6 fun facts about roofing

1 Typically the least expensive asphalt shingles will be the most prone to damage from sun exposure, temperature changes, high winds, and storms, and may show damage 5-6 years or less after installation. These will also last the shortest amount of time, on average 12-18 years.

2. In general, shingle granules are applied to protect the product from sunlight, UV rays, and weather. When these granules start to wear away the aging process speeds up and leaks are more likely to occur.

3. Granule loss can occur based on a number of factors, from normal wear and tear to hail storms, being walked on, mechanical damage, shingle blistering, or from defective product. Other factors affecting longevity are moss growth, lack of ventilation, and ice dams.

4. If your house is located in an area with hot temperatures and mostly sunny days, it is best to install lighter color roofing shingles, as they are more resistant to heat absorption, UV damage, and curing (shingle drying out from heat and becoming brittle).

5. If you live in a hot and humid climate, your shingles can be damaged by algae and fungal growth. To prevent this, consider installing special algae resistant shingles, which have about 10 % of granules coated with leachable copper to help protect from discoloration, algae and moss growth. Atlas offers a newly formulated algae resistant shingles product with a Lifetime Warranty.

6. Most shingles get damaged by hail and require replacement under home insurance coverage. However, some manufacturers (namely Malarkey) produce premium asphalt shingles capable of withstanding Class IV hail storm (2 inch diameter). These are in some respects comparable to concrete tile or metal roofing, as far as durability.