An Asphalt Siding Inspection is a very important part of the roof inspection. Asphalt siding is achieved by impregnating an organic-felt material or glass-fiber mat with asphalt, and is available either as shingles or as a roll material. The exterior surface of the roll material is coated and embossed so that it looks like bricks, but as the siding ages it becomes dry and brittle, and cracks easily.
Asphalt materials are no longer used for siding or residing residential structures, but they can still be found on existing buildings. During an asphalt siding inspection, look for cracked, chipped and eroded sections, as well as open and lifting joints and loose, torn and missing sections.
Most people don’t really pay attention to their roofs until water is actually pouring down in the house. Keep in mind though that getting a new roof can be very expensive, and inspecting your asphalt shingles regularly can make a world of difference.
Asphalt Siding Inspection – Ensuring Protection Against Water Intrusion
Asphalt shingles are pretty much the cheapest roofing material available. They are made in a couple of different ways, but there are always some common denominators. First of all, there is the membrane – a fiber-like sheet that looks like thin cardboard – which can be made from anything from wood chips to recycled newspapers. The membrane is run through multiple presses that apply layers of oil-based adhesive, and these multiple layers create a thickness that provides both a water barrier and a barrier against nominal size debris that may reach the roof.
The average asphalt roofing shingles also have small gravel heaps as a final ingredient. While the shingle is still hot, the gravel is applied on the side to be exposed to the sun. The purpose of the gravel is to create a barrier against the sunlight striking the shingles. When used correctly, asphalt roofing shingles are quite effective.
Considering their rather simple construction, asphalt roofing shingles work best on a steeply sloped roof. They are attached via an epoxy solution on the upper backs, thus creating a barrier against water seeping back up under the shingles during rain storms.
However, a roof protection system is not invulnerable. If you have an asphalt shingles roof, an inspection should be conducted at least once a year. The shingles are not expensive, but they do tend to get damaged and/or knocked around by strong winds. If this occurs, make sure to repair them immediately, otherwise you risk water compromising the shingles around the damaged area as well. Asphalt roofing shingles are a good choice if you cannot afford a more expensive and durable roofing material, but they are not the greatest choice. In addition, maintenance is a must.