The longevity of your roof depends on the type of roofing material used when it was installed, how well it is maintained, the quality of the materials used, and the quality of the installation. The lifespan of some roofing materials is double or quadruple others, but severe weather and neglecting regular maintenance can wear them out faster. When looking to replace your roof, you should always speak to a licensed roofing contractor with years of experience who values customer service.
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Roofing Materials
The age of your roof is one of the strongest factors that determine whether or not you need to replace your roof.
Asphalt shingles usually last between 20 and 25 years. They are the most common roofing material because they are easy to install, affordable, and fit any style. However, they are prone to being lifted by the wind, cracking, and mold.
When you install a slate roof, you don’t have to worry about replacing it for a long time. Slate is a form of highly durable metamorphic stone that comes in various gorgeous colors that homeowners love, which is why so many choose it. Soft slate shingles can last anywhere from 50 to 125 years, and hard slate shingles can last from 70 to 200 years!
Metal roofs also have a long life span, generally between 50 and 70 years. Copper is one of the most enduring metals available, lasting 60 to 100 years. Roofs made of aluminum or galvanized steel may not last that long, but it could be several decades before you need to replace your metal roof if you choose either one.
How can I maintain my roof?
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your roof or help you preserve a new roof.
Keep Gutters Clean
Debris and large objects can clog up your gutters, especially if you live in an area with a lot of trees. The problem is especially troublesome for buildings and homes with a flat or almost-flat roof, particularly in autumn when trees are shedding leaves. In the winter months, a poorly-ventilated attic can warm up snow so much that it thaws, flows into your gutters, and then turns back into ice.
Clogged gutters can lead to mold, invite rodents and cause sagging under the weight of everything jammed inside. When water overflows from gutters, it can seep into the roofing structure and harm the integrity of your building’s foundation. The best way to prevent clogged gutters is to install gutter guards. You may also need a roofer from Jackson Contracting to install a gutter and downspout system that works more efficiently with your home.
Trim Back Trees
Trees make your home look picturesque by framing it beautifully, but branches knocked loose during a storm can cause damage to your roof. Make sure that tree branches are trimmed back so that pine needles, sticks, leaves, and other debris do not get in your gutters and so organic material doesn’t collect in piles on your roof, which could lead to mold issues.
Look For Signs Of Leaks
There are several warning signs that your roof will give you, indicating it has suffered water damage and needs repair immediately. Water spots and discoloration on the roof or ceiling indicate a leak. These spots or blooms can be a yellowish, brown, gray, black, or cream color. Some have a definable border, but others do not. Water stains will usually appear in the corners, around vents and chimneys, or near skylights. This may indicate a slow leak, which is difficult for the average homeowner to find on their own. Jackson Contracting can trace the leak and find out where it is coming from.
Call A Roofing Contractor Twice A Year For Maintenance
When you have a roofing contractor evaluate your roof, you are doing a lot to protect your home. A professional’s trained eyes can spot issues and vulnerabilities before they become big problems. Prioritizing fixing these issues expands the longevity of your roof. If you are unsure whether you should replace your roof, you should call a roofing contractor to assess the condition of your roof and provide you with their professional opinion on its remaining lifespan.
