Asphalt shingles are the most common materials installed on homes these days.

Still, shingle roofing services find that many homeowners are not as educated on these products as they should be.

These tips from professional shingle roof contractors can help owners of shingle roofs understand their installations better and help them last longer!

• Know What A Good Installation Looks Like - A quality installation by professional shingle roofing companies includes new vents, new rubber boots around protrusions, new flashing in all valleys, as well as a consistent and straight appearance across the whole installation.
• Roofs Need To Breathe - A skilled shingle roof contractor knows that attic ventilation to let the roof breathe is critical. Without it, hot air building up under the roof can cause blistering, curling, and other symptoms as well as widespread destruction of the entire system. Ventilation should be checked with every new installation and every inspection in between.
• Shingle Roofs Need Occasional Cleaning - Roofs that grow moss, algae, or mold should be gently and periodically cleaned with a hose to remove these destructive microorganisms and prevent them from shortening the life of the installation. Shingle roofing companies can perform this task easily for homeowners who are unable to.
• Stay Watchful Over The Weak Spots - The places most likely to develop problems, no matter how good of a job a shingle roofing service has done, are the seals around protrusions, flashing in any valleys, and flashing around chimneys and dormers. Pay close attention to these areas and call a shingle roof contractor at the first sign of damage or leaks.
• Shingles Have A Life Expectancy - Products installed by shingle roofing services have a range of life expectancies, from 15 to 50 years. Know how long the installed shingles should last, then provide the required maintenance to ensure they get there.
• Know What Impacts Shingle Roof Lifespan - The typical things that will reduce the life of any shingle installation are wind, UV damage, and impacts, such as those from hail or debris. Trees scraping along the installation can affect it as well, as can microorganism growth on the shingles, and general lack of maintenance.
• Regular Inspection Is Important - Inspections by experienced shingle roof contractors every other year are important prevention, as this is when roofers can see problems starting before they get too serious. Repairing minor issues before they become major ones is much preferred.

With these informative tips, any homeowner can enjoy their shingle roof for decades and avoid the costly problems of neglect.

A local shingle roofing company can provide a great installation, and all the know-how to properly care for it!