What Factors Affects Roof Lifespan?

Did you know that a well-maintained roof can remain intact for more than 50 years?

Your roof may not serve you forever, but it can provide superior protection if; it’s of high quality and you take good care of it.  Since a roof is a valuable investment, you should understand the various factors which might affect its life expectancy, even with excellent maintenance.

This guide will discuss the main factors that affect a roof lifespan and the practices that you can follow to prolong your roof’s life.

Keep reading.

1. Material

Some materials last longer than others. Asphalt is the popular roofing material in the United States, due to its low costs and maintenance requirements. Its average duration is 20 to 40 years, although it can sometimes last longer.

Here is the expected lifespan of the other roof materials:

• Wood – up to 30 years
• Steel and copper-50 to 100 years
• Clay tiles-40 to 60 years
• Stone tiles-50 to 100 years
• Rubber for flat roof-40 to 50 years

Concrete, tile, and steel are the most durable, although the initial installation costs might be higher. Wood is the least durable because it is susceptible to adverse weather conditions and insects. Choose the right material depending on how long you would like the roof to serve you.

2. Maintenance

How well do you maintain your roof? Every roof has special maintenance requirements, which you must adhere to strictly, lest it becomes weak.

You may not necessarily clean the roof, but you can inspect it every few months. The regular inspections will help you identify any weak parts of the roof, meaning that you will solve the issues before they become extensive.

For maximum protection, you may hire a roofing expert to inspect the roof on your behalf. The average roofing inspection period is six months, although you can still do it more often if the roof is susceptible to harsh weather.

3. Weather Conditions

Being the uppermost part of the house, the roof experiences a direct impact from the external weather conditions. For instance, strong thunderstorms can loosen your roofing shingles or even remove them completely. Also, lightning can hit the nearby trees causing them to fall on your roof.

Even more, too much rainfall can affect your roof and loosen the gutters. These harsh weather conditions may make your roof weaker every day, and shorten its lifespan.

For your safety, always consider the climatic condition of your area. If the place is prone to heavy rains, winds, and thunderstorms, it will be wise to consider the flat roof, or the stone tiles, which are more persistent to adverse weather conditions.

4. Installation

A great installation increases the lifespan of your roof. Conversely, a poor installation results in long term defects that reduce the life of the roof.

Each roofing material requires a unique installation, meaning that you should hire a specialized contractor. The right Madison contractor for the tasks should offer a warranty for the installation. The installation warranty will guarantee long term support in case parts of the roof become weak.

5. Ventilation and Insulation

A well-insulated and ventilated roof can serve you for a long time. The perfect ventilation regulates the flow of air in the attic. If you restrict airflow to the roof, the shingles will become weak due to humidity, and the roof will eventually collapse.

The same case applies to insulation. Great insulation regulates temperatures in the attic area and the house at large. Thus, great insulation extends the life of your roof and reduces your energy bills too.

6. Pitch or Water Slope

The pitch of your roof can, too, affect the lifespan. If the roof is flat, the water movement will be slow. If it rains consistently, the stagnant water will continue to affect the roof, unless you have a great gutter system.

If you opt for the flat roof, use the durable materials which cannot easily get damaged by too much water. Alternatively, you may consider the steep-sloped roofs if the durable materials are too costly for you.

7. Color

Black color attracts more heat than a brighter color. Too much heat can damage your roof unless you have insulated it well. Excess heat can also facilitate the formation of cracks on the shingles, and shorten the roof’s lifespan.

The color might not have an immediate impact on the roof, but it can affect its longer-term sustainability. Ask your contractor to give you the right color suggestions, which would have little or zero impact on the entire roofing’s longevity.

Maintenance Tips to Prolong the Roof Lifespan

The cost of repairing or replacing your roof can be high. It might also take time when instead, you could have observed the simple maintenance practices. If you plan to install a new roof, follow these effective tips to keep it in excellent condition and extend its lifespan.

Inspect the Shingles

Roof shingles get damaged easily. They can also go missing if they are rotten. Worse, they can attract mold and mildew, and interfere with the quality of water you get from your roof.

Inspect shingles often, and replace them if they are old.

Trim Nearby Trees

Tall trees can be hazardous to your roof. In case of strong winds, they can fall to your roof and damage it. The fallen leaves can also attract moisture on the roof and damage your tiles. Cut the trees or trim them.

Clean the Gutters

Gutters accumulate dirt, debris, leaves, and other things that can affect your roof’s longevity. These materials trap water, which eventually, rots the essential roof components like sheathing and rafters. Keep the gutters clean all through and replace them often, especially in fall and spring.

Maintain the Chimney

A broken part of your chimney can affect the roof. During your regular roof inspection, look at the chimney base to ensure there are no cracks or fallen bricks which could affect your roof. You can decide to replace the chimney if it’s too old for repair.

Hire an Experienced Roofing Contractor

An experienced roofer will inspect your roof regularly to ensure that it’s safe all through. The roofer will also provide helpful advice on what you should do to prolong the roof lifespan. Ensure that the roofing contractor is certified, knowledgeable, and friendly to work with.

Double D Builders is a professional residential roofing company in Madison, WI. We help homeowners install the best roofs, and help maintain them. We have been in the roofing industry since 2002; thus, we have vast experience of handling all types of roofs. 

Read our blogs and contact us today to get professional roofing advice.