If you’ve owned your roof for several years, you may see the colour
becoming lighter, less vibrant, or even patchy in some spots.
That’s natural and it’s due to fading. Asphalt shingles will fade with
time, particularly with exposure to sunlight, rain, snow, and wind.
But how does that affect the performance of your roof? At
Straight Path Construction, we hear this question from Calgary
homeowners a lot. In this blog, we’ll explain why shingles fade, how
much is normal, and when it’s something to be concerned about.
Why Do Asphalt Shingles Fade?
Asphalt shingles contain coloured granules that provide them
with their colour and help shield them from sunlight. With time,
the weather, UV rays, and natural degradation cause the granules
to break down or be lost. So, the shingles become lighter in
colour or uneven in colour. South-facing slopes, which receive the
most light, tend to fade quicker than the rest of the roof.
Is Shingle Fading a Problem?
Fading, in most instances, is merely a cosmetic problem. It does not
show your shingles are damaged or must be replaced immediately.
Provided the shingles remain flat, not curling or cracking, and
there are no leaks, your roof is functioning well. But if you happen
to notice fading with other indications such as balding spots,
missing granules, or water stains in your attic, a check may be in order.
How Long Does Shingle Fading Take?
Shingle fading doesn’t occur overnight. Most of it takes place
slowly throughout 5 to 10 years, depending on how good the shingles
are, how much sun the roof gets, and the fluctuating Calgary
weather. Better-quality, UV-resistant shingles fade at a slower rate
and keep their colour longer. At Straight Path Construction, we
put on shingles that last longer even through challenging weather.
How Calgary’s Weather Accelerates Fading
Calgary’s unusual climate has a significant influence on the rate
at which shingles bleach. The interaction of intense UV radiation,
frigid winters, and extreme temperature fluctuations stress roofing
materials. Sunlight deteriorates the shingle granules with time, but
snow, ice, and rain have the potential to strip away the protective
coating. South- and western-exposure roof areas bleach most
rapidly since they receive the highest sunlight exposure. This is why
selecting sun-resistant shingles is particularly crucial for buildings in this location.
Upgrading Your Roof for Color Holding
If you’re worried about fading or your roof is older and already
exhibiting wear, upgrade to premium or architectural asphalt shingles.
They not only perform and last better but also keep their colour
longer than low end 3-tab shingles. We at Straight Path
Construction have a variety of fade-resistant shingle colours available
in popular hues to complement your home and safeguard your roof
for many years to come.
Can You Slow Shingles from Fading?
While you can’t totally prevent fading, you can make it slower by
installing high-quality, fade-resistant shingles and maintaining
a clean roof. Periodic maintenance, such as removing debris and
cutting back hanging trees, is also helpful. The colour of the
shingles comes into play here, too; darker colours fade more
quickly, while lighter colours tend to fade more slowly and evenly.
When Should You Be Concerned with Color Changes?
If your shingles are fading unevenly or contain streaks, they might
not be fading at all; it might be algae, mold, or water damage. In
this case, it’s wise to have a roof inspection to ensure there’s
no underlying problem. At Straight Path Construction, we provide
free roof inspections in Calgary and can let you know if your shingles
are fading or need some attention.
Final Thought
Yes, asphalt shingles do fade over time but it’s usually a normal
part of aging and not a reason to panic. Choosing quality materials
and keeping up with roof maintenance can help your shingles look
good and last longer. If you’re unsure about your roof’s condition,
we’re here to help.
Call to Action
Not sure if your roof is fading or failing?
Call Straight Path Construction or go to our website to schedule
your complimentary roof examination in Calgary. We’ll tell you
what your roof requires and make it look wonderful for years to come.
