How Long Can You Expect Your Roof To Last?
It’s actually quite impressive how long a roof system can last. Roofs built back in the 70’s and 80’s are remarkably in good shape 30-40 years later. According to the research, you can expect an asphalt shingle roof to last 20 years. Fiber cement shingles will last about 25 years and wood or cedar shake roof has a lifespan of 30 years. Slate, copper and tile roofs can last over 50 years without breaking a sweat.
Preventative Maintenance: The Key To Longer Life
No roof will reach its life expectancy without a few repairs and upgrades along the way. So if you think that you can just install it and forget about, then you’re in for reality check. Your roof takes a beating from the outside elements every day. UV rays, humidity, heat, wind, rain, debris, and, of course, time, will eventually have it’s way with your roof.
Your entire roofing system should undergo a thorough inspection at least once a year. By hiring a professional roofing company to assess your roof, you can catch small maintenance issues before they turn into costly repairs down the road. A short-list of items to inspected should include:
- The condition of asphalt shingles (or other roofing types)
- Proper ventilation of both the air-intake and the air-exhaust
- The hip and valley areas. For open valleys the lining should be free of rust or holes.
- The entire gutter system should be clean and free from debris
- The chimney baseline should be watertight
- Warped decking
- Torn or punctured underlayment
- Water damage in the attic area from leaks.
- The condition of asphalt shingles (or other roofing types)
- Proper ventilation of both the air-intake and the air-exhaust
- The hip and valley areas. For open valleys the lining should be free of rust or holes.
- The entire gutter system should be clean and free from debris
- The chimney baseline should be watertight
- Warped decking
- Torn or punctured underlayment
- Water damage in the attic area from leaks.
Improper Installation
One of the reasons your roof may not last as long as you thought it would is because it wasn’t installed according to building codes or manufacturer specifications. Sadly, this happens more than it should.
If you’re a homeowner working on a tight budget, you may be tempted to go as cheap as you can in order to restore your roof. In an attempt to save money, however, you may wind up with an even bigger headache in the way of poor construction and roofing products that break down in a short period of time.
So before you hire the cheapest company in town, do your homework. Ask for references, proper credentials, samples of previous work, and find reviews and reports online. Only an experienced, certified, skilled roofer will ensure that all work done on your roof is performed according to city and state building codes.
Understanding Your Warranty
Warranties were created in order to guarantee claims made about services and products from a roofing contractor. Warranties outline what will be covered and under what conditions. It’s a good idea to go over warranty information before committing to a roofing project. Make sure you get the details on both the services offered and the manufacturer warranty on all materials utilized.
Antennas and Satellites
Everything that was implemented onto your roof during installation is there for a reason, mainly to secure your roof. Foreign items such as antennas and satellites should not be attached to your roof and only cause damage in the long run. Metal gadgets rust and can cause corrosion. Antennas attract birds that leave acidic droppings that can eat through your shingles. Holes that are drilled to install antennas or TV satellites can lead to water and air leaks. The best policy is to keep all additional objects away from your roof if possible.