People often wonder how long their roof will protect their home and what they can do to get the most out of this investment. Oftentimes, the type of roof can have the greatest impact on a roof’s life expectancy, but this is just one step of the decision making process. There are many factors that impact a roof’s lifespan, so we’re breaking it down for property owners.
How Long Does a Roof Last?
The average lifespan of a roof usually ranges between 25 to 50 years. However, a roof’s life expectancy ultimately depends on the quality, durability and type of material chosen. You typically get what you pay for, and the larger the investment for a new roof, the longer it will provide protection for your home, but there are many options homeowners and commercial property owners should consider when choosing the best type of roofing material.
What Factors Impact The Average Lifespan Of Your Roof
The Elements
The climate and sun exposure to your roof are large factors that impact a roof’s lifespan. The Midwest’s drastic and irregular temperatures along with extreme storms that can cause roof damage threaten your roof’s health, so it’s important to choose durable options. Temperatures frequently going from hot to cold, like we experience in the spring and fall, can cause splits and cracks in shingles. Wind, hail, tornadoes and other storms can cause even more harm by leaving divots in the roof, removing protective granules from shingles and building up moisture that leads to mold and roof leaks. Lastly, pay attention to the trees near your roof – check that the branches are not rubbing away at the shingles, and be sure to dispose of any leaves or debris built up in the gutters.
Regular Roof Maintenance
Performing periodic maintenance will extend the average lifespan of a roof. Annual roof inspections help identify any warning signs you may need a new roof or a major roof repair, and when a problem is identified, it can be resolved quickly before it gets out of hand. Many property owners wonder how to know when it’s time for a roof inspection, and the answer may depend on your roof’s current health or other circumstances. Our roofing contractors recommend getting regular evaluations once per year and more often if you’ve experienced storm damage to your roof.
Type and Quality of Materials
The materials used on your roof and their durability are large factors which impact the average lifespan of a roof. In many cases, cost and longevity are directly correlated. No matter what type of roof materials you decide to use on your residence or commercial buildings, there are low and high quality versions of each material. Low quality roofing materials typically lead to more repairs and lower roof life expectancy, so it’s best to choose a superior product. Hiring a reputable contractor that uses high quality materials will help you make a decision to get the most out of your roof.
Workmanship of Installation
Before selecting a roofing contractor, make sure you investigate their qualifications, insurance and liability coverage and reviews or testimonials. Choosing a licensed professional could affect the average lifespan of your roof more than you’d think. You don’t want to be in a situation where you spot signs of a bad roofing job and have to question whether the roof was installed correctly. Prominent Construction is a Owens Corning Platinum Preferred roofing contractor, so we only recommend durable, high quality materials that will protect your home for the long-haul.
Ventilation
Having appropriate ventilation methods for your roof is a key part of property health that will increase the roof’s life expectancy. When the roof can maintain a consistent temperature the materials are less likely to crack under pressure, it can reduce the risk of overheating or freezing and your entire property is more likely to run efficiently. Improper ventilation can lead to costly damages, so it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of poor roof ventilation and take precautions to control it.
Schedule A Free Roof Inspection
Prominent Construction’s goal is to educate local property owners on maintaining and prolonging the health of their roof. Contact us today and together we can get your roof into a state that will last a lifetime.
