor installation, bad attic ventilation, placement of new tiles over old ones, improper lining, mould, and more. Curling shingles do not only look awful but also cause leaks.
e) Raising
Traditional shingles often face the problem of poor installation. As a result, it’s possible for shingles to start rising or buckling due to strong winds. When winds hit shingles that are not properly lined and placed, they lift and even tear off individual shingles. You cannot fix the issue one tile at a time.
f) Cracking
Most traditional types of shingles are susceptible to cracking and splitting. It is usually the result of harsh weather conditions, e.g., damage from hail or heavy tree branches during storms. Extreme weather conditions also lead to the expansion and contraction of the materials. Let’s not forget debris and algae.
g) Missing Shingles
Don’t be shocked if you see a few missing shingles after a heavy storm – because the wind can blow the shingles right off the roof. This is especially true if the installation is poor or the tiles are already cracked. Plus, deteriorating sealants and fasteners in traditional roofing are common causes behind missing tiles.
h) Granule Loss
Granules are small bits on shingles forming a protective layer for added safety. But when shingles are exposed to extreme weather conditions, they start to lose these granules. Though this is normal in due course of time, massive granule loss in a short time can make roofs less moisture- or fire-resistant.
i) Limited colours
Traditional shingles come in a small range of modest and neutral colours. As a result, you will not get too many options. So if you are looking for decorative roof shingles, it will be difficult for you to find them in asphalt, wood, etc. You’ll have to make your choice from a range of greys, browns, greens, etc.
j) Expensive Maintenance
Because of frequent damages and problems, traditional roofing shingles will require you to spend a lot of time and money on repairs, replacements, and maintenance. So, even though the installation, labour, and material costs might be low in the initial stage, such roofing options are not cost-effective in the long run.
Why Metal Roofing is Better
While shingles are still very much in demand, modern builders prefer to replace traditional materials with metal shingles. This gives the roof more sturdiness and durability – and the power to withstand any weather condition.
A metal shingle roof does not require the same level of maintenance required by traditional roofs, like a wood, ceramic, or asphalt shingle roof. They are expensive in the initial stage but much more cost-effective because of low maintenance and high longevity.
They also come in a wide range of chic colours and designs. They improve the overall value of your home, and you don’t need to be stressed about repairs, maintenance, and replacements. Plus, they help save money on energy bills.
Final Words
Country Towne brings you the best metal roofing options in Canada. Our metal roofs ensure that you don’t have to face the common problems of traditional shingles on roofs.
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