If you have just finished building a home, you certainly understand how expensive roof installation is. For homeowners with damaged roofs, investing in a new roof isn’t as fun as repainting or conducting other minor renovations. However, it is an essential component that protects your household, making it a necessary project.
Most homeowners are uncertain about the lifespan of their roofs. Faced with expensive roofing replacements, some hope their roofs can last long enough to save them replacement costs. Ideally, a roof’s lifespan depends on the roof type, quality, and external circumstances. Homeowners should also hire professional roofing installation services for a quality installation. Landmark Roofing experts offer quality roof installation that assures longevity. Below is a breakdown of the lifespan of various roofs and tips to prolong the lifespan of your roof.
Roof Types Life Expectancy
The average lifespan of most roofs is between 20 and 50 years. However, the life expectancy of roofs depends on durability, quality, and type of roofing material. Ideally, homeowners get what they pay for. The costlier the investment in a roof, the longer it serves. Below are the different roofing options and their corresponding life expectancies:
- Asphalt shingles – These are best for DIY projects and last between 15 and 20 years. While they are budget-friendly, they are made from less durable materials and less-than-average wind resistance, which shortens their lifespan. You should consider asphalt shingles if you plan on replacing them after a few years.
- Metal roofs – The pricing and lifespan of metal roofs depend on the thickness of the metal chosen. Thin metal roofs offer 20 to 25 years, while thick metals can last up to 50 years.
- Wood shingles – Made from spruce, pine, or cedar, wood shingles have a natural and rustic appearance. Wood shingles can last up to 30 years but need continuous care. They are susceptible to fires, mold, termites, and storm damage.
- Composite shingles – These are less-expensive roofing materials made from rubber, plastic, and polymers. They mimic wood tiles but last longer and provide better protection against fire, heat, and hail. They are available in various colors and last from 40 to 50 years or more.
- Concrete tiles – These are another durable roofing option that lasts well over 50 years. They are common in Spanish home designs because they have excellent heat resistance properties. However, they are heavy and very costly. Your home may require additional support and framing before installation.
- Slate shingles – They are very durable tiles that can last more than 50 years. Some last up to 100 years. Besides durability, they provide excellent heat, snow, and moisture resistance. However, they are expensive to install and weigh heavily, making them suitable for specific construction projects.
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Your Roof
If you are looking for a new roof, you should consider several factors to make a smart decision. Below are crucial factors that affect the lifespan of your roof:
- Type of material – The material used in manufacturing the roof, specifically the material’s durability, largely affects the roof’s lifespan. As mentioned above, the cost and longevity of roofing materials are directly proportional.
- Quality of material – All types of roofing materials have high and low-quality versions. Low-quality roofing materials have a low life expectancy and require frequent repairs. You should prioritize superior roofing products.
- Weather elements – Harsh weather elements, such as the sun and heavy rainfalls, also affect the lifespan of a roof. Irregular temperatures and extreme storms significant enough to damage the roof reduces its lifespan.
- Workmanship during installation – Your choice of a roofing contractor also determines the lifespan of your roof. Always check the qualifications, reviews, insurance, certifications, and testimonials before hiring a roofing expert. Bad roofing can reduce the lifespan of your roof, even if you choose quality roofing materials.
- Underlayment – Underlayment is a crucial component of roof replacement. This describes the waterproof layer that protects in case the exterior roof is damaged. The underlayer prevents moisture buildup and mold growth.
- Ventilation – Proper ventilation can increase your roof’s life expectancy. If the roof can maintain consistent temperatures, there’s less risk of freezing or overheating. Poor ventilation can cause costly damage.
Tips to Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan
While roofs can’t last a lifetime, the following tips can make them last longer:
1. Clean the Roof Regularly
You should clean your roof at least once or twice annually to remove dust, debris, and other damaging materials. This depends on where you live, the type of trees around your home, and the weather. Homes in extra dry and dusty areas, such as Nevada, require frequent cleaning. However, you shouldn’t pressure wash your roof, regardless of the circumstance. If you find cleaning quite daunting, leave it to the experts.
2. Clean the Gutters
Gutters collect and redirect water away from your home, making them crucial for roof and home health. Leaves, branches, and debris can collect in your gutters over time, clogging them. Clogged gutters can’t redirect water away, posing a danger to your roof and home.
3. Check the Ventilation
Ventilation has a significant effect on your roof’s health. Proper ventilation increases the roof’s lifespan. Mold and mildew growth or warm and humid attic are signs of ventilation issues in the roof. If such occurs, inspect the attic and possible blockages in exhaust pathways.
4. Trim Nearby Trees
It may be surprising to homeowners, but trimming nearby trees is crucial for roof maintenance. While trees provide important shade that prevents water damage and reduces energy bills, they can damage your roof, even if there’s no storm. You should ensure that tree branches don’t hang low over your roof. Leaf debris, branches, and fronds can clog the roof drainage system.
5. Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
You should schedule regular roof inspections by roofing experts. While consulting experts may seem costly, they can spot minor damages that require early interventions. Roofing experts inspect the roof for all issues, including slipped tiles, water damage, bubbling, and debris buildup.
Endnote
While roofs have pre-determined lifespans, simple maintenance measures can extend the lifespan of your roof. Besides avoiding costly repairs, well-maintained roofs improve energy efficiency and air quality. It also increases the property value.
