7 Expert Tips to Extend Your Asphalt Shingle Roof’s Lifespan

Moisture is a constant when you’re living in Washington, and traditional asphalt shingle roofs tend to take a beating year-round. But with proper care, you can make them last 20 to 30 years – and sometimes even longer!

But first, what are asphalt shingles? They’re one of the most popular roofing materials in the US, made from a fiberglass or organic mat that’s coated with asphalt and mineral granules. Asphalt roofs offer affordability, durability, and a wide range of styles to match any home’s character.

In this blog, we’ll discuss seven expert tips to keep your asphalt shingle roof in tip-top condition. From regular inspections to gutter maintenance, there are many ways to prolong your asphalt shingle roof’s life!

1. Regular Inspections and Cleaning

Roof problems often start small – until they aren’t small anymore. A few missing shingles clogged gutters that lead to standing water, or an unnoticed leak can quickly turn into an expensive repair job. But regular inspections and proper cleaning can help prevent such unwanted surprises. Here’s what an ideal inspection schedule looks like:

Check for the following during an inspection:

• Missing or damaged shingles: Gaps, cracks, or lifted shingles will lead to leaks and water damage if not replaced promptly.
• Flashing and seals: Chimneys, vents, and skylights are hotspots for leaks if the seals give out.
• Moss and algae growth: Washington’s wet climate encourages moss, which traps moisture and causes rot (we’ll talk more about this in a later section).
• Granule loss: If you see granules in your gutters, your shingles are probably losing their protective layer and need attention.
• Sagging or structural issues: A dip in your roofline isn’t ‘character’, it’s a cry for help and points to serious problems with the decking underneath.

For DIY cleaning, use a brush with soft bristles to remove moss and algae. Avoid pressure washing as this can strip away the protective shingle layer. But if climbing a ladder to such heights isn’t your idea of a good time, hire a professional roofing contractor to handle the cleaning. Many contractors also offer a free roof inspection so make use of that!

2. Prompt Repairs

A tiny gap in your roof is an open invitation for rain, snow, and whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw at you. And trust us when we say that she rarely sends gentle reminders in Washington’s harsh climate.

Timely repairs can stop water from infiltrating your roof and causing structural damage, mold, and rot. They can also keep costs down as it’s cheaper to patch the roof up sooner rather than waiting and then having to invest in emergency repairs (which often come with a side of stress and a hefty bill). Damaged or missing shingles can also wreak havoc on your home’s insulation, increasing your energy bill.

Let’s look at an average cost comparison of proactive and reactive (emergency) repairs:

Some commonly overlooked roof issues are:

• Loose or curling shingles may look harmless now, but they’ll get ripped off by the next strong wind, leaving your roof vulnerable.
• Flashing issues such as loose metal around vents and chimneys which allow water in.
• Leaks – even small ones – that cause water damage. Those stains on your ceiling? They’re more than just eyesores and can escalate into major structural problems.

3. Improve Roof Ventilation

As a homeowner, you probably haven’t realized that your roof’s worst enemy isn’t storms, hail, or that raccoon who thinks the attic is rent-free real estate – it’s bad ventilation. A stuffy and overheated attic can make your roof’s shingles brittle, speed up aging, cause water damage, and encourage the growth of mold and mildew.

There are a few reasons for these issues:

• Trapped humidity inside the attic can lead to mold and rot, damaging your insulation
• Without good airflow, the summer heat trapped in the attic can cause your shingles to crack, warp, and age faster
• A properly ventilated attic helps your home stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter so that your HVAC doesn’t have to work overtime. However bad ventilation damages the insulation and shingles, causing heat to escape through gaps and putting more stress on the HVAC system.
• In winter, ventilation helps maintain consistent temperatures that prevent the formation of ice dams. Ice dams block water from flowing freely, causing it to back up and seep under shingles.

You can help your roof breathe by regularly checking the insulation and installing ridge and soffit vents that create a good airflow and prevent moisture buildup. Also, consider getting attic fans to help air circulate and keep the temperature down. As a general rule, you should have one square foot of ventilation per 300 square feet of attic space.

