The expected roof lifespan will depend on the longevity of roof materials as well as roof durability, and several other factors. Whether you’re buying a home built years ago or your once-new home is now aging, it’s important to consider a roof’s lifespan to determine when you may need a replacement.
Pinnacle Home Improvements is a roofing contractor committed to excellence in the industry through roof replacement and roof installation services. In this blog post, we discuss the role of your roof and the factors that can impact its integrity.
The Role and Importance of Roof Life Expectancy
The roof on your home plays one of the most important roles in providing protection for you, your family, and your most cherished possessions. It’s vital to the structural integrity of your home, which is why homeowners must make sure it’s in proper condition.
However, determining how long a roof lasts can only be done by estimation. There are a variety of factors that come into play that may make it live beyond the roof’s average lifespan or fall years short of it. To protect your roof, you should have a roof inspection conducted at regular intervals and make roof repairs as needed to prevent larger problems from culminating, resulting in an early roof replacement.
Factors That Can Affect the Lifespan of a Roof
As mentioned, a roof’s lifespan is affected by many different factors. Here’s a look at what has the potential to make your roof last or need roof replacement sooner:
Roofing Materials
The roofing materials used to craft your roof are one of the top factors. Asphalt shingles are among the most common choices, though if you have them, you may need a roof replacement sooner than your neighbor who has a tile roof. Metal roofs are quickly becoming a solid choice among roofing materials as they provide greater longevity and durability.
It’s not just the type of roofing materials that makes a difference. High-quality roofing materials made from durable materials will make your roof last. This doesn’t mean you need to choose the most expensive roofing materials, though it does mean that picking the cheapest option will likely mean you’ll need a roof replacement sooner than if you’d invested in quality from the start.
Climate and Weather Conditions
A roof’s lifespan also depends on your local climate and weather. If you live in a hot, sunny location, your asphalt shingles will take a beating by being exposed to more heat and UV rays, and will wear down more quickly, requiring them to be replaced sooner than if you had this type of material in another climate.
Locations that have heavy piles of snow on the roof can cause other issues. If you live by the beach, either up north or down south, you will likely have issues with salt causing corrosion to your metal fastener in the roof deck. Extreme weather is possible anywhere, from snow and ice to hail and powerful rain storms, and all can affect a roof’s longevity.
If you’re considering a roof replacement or having a new home custom-built, it’s a smart idea to speak with a local roofing contractor who can guide the best materials to last in your area.
Quality of Installation
How long a roof lasts is also contingent on the quality of installation. A lot goes into building a roof, from making sure there’s proper attic ventilation to adding waterproofing protection. Poor installation may allow water accumulation, poor drainage, or hinder proper ventilation in the attic.
As a result, you may have sagging ceilings and other woes. This is why inspections before buying a home are integral to your investment. When you choose a reputable roofing contractor, you can be sure that they will build your roof to last.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Homeowners must make sure they schedule roof maintenance and inspections regularly. Generally, you should contact a roofing company that provides these services once a year or have them come out after major weather events to check for storm damage.
Early detection of smaller issues means that roof repairs will be easier and less expensive. If there’s damage up there, it’s not going to go away simply because you’re not looking for it. By keeping tabs on the structural stability of your roof, you’ll avoid more problems and prevent having to make a replacement before your roof’s life expectancy runs out.
Comparison of Different Roofing Materials and Their Longevity
As mentioned, materials for your roof play a major role in how long it will last. While it’s not the only factor, you should heavily consider the benefits and drawbacks of each type of material relative to your location to determine if it will provide the longest-lasting protection for your home.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Asphalt shingle roofs are certainly popular in every part of the country. Asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of colors and styles, which can easily complement a variety of home designs. When considering a roof replacement, an asphalt shingle roof may be tempting because it’s more budget-friendly. However, asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan than other materials, but it will depend on the quality of the asphalt shingles used.
An asphalt shingle roof will last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, though the factors mentioned above will make an impact. You can have an asphalt roof using architectural asphalt shingles, which will last roughly 30 years, or three-tab asphalt shingles, which typically provide 20 years of longevity.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofing is one of the most durable options, lasting for 40 to 80 years. Once seen as something used in commercial settings, metal is now taking over roofing for residential properties. It can provide greater protection from extreme temperatures and keep your interior more comfortable in any season. However, roofs made of metal cost much more as your initial investment, which may or may not be the right choice for you.
