When you look up the average roof lifespan, you will likely get a variety of answers. This is because the lifespan of a roof can vary based on factors such as the material used and the craftsmanship quality. For example, slate roofs can last up to 50 years, while wood shake roofs can last around 30 years.
Read on to get a better idea of the lifespans of different roof types. This article will go over the various roofing factors and how they affect the lifespan of roofs.
Roof Lifespan Based on Material
If you ask the average person about roofing types, it’s most likely that they will only mention asphalt shingles. This makes sense as asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing. However, this quality doesn’t necessarily make them the best.
Asphalt shingles are popular because they are usually the cheapest type of roofing available. Unfortunately, with that cheapness comes a shorter lifespan. Thus, if you choose asphalt shingles, you may find yourself paying more for roof repair in the long run.
If you have the money upfront or can take out a loan, then, it’s best to cover a new roof with more expensive roofing material. In the roofing world, the more costly the roofing, the longer it lasts. You can learn more about the specifics of some roofing material types below.
Asphalt
You can expect the most basic asphalt shingles to last 25 years at most. However, this lifespan can vary based on the type of asphalt shingle that you choose.
The architectural shingle variety of asphalt shingles, for example, is much more durable. It is usually made of several layers of material. While this makes the shingle type more costly, the extra years of lifespan can be worth it.
Wood Shakes
You can expect wood shakes to last for a maximum of 30 years. However, during those years, you can expect a lot of complications.
Wood is prone to warping and splitting. In addition, UV radiation will eventually cause wood shakes to discolor into an unattractive gray shade. To keep up with these issues, you may find yourself often hiring professionals for roof repair.
Clay
Clay tiles require a certain kind of professional to repair. Also, due to the heaviness of this material, you may need a complete roof replacement when you put this type of roofing on your home.
However, once these processes are complete, you can worry little about your roof. Clay tiles can last a whopping 50 years. Just keep in mind that hail and other weather debris can cause them to chip.
Metal
There are a variety of metal roofing types, and each of these has its own lifespan. The strongest metals, such as steel, can last up to 70 years. However, if you don’t have the funds for this, you can easily choose a weaker material like copper, which still has a long lifespan of 50 years.
You can also gain some years of lifespan by choosing certain coatings on your roofing materials and greater thicknesses of material. One downside is that noticeable dents can appear on metal roofs and make them somewhat unattractive. Beyond that, though, these roofs are highly waterproof and eco-friendly.
Other Factors That Affect Roof Lifespan
No matter the material you choose, there are still many environmental and architectural factors that can reduce the life expectancy of your roof. Luckily, it is possible to lessen the effect that these factors have. You just have to do some research and do what you can to create the best roof for the situation.
Weather
There are a lot of ways that various kinds of weather can cause damage to your roof. Extreme temperature changes, for example, can cause certain roofing materials to warp, split, and crack. Extreme weather such as tornadoes and hurricanes can rip shingles from your roof or damage them with debris. Hail can also be very detrimental to your roof. Hail damage is the leading cause of emergency roof repair Gore VA.
In addition, excess sunlight and heat can discolor certain shingle types. As long as you research the climate in your area and choose an appropriate roofing material, however, your roof will sustain a lot less damage.
Slope
Roofs with short pitches often have issues with draining and this can cause water to sit on roofs. This can cause water damage to the roofing materials and the eventual invasion of water into your home.
The best way to fix this issue is to get a complete roof replacement and ensure the new roof has a steeper slope. If you can’t afford that, consider getting a roof underlayment to make your roof more waterproof.
Ventilation
A properly ventilated roof won’t overheat as easily. This can prevent a lot of temperature-related damage such as cracking.
It’s important, then, to make sure that your roof is properly ventilated. If it isn’t, be sure to hire roofers to rebuild your ventilation system.
The Quality of Roofing Professionals
Finding a roofer of high quality can be a long and difficult task. You need to investigate a roofing company’s credentials, insurance, and so on. Hiring roofers that are unqualified can negatively affect the lifespan of your roof in several ways.
For example, when you get a new roof, it’s important to ensure that the roofing material is laid properly. If it isn’t, tiles or shingles can come loose and let in water and other elements.
Also, regular roof maintenance is a great way to extend the lifespan of your roof. If unqualified roofers maintain your roof, they might not catch certain damages. These can then grow out of control and cause you to pay a lot more for repairs.
Check Out Our Other Articles for More Useful Advice
If you want a roof with a long roof lifespan, it’s important to make the right choices. To do that, you need to perform ample research and use this to pick the best roofing professionals and materials for your area.
Also, if you’re interested in gaining a lot more useful information, check out our other articles. We’ve got pieces on loans, pets, fashion, and much more.
