Inheriting a house can be both a blessing and a challenge. While it's an emotional time, it's essential to address the practical aspect of maintaining the property, starting with the roof. The roof's condition significantly impacts the inherited home's overall value and safety.

Whether you plan to move in, rent, or sell the property, understanding the necessary steps to address the roof's condition is crucial. Your roof should be visually appealing but also durable and energy-efficient. In this blog post, we will look into the lifespan of asphalt shingles, the impact of aging and deterioration, and what homeowners should look for when inheriting a house.

Understanding the Lifespan of Asphalt Shingles

Every roofing material, including asphalt shingles, has a finite lifespan. Typically, asphalt shingles are known to endure for about 50 years from production until they reach the end of their functional life. However, this lifespan can be affected by various factors, including environmental conditions, maintenance, and quality of installation.

If you want to sell your family member's old home, you should repair any foundation and roof issues before moving forward with the sales process.

Effects of Aging and Deterioration on Asphalt Shingles

Like any other material, asphalt shingles undergo aging and deterioration over time. Understanding the stages of aging is crucial in determining the roof's condition. The three stages of asphalt shingle aging are the brand-new stage, mid-life, and end-of-life.

Each stage presents signs of aging, such as granule loss, cracking, curling, and blistering, which can impact the roof's integrity.

Signs of Damage and Aging

When inheriting a house with an existing roof, homeowners should be vigilant about identifying signs of damage and aging to assess the roof's condition. Some key indicators of aging shingles include:

●     Curling and Buckling: Visible signs of shingles turning upward or overextending, indicating vulnerability to water damage.

●     Cracking and Splitting: Increased brittleness leads to cracks and splits, compromising the shingles' effectiveness in keeping water out.

●     Granule Loss: Wear-off of protective granules, leaving shingles exposed and vulnerable to environmental stressors.

Ensuring Longevity and Maintenance

Regular roof inspections, gutter cleaning, and trimming overhanging branches can significantly extend the roof's integrity. By being proactive, homeowners can address issues early on and prevent costly repairs, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing and reliable roof for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how long asphalt shingles last is vital for homeowners who inherit houses with existing roofs. Being aware of the signs of aging and deterioration is crucial for homeowners. It allows them to make informed decisions about maintaining and potentially replacing their roofs.

At New View Roofing, we are committed to providing top-quality roofing solutions to homeowners in Dallas, TX, ensuring that their roofs stand the test of time. Contact us for expert guidance on roof maintenance, repair, and replacement to safeguard your investment and enhance the longevity of your asphalt shingle roof.