Are you noticing that it might be time to replace your roof? Do you see that there are holes, leaks, or missing shingles on the roof? If so, you shouldn’t be so shocked. Roofs, like most household items and materials, have an expiration date. Eventually, you’re going to have to replace or repair it.
So what are the factors that impact a roof’s lifespan? As you will from this extensive list, many numerous elements can shorten the lifespan of your home’s roof.
Six Factors That Impact Your Roof
Roofing Material
The type of roofing material you choose will impact its longevity. The simple reason is that some materials are just more durable than others. Of course, those materials cost more than the standard options, hence why lots of homeowners don’t have them. Here’s a quick breakdown of the lifespan of each roofing material type and longevity:
- Asphalt – 25-30 years
- Metal – 30 years +
- Wood – 20 years
- Slate – 50 years +
Each of these roofing materials has its pros and cons, so it’s best to speak directly with a roofing company about each of them.
Quality Installation
The better the installation process, the less likely there would be issues with the roof in the future. Poor installation is one of the major causes of roofing repairs and failures, as unskilled or lazy roofers do a quick job without considering all the implications.
Hiring a reputable roofing company (https://hubbardexteriors.com/) that has the experience, offers warranties, and works with specific roofing materials can prove beneficial for your home. That way, you’re guaranteed quality workmanship that lasts for decades.
Insulation & Ventilation
The growth of moss and mold can wreak havoc on your roof, which is why it’s important to ensure that your roof has proper ventilation.
By installing attic fascia and vents, you can decrease the heat level in your hot, reducing the chance of sweat building up under the roof. This can also help prevent ice dams in the winter months, which can leak into your roof, causing mold.
At the same time, you’ll save money on your energy bills while keeping your home in a pleasant temperature year-round.
Unkempt Gutters
You might not think it, but gutters have a massive impact on the lifespan of your roof. Gutters act as pathways for rainwater to push it away to the sewer system. However, if the gutters are clogged up, it tends to overflow and spread across the roof.
That then leads to unnecessary pressure being placed on the roof, which can cause leaks, mold, and mildew growth. Always make sure that you keep your gutters clean and flowing at all times (particularly in the winter, fall, and rainy seasons).
Roof Pitch
Also known as the slope, the degree or angle in which your roof tilts impacts how it deals with rainwater and snow.
Lower-sloped roofs, particularly flat roofs, take longer to shed moisture and rainwater because the angle isn’t steep enough. Higher-sloped roofs mean that water and snow easily run off it to the gutters, eventually being drained away.
In some cases, you might not be able to change the angle of the roof’s pitch, but if it gets to the point of roof replacement, you can ask the roofer to make it steeper to save you problems in the future.
Extreme Weather
Sometimes, there is nothing you can do to stop mother nature. Extreme weather conditions, such as snow, hail, or rainstorms, alongside extreme heat and UV ray levels, can cause damage to your roof.
Some roofing materials can handle these conditions better than others, but ultimately, you can do very little if bad weather comes your way.
The best bet is to ensure you have a professional roofing company ready to help you when the weather turns nasty. Getting it inspected and repaired immediately after a storm can save you costs and hassles in the future.
Hot tip: See if you can claim the insurance on your roof replacement or repairs in the event of a storm. You’ll be surprised at what you can save!
Maintaining Your Roof – With Maintenance
There is one way in which you can ensure that you maintain the quality, safety, and lifespan of your roof – and that is by getting regular maintenance and inspections.
If you see signs, such as leaks, missing shingles, or holes, it’s best to call the company immediately. If not, we recommend twice-a-year inspections or immediately after a storm.
Having a professional roofer in Florence Ky, inspect and handle immediate repairs on your roof can save you money in the long run while extending the lifespan of your roof.