Clay and Concrete Tile Roofs
Roofs made of clay or concrete tiles will have a stunning look, and they will create a roof that lasts potentially over 100 years. That’s certainly much longer than you will get from an asphalt roof. Although tiles last for a century or more, when they’re on your exterior roof, you must be cautious about cracks and damage. Impacted tiles can lead to roof leaks that can cause moisture buildup below the surface.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
If you’re more focused on making your roof last, wood shingles and shakes may not be the right choice for every climate. Still, they can make your home beautiful, though you will want to make sure they’re treated to protect them with fire-retardant materials. If your roofing contractor recommends them in your climate, this roof lasts 40 to 50 years, though it will require a lot of upkeep.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing may just be the most beautiful option for a roof replacement. It’s long-lasting, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly. While it can last anywhere from 60 to 150 years, not every homeowner can use this material for roof replacement. Slate is heavier, which will require adding structural support. It’s also more difficult to install, which will make it even more expensive in terms of labor costs, which are added to the already high costs of the material.
If you’re unsure which type of roof to have installed, schedule a free consultation with a roofing company to discuss your options and learn more about architectural shingles, asphalt roofs, dimensional shingles, and other materials. Don’t just look at the costs or aesthetics—make sure you’re considering the other factors before you make your decision to ensure you pick the right roof.
Signs That Indicate You Need a New Roof
It should be noted that the average roof lifespan listed for the materials can vary. With pristine care, you may be able to get much longer from your asphalt roof than the average lifespan. However, even with your best care and diligence, the weather may have other plans in store for you.
As such, you should know when you might need to expect your contractor to tell you that roof repair is futile and you need a new roof. Look for these signs:
You Have Roof Leaks
Of course, it sounds obvious, but not everyone is aware when they have roof leaks. They don’t always just pour down from the ceiling when it rains, causing chaos in your home. Sometimes, leaks are sneakier, leaving less obvious signs such as water stains in the corners of your ceilings. After a storm, check for these visible signs and make sure you have a reputable roofer come to help you out.
Your Gutters Are Filled with Protective Granules from Shingles
On a shingle-style asphalt roof, you may start seeing those granules from the shingles in your gutters and downspouts. Those granules provide protection from UV rays and the elements. However, when they’re no longer on your asphalt roof, it’s a sign you’ll need to have a replacement.
You Have Roof Damage
Your roof is at the end of its life expectancy when you can visibly see major damage after a hurricane or other destructive force blows through the area. If you see sagging or very visible impacts, including missing shingles or flashing, it’s time for a new roof.
You Make Frequent Repairs
It’s definitely time for a new roof if you have to keep making more frequent repairs. When you start seeing many cracked shingles or missing shingles, it’s more cost-effective to replace your roof, particularly if its lifespan is coming to an end.
Your Roof Is Old
Along with making repairs often, if your roof is at the end of its lifespan, it’s important to replace it. Most homeowners’ insurance companies won’t offer policy coverage on older roofs, and if they do, the premiums will be much higher due to the risks.
Benefits of Regular Roof Maintenance and Inspections
Whether you have an asphalt roof, architectural shingles, a flat roof, or any other type of roof, it’s in your best interests to maintain it and have a roof inspection performed each year. Taking this step will help you identify issues while they’re minor, such as a few shingles with damage after a storm. Correcting the problem early on will prevent moisture buildup underneath, which can cause more significant and costly damage that will shorten the lifespan of your roof.
You should also take steps to keep your roof clean, as buildup can also cause it to weather faster, leading to deteriorating shingles. When they lose their granules, they can become overheated shingles, wearing away at a more rapid rate. In short, take care of your roof and you’ll be able to enjoy peace of mind inside your home for years to come.
Pinnacle Home Improvement’s Approach to Enhancing Roof Lifespan
When it’s time for a roof replacement, contact Pinnacle Home Improvement to make the process seamless. We use high-quality materials, including premium shingles, to construct a strong and reliable asphalt roof that you can count on. Our licensed and insured professionals take the job seriously, following industry standards and building codes during professional installation.
We also offer you additional peace of mind and protection through a roof warranty and comprehensive maintenance programs that will help you take care of your shingle roof, tile roof, metal roof, or other roof type. This allows you to keep your roof in great condition throughout your roof’s life expectancy and have fewer worries as a homeowner.
Our commitment to our customers and the quality we build into every home is unparalleled. Experience the difference our team makes in helping you replace your roof with greater confidence and less stress.
