One of the most common questions asked of anyone in the roofing industry is, “How long does a roof last?” The answer to that question is anything but common as it can vary on numerous factors.
Still, homeowners should be aware of the life expectancy of their roofs and know how long they can expect their roof to last. This allows for planning ahead to invest in the home by replacing the roof when it’s required. Georgia homeowners will want to be aware of several factors that could cause their residential homes to need a roof replacement sooner rather than later.
At Pinnacle Home Improvements, we’re roofing contractors with a solid reputation for unparalleled craftsmanship and customer service in Georgia. In this blog post, we discuss your roof’s lifespan and the factors that could impact its longevity.
Understanding Roof Lifespan in Georgia
At some point, every home, no matter how well built it is, will need a new roof. If you’ve just bought a new construction home, it’s highly unlikely you’ll need to think about this project for a while. However, it’s not impossible, as proper installation is required for a roof to uphold its duties for a home.
In most cases, the lifespan of your roof will be influenced by a variety of factors, such as the materials used to create this roofing system, roof slope, color of the materials, and even the weather. When your roof is older, it’s best to start thinking about these factors sooner rather than later to help you choose the right replacement that will give you peace of mind for decades to come.
How Long Does a Roof in Georgia Last? Factors Influencing Roof Life Expectancy
Georgia roof durability is influenced by a variety of things, which separately or combined, can impact how long a roof lasts.
Georgia’s Climate
The weather conditions in Georgia are certainly beyond your control, but they should be an important consideration when choosing roofing materials. Asphalt shingles, for example, which are by far the most common roofing material, will be more vulnerable to the high moisture levels and dramatic changes between hot and cold that are experienced here. The seals between the shingles can weaken more quickly, which can shorten your roof’s longevity. Severe weather events with high winds can also arise at any time, and when those happen, any type of roof can suffer extensive damage beyond repair.
Additionally, the amount of sun exposure your roof gets can limit the life of your roof. UV rays wear down these materials and impact how long roofs will last.
Roofing Materials
The roofing materials used to create your roofing system also play a vital role in how long a roof will last.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a popular, beautiful, and economical choice for roofing materials. However, the type of asphalt shingles you choose and the climate together play a role. If you choose basic asphalt shingles, you may get 15 to 20 years of longevity from them.
Three-tab shingles are on the lower end of that estimate, while architectural shingles can provide 20 to 30 years of longevity. If you want a roof with shingles, it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, and three-tab shingles.
Cedar Shingles
Wood shingles have a stunning look and they must be treated to provide fire retardation. With wood shingles, you may get up to 50 years, though this type of roof will need to be well-maintained.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are growing in popularity for residential roofing systems because they’re built to last and can withstand high winds. It’s more expensive to install a metal roof, but they provide greater peace of mind and durability. If you choose a metal roof for your roofing system, it can last 50 years or more.
Concrete Tiles
Roofs made of concrete tiles are very sturdy and weather-resistant. If you choose concrete tiles for your roof, you can expect them to last 50 to 60 years.
Installation Process
In addition to choosing roofing materials that will make your roofing system last in Georgia, the way your roof is installed matters. The quality of workmanship throughout every part from roof decking to shingles will determine the expected life of your roof. To ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible, make sure you choose a reputable roofing contractor for the installation.
Importance of Proper Maintenance for Your Roof
Whether you have an architectural shingle roof or another type of roofing system, roof maintenance in Georgia is another crucial component. How long a roof lasts depends on the roof maintenance you provide throughout the years. Different roofing materials will have different needs for roof maintenance, so make sure that you follow the requirements for architectural shingles, tile, or other roofing materials used for your roof system.
Scheduling regular inspections and routine maintenance each year can help you stay ahead of potential problems. When a roof is properly maintained, you’ll protect it for the long haul, regardless of the climate. Typically, when you have yearly inspections, it’s easier to keep it maintained and ensure it lives up to its lifespan. You’ll stay ahead of leaks and water damage, which can turn into bigger issues when ignored.
Signs That You Need a New Roof
How do you know if you need a roof replacement in GA? No matter the materials used in your roofing system, nothing will last forever. While someone with architectural shingles may get more longevity than someone with basic asphalt shingles, there are signs for any roof that indicate the need for a replacement project.
Your Roof Is at the End of Its Estimated Lifespan
Even with quality workmanship, there will come a time when you will need to replace your roof at the end of its lifespan. While this varies by the materials used in your roofing system, it’s smart to plan ahead for a smoother process. This also gives you time to choose something else if you’d prefer. Perhaps you had basic shingles and want to upgrade to architectural shingles. By planning, you will be prepared to replace your roof.
You Need Lots of Repairs
Routine maintenance of your roofing system is imperative as it will prevent many smaller issues from affecting the lifespan. However, the climate can make the need for replacement come sooner, usually leading to a lot of repairs first. If you find that you have to keep getting someone out to fix your roof, and it’s older, it’s time for a replacement.
You Have Missing Shingles or Other Materials
When shingles are missing, you leave the roofing system vulnerable to damage, and the interior of your home below it too. Shingles aren’t the only thing to watch for though, as you may notice missing flashing or see other things when you look up. An important factor in this is maintenance as having it done regularly will help you stay ahead of these things.
You Have Leaks
While not all leaks will signal the need for replacing your roof, having many of them on an older roof or one that has suffered extensive damage in a storm indicates the end of its lifespan. Repeatedly fixing leaks is like playing a game of whack-a-mole and putting a bandage over the problem. You’ll exhaust yourself from the stress of trying to make repairs when it will be more cost-effective to replace it.
How Pinnacle Home Improvements Can Help
At Pinnacle Home Improvements, we only use quality materials for every installation and replacement. We believe in building quality into every roof and showing our customers the pros and cons of all materials, from every type of shingle to metal. Our focus on doing things right the first time is how we can help ensure that your roof is built to last.
To determine if you need a roof replacement, you’ll need an inspection to see its condition. Our licensed and insured contractors can take a look and see if your roof was installed with precision from the start, as well as recommend materials that will give you a longer-lasting roof in Georgia.
Our focus is on quality and customer satisfaction throughout every step of the process. We must be doing something right, as we have an A+ BBB rating. Reach out today to get a free quote and learn more about roof replacement.
