If you have recently purchased a new roof or are thinking of replacing the one you have, you may be curious to know how long residential roofs are supposed to last.
After all, you know that a roof is one of the most expensive structures in your home and not something you want to have to replace any sooner than you have to. Let’s see what factors play a role in a roof’s lifespan.
Temperature Swings
If you live in an area that experiences abrupt temperature swings, you can be sure that this will impact your roof. Temperature variations can quickly expand and contract roofing materials, particularly when it comes to roofs made from wood shingles or shakes or those made from asphalt shingles. These movements impact how long the roof will last while also increasing the risk of leaks since shingles may come off during these weather changes. If this applies to the area where you live, get in the habit of calling your trusted roofing contractor to conduct twice-yearly inspections and keep your roof working as well as when it was new.
Sun Exposure
Since roofing materials are constantly exposed to the sun, it is not surprising to know that both heat and UV rays play a role in the lifespan of some materials. Shake roofs tend to sustain discoloration from continuous sun exposure while other materials may slowly break down and lose their protective coating, causing shingles to peel or crack. Once again, continuous roof inspections can not be overstressed. Bring your roofing contractor to ensure your roof lasts as long as it was intended to.
Hits and Knocks
Metal roofs that are frequently hit with hail can suffer from these weather events. If your area tends to get more than average hail storms, this is a good enough reason to reconsider installing a metal roof. On the other hand, if your property is surrounded by large and leafy trees, their long branches may also affect your roof. Wind and other weather events may have those long branches scraping against your roof, robbing your shingles of their valuable protective granules. This phenomenon is much easier to control since you can take care of it by being mindful of the length of those branches and continuously keeping the trees trimmed. If you see roofing granules around your home or on your landscaping, look up at your trees and you may have just found the culprit.
Weather and Your Roof
The cost of installing a new roof is a significant consideration. When the time comes to buy one, besides cost, also consider a roofing option that will work well with the weather in your geographical area and avoid having to worry about the safety and sturdiness of your roof every time it rains, snows, or there is too much sun. If in doubt, schedule a consultation with a roofer who knows your area before falling in love with a roofing material that may not be the appropriate one.
