Extending the lifespan of your roof, Home roofing repair, House longevity increase

Extending the Lifespan of Your Roof: What Affects Roof Life Expectancy

October 27, 2024

Whether it’s a new construction or you’ve lived in your home for decades, you want your roof to last. Replacing a roof is expensive and you don’t want to cut corners.

If you do, there’s a good chance you’ll be dealing with issues like leaks and missing shingles. Even repairing a roof isn’t exactly cheap.

So, what are the factors that affect the average lifespan of a roof? Knowing what the factors are can help you extend the lifespan of your roof.

Key Factors Impacting Average Roof Life Expectancy

Most roofs, whether it’s metal, asphalt, or slate, last anywhere from 30 to 100 years. The material does impact the roof’s expected lifespan but all should last for several decades. In other words, you should only plan on replacing your roof once, if ever, during the time you own the home.

To help ensure you’re not replacing your roof every ten years or so, here’s a look at some of the factors that can impact its expected lifespan.

Roofing Materials

Roofing materials not only affect price but also longevity. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive and a popular option in both warm and cool climates. However, asphalt roofing tends to only last for around 20 to 30 years. This may mean you’re replacing your asphalt roofing before you’re ready to sell your home.

If you want a roof to last longer than you plan on owning the property, you probably need to consider going with upscale roofing materials. Yes, these materials like slate, tile, and metal are a little more expensive, but you can also see a return on your investment.

Not only do these materials last longer, meaning you’re spending less on repairs and replacements, but they can also lower your heating and cooling costs. Sometimes, your roof can lower your energy usage rates by as much as 15%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Severe Weather

You can’t control the weather and it can damage roofs. While there’s nothing you can do if a strong storm like a hurricane or tornado bears down on your home, you can choose roofing materials best suited for your climate.

Some roofing materials are more durable than others. For example, asphalt shingles are lightweight and can easily blow away in strong winds. Metal shingles are extremely durable but the material can dent if hit by a fallen tree branch or even hail. Choosing the right roofing material for your climate can help extend the lifespan of your roof.

Don’t forget about sun exposure. The sun’s rays can do more than increase your electricity usage rates. Some materials like asphalt can dry out and crack from prolonged exposure to UV rays. Metal roofs reflect heat, helping to keep your home cooler. If you’re not sure which material is right for your climate, a roofing professional can help.

Ventilation

Your roof needs to breathe but you also don’t want gaps letting in pests and moisture. Before having a new roof installed, make sure it has adequate ventilation. This means checking the design before installation starts.

Adequate ventilation usually isn’t an issue with new roofs, but older ones may have issues. Without proper ventilation, moisture and heat can build up in your attic shortening your roof’s expected lifespan. So, how do you know if your roof is properly ventilated? Look for built-in vents.

Roof Pitch

The pitch of your roof refers to its slope. Your roof’s design decides the pitch. For example, you’re not going to find a pitch on a flat roof. Roofs with steeper pitches allow for easy water runoff. This reduces your chances of having to deal with leaks and sagging spots on your roof. Flat roofs are prone to standing water and the extra weight can shorten their average lifespan.

However, don’t immediately start thinking about redesigning your flat roof just yet. Flat roofs can also have a few key benefits. You typically find it easier to install solar panels on flat roofs. Maintenance is easier and less expensive, and flat roofs can have a unique aesthetic appeal.

Insulation

Surprisingly, even new roofs often don’t have adequate insulation. While insulation isn’t going to impact the roof’s overall durability, it can affect your wallet. Without adequate insulation, heating and cooling costs tend to go up. When energy costs start increasing, homeowners often start considering replacing their old roofs.

Before you start looking at roofing materials, take a look at the insulation in the attic. Sometimes, adding a layer of blown foam insulation is enough to significantly boost energy efficiency.

Use of Your Roof

What else can your roof do besides cover your home? Your roof can hold everything from a satellite dish to solar panels. These simple objects can improve your quality of life, but they’re also adding weight to the roof.

Over time, the excess weight can cause your roof to start sagging or even buckling. Don’t panic if you just installed solar panels. For roof wear and tear to become apparent it typically takes several years. You can minimize any damage to your roof and extend its lifespan by going with metal shingles. Metal roofing can support the added weight and tends to last for up to 70 years.

Roof Maintenance

An easy and affordable way to extend the lifespan of your roof is by keeping up with the routine maintenance it needs. Don’t panic, roof maintenance isn’t a full-time job. You also don’t need to plan on giving up every free weekend.

Every couple of months, climb up a ladder and do a quick visual inspection. You’re checking for any broken or missing shingles. You also want to plan on checking your roof after a strong storm. Don’t forget to clean out the gutters. This can help prevent issues with water damage.

Your Roof May Last Longer Than Its Expected Lifespan

With proper maintenance and choosing the right materials, you can actively extend the lifespan of your roof. However, before you start thinking about replacing a roof it’s a good idea to talk to the professionals.

Your local roofing service can recommend the best materials for your area and ensure you have adequate insulation and ventilation.

Comments on this guide to Extending the lifespan of your roof article are welcome.