Your roof is one of the biggest investments you will make in your home, and we receive a lot of questions from concerned homeowners about how to protect that investment. Our blog, FAQ page and the “Roofing University” videos on our website and YouTube channel are available to help homeowners with questions they have about their roof. Here are the answers to five common questions, along with their corresponding “Roofing University” video explanation.
Q: How long should an asphalt shingle last in North Florida?
A: Every roof is different. The lifespan of a shingle depends on what kind of shingle it is. The roof in the video below is only 16 years old, but already needs to be replaced. The issue with this particular roof is that it has mineral surface loss, which has compromised the shingles and reduced the lifespan of the roof.
Q: Will a metal roof save me money?
A: It can. Typically, when we think of metal roofing, we think of the standing seam roof, but another metal roofing option available is the steel shingle. These two products transfer 35 to 40 percent less heat from the roofing system into the attic space. This can reduce your air conditioning usage, which in turn can lower your electric bill. While metal roofing is sometimes costlier than other roofing materials, it can help you save money in the long run.
Q: What is a valley and why does it leak?
A: Roof valleys are created where two slopes of the roof meet. A common reason for roof valleys to leak is that debris builds up in the valley, which blocks the water from flowing off the roof. When the water collects instead of running off, roofs will leak and rot. To prevent water from pooling in any one area of your roof, make sure to keep your roof surface clear of leaves and other accumulated debris.
Q: Are gutters helpful or harmful to my roof?
A: A proper gutter system can help a roof last longer. In the video below, the roof has a valley that is pouring a steady stream of water onto the roof deck. The flow of water has damaged the shingles below by removing some of the mineral surface, which protects the shingle from sun damage. Direct exposure to the sun can cause the shingle to become thin and brittle.
Q: Will it hurt my roof to wash it?
A: Pressure washing or washing your roof with a chlorine bleach cleaner can reduce the lifespan of the roof. Both pressure washing and chlorine-based cleaners will cause the mineral surface to release from your roof’s shingles. If the mineral surface is worn away, the base of the shingle will be exposed to direct sunlight, which causes the shingle to become thin and brittle. The shingle also loses its adhesion to the roof. At Tadlock Roofing, we use an EPA-approved algaecide/fungicide called Roof-A-Cide to gently remove unsightly algae and discoloration from your roof without damaging the shingles.
