If your roof is damaged, that can become a serious issue. Not only can it cause significant problems, but it will also ruin your home’s appearance. In some cases, only one or two shingles are missing from the surface. You might want to ignore those problem spots, but that is never a great idea. If you want to know how long a roof can go without shingles, here are a few points to consider.
Why You May Not Want To Re-Shingle
Sometimes, the roof is leaking, causing damage to other parts of your home. With that, you may want to hold off and not re-shingle a roof. Allowing any water to seep into the wood structure could cause rot. You need to focus on fixing the water issues before you can think about adding shingles to the surface. Sometimes, the whole roof might need to be torn off and replaced with a new roofing system.
However, that is considered a worst-case scenario. Keep in mind that a typical roof can’t last long without shingles. In most situations, the roof should only be exposed for 30 to 60 days before the structure can become damaged. Exposure to the elements and wildlife can cause significant damage to your roof. The shingles are the first line of defense. When they are not protecting your roof, it can lead to problems down the road.
The Lifespan of a Typical Roof
Avoiding problems with your roof can prevent most of these issues. You don’t have to worry when you maintain your roof and shingles. However, that might not help in every situation. Even with the best care, storms can damage the roof, or animals can rip off a shingle. If you see a shingle missing on the roof, don’t wait. The longer you ignore the problems, the bigger the chances you could see a higher repair bill.
Typically, a residential roof will last for about 20 to 25 years, depending on the material. If you have a slate or metal roof, those options allow you to get more years of use out of the product. A standard asphalt roof has a lifespan of a quarter of a century. That doesn’t mean you will not have to have a repair or replacement over that time. Some budget shingles might not hold up to your area’s harsh weather and other elements. With that, you will have to schedule a replacement. Generally, the average asphalt shingle has a lifespan of 15 to 25 years. Often, the asphalt shingles and the rest of the roof reach their end of life around the same time.
Maintaining Your Roof
A well-maintained roof will protect your house and keep you safe. Your roof cannot go long without shingles. Once you see any damage, you need an experienced roofing company to inspect the deterioration and repair any problem spots. Consider hiring a company to complete an annual inspection of the roof. During that time, the technician will assess the condition of the roof and shingles, providing you with solutions to problems. Even if you have a small leak, it must be repaired as soon as possible. Inspections can be beneficial for all types of roofs.
When you see a leak or missing shingle, you might want to save money and not have the problem fixed. Any roofer will tell you that waiting to get a problem fix will only lead to higher repair costs down the road. Shingle problems will not go away on their own. These issues tend to become more significant as time passes. A few missing shingles may not seem like a big problem, but water, debris, and other elements can slowly seep into your structure. You might notice stains on the ceiling and walls. That missing shingle could be responsible for causing significant damage to your home. Whatever you do, never put off a repair for the next day. Address these issues so that your roof can continue to protect your home.
When To Call a Professional
If you are looking at your roof and don’t know what to do, call a professional roofing company. A reputable roofer will complete an inspection of the structure, taking time to look at the shingles. They will also give you an estimate of the repair costs. You always want to be safe rather than sorry about your roof. In some cases, the roofing company can add a temporary patch that will keep the elements out of your roof until you can completely repair it. Either way, these solutions are better than not having shingles for an extended time.
Never Go Too Long Without Shingles
Shingles are there for a reason. They may add some aesthetics to your home, but their top priority is to protect your dwelling and other parts of the roofing structure. Once these components are damaged or removed, it leaves your entire roof susceptible to deterioration. Whenever you see a missing shingle or another type of roof damage, make sure to call a professional roofing company. These professionals will make all of the necessary repairs so that you stay safe and sound under your roof.
At RGB Construction, we can provide roofing inspections, repairs, and replacements for your home. Our roofing technicians can provide an immediate solution to your roofing problems. Missing shingles might not seem like a big problem, but you don’t want to spend days without them protecting your roof. You can schedule a consultation by calling 856-264-9093.
