Why Some Roofs Fail Faster Than the Label Says They Should?

You are feeling great about your new house in Dartmouth, Canada! While buying, you learn that the house's roof is just 8 years old. The shingles are of good quality and have a lifetime of almost 30 years. After just 12 years, you have to take quotes for a full roof replacement.

This is a common problem in Dartmouth. The shingles' label states a 30-year life, but they are never tested.

• What does a 30-year shingle actually mean?

Roofing material ratings are based on controlled lab conditions. There is generalized UV exposure, standardized temperature ranges, and wind resistance at specific speeds.

Dartmouth, on the other hand, has a severe climate. Salt air blows from the water. Fog and humidity levels are also high, fostering moss and lichen growth. The roofing materials also remain damp for long periods. These climatic changes can slowly but deeply affect the exterior of the house and its materials. You will suddenly find the shingles are falling apart or developing signs of damage.

As per experts dealing in storm damage roof repair Dartmouth, none of these happens in the lab.

• Factors that shorten the roof life of Dartmouth's homes

Thermal shock is a common problem at Dartmouth due to significant temperature swings. Roof temperature can reach 60°C on a sunny afternoon and drop to almost zero at night. This expansion and contraction stress the roof material at the cellular level. It leads to invisible cracking and reduces performance.

Salt air corrosion can affect metal flashing, vent covers, and roof nails. The metal weakens steadily over time. When flashing starts to fail, water seeps into the structure, damaging the shingles.

Humidity and prolonged dampness promote biological growth. Dartmouth is quite humid compared to nearby places. This can damage the underlayment. As the underlayment doesn't dry completely, there is rot in the decking below.

The last factor is ice dam formation. During Dartmouth winters, there is regular snow. Sometimes the snow melts, and sometimes it is cold enough that it doesn't. Ice dams force water to stand up under shingles, where nothing can stop the damage.

• No inspection of the roofs

It is sad but true that most roofs in Dartmouth are rarely inspected. Inspections occur when there is a problem, such as a leak or a missing shingle. By the time the problem is located, water has entered the underlayment, leading to rot. What seems like a shingle issue turns out to be a decking problem and an expensive one, too. Regular inspections from professionals such as Artisanroofing.ca can be very useful.

Real lifespan of roofs in Dartmouth

A well-installed roof in Dartmouth, properly ventilated and inspected every few years, can last over two decades. However, a poorly installed and unmaintained roof will not last more than 10-12 years in the area's climate. In any case, homeowners who have their roofs inspected by top agencies and repaired at regular intervals get better results. Hence, you should opt for timely repair and maintenance to avoid any issues.