4. Trim Overhanging Branches

Trees growing near or above the roof are often overlooked when it comes to inspecting for roof damage. And while trees add beauty to your yard and provide shade that adds a cooling effect to the house, overhanging branches are a different story altogether. Here’s why:

• Physical damage: During storms or high winds, branches can break off and fall onto your roof, damaging or puncturing the shingles.
• Debris accumulation: Overhanging branches can drop leaves, twigs, and other organic material onto your roof and into your gutters, leading to clogs and water backup.
• Moss and algae growth: The shade from overhanging branches creates a damp environment, encouraging the growth of moss and algae.
• Animal access: Overhanging branches can provide easy access for squirrels, raccoons, and other critters, which may damage your roof or nest in it.

Although you might be comfortable trimming branches yourself, it’s often safer and more effective to hire a professional arborist, especially for large trees or branches that are quite close to your home. Professionals have the right equipment and expertise to trim branches without damaging your property.

5. Gutter Maintenance

Gutters aren’t glamorous, but they require regular attention. Clogged, sagging, or broken gutters lead to water pooling on the roof and seeping under your shingles, resulting in mold, rot, and water damage.

Gutters are important in channeling rainwater away from the house and also prevent water from freezing along the roof’s edge in winter. Gutters clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris become heavy, causing them to pull away from the house and damaging the fascia boards.

Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in autumn – both debris-heavy seasons. And areas with more trees may need more frequent cleaning. 

If you’re going to DIY your gutter cleaning, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use a sturdy ladder and have someone assist you as a safety precaution
• Wear protective gloves to avoid injury from sharp debris
• Use a plastic shovel or scoop to remove debris
• After cleaning the debris, use a garden hose to flush the gutters out. Check for proper water flow and blockages.
• If you notice any leaks or damaged sections, call in a professional for gutter repair and replacement

Gutter guards are a great way to reduce the frequency of cleaning. This one-time investment prevents larger debris from entering the gutters although it doesn’t eliminate the need for cleaning altogether. 

6. Protective Roof Coatings

Your roof’s coating acts like sunscreen for your shingles. This extra layer of protection can reduce damage from UV rays and extend the life of your shingles, meaning fewer cracks and emergency repairs.

There are various types of roof coatings, including:

• Reflective coating that’s great for deflecting UV rays, keeping your attic cooler in the summer, and reducing heat damage.
• Waterproof coating that acts as a seal against moisture entering cracks and seams.
• Algae-resistant coating that slows down moss and algae growth in damp climates

Roof coating usually needs to be applied every 3-5 years but a harsh climate can speed up deterioration so keep an eye out.

7. Prevent Moss and Algae Growth

Even though a green, moss-covered roof looks charming, moss causes significant damage over time, leading to a reduced roof lifespan and costly repairs. This is due to multiple factors:

• Moss tends to act like a sponge that retains water and holds it against your shingles, leading to wood rot beneath the surface and damaged insulation.
• As moss expands, it creeps under shingles and lifts them up, creating gaps where water can seep in and cause leaks.
• Algae feed on the mineral granules that form your shingles, weakening their durability and performance.
• Dark, algae-covered shingles trap more heat, driving up your cooling costs and putting stress on your HVAC system.

So how do you prevent damage from moss and algae? There are various treatment methods:

• Install copper or zinc strips: When it rains, these metals release particles that prevent moss and algae from forming.
• Trim overhanging branches: As discussed above, reducing shade will make it harder for moss and algae to thrive.
• Use gentle cleaning methods: A soft brush or low-pressure wash with a mild detergent will safely remove buildup.
• Apply chemical treatments: Specially formulated roof cleaners can eliminate moss and algae without harming your shingles. However, make sure to always follow product instructions.
• Hire professional cleaners: If moss and algae growth becomes excessive, a roofing specialist will use the right techniques to restore your roof without causing structural damage.

Need Expert Roofing Help?

At NearMe Roofing Company, we are the best roofing company in the Seattle and Belleveu area and we take the guesswork out of roof care. Whether you need a free inspection, routine maintenance, or a full roof replacement, our experienced team can help. 

Don’t wait for small problems to spiral out of control – give us a call today and see where your asphalt shingle roof stands right now!