Buying a home is a huge investment, especially when it comes to maintaining the roof. The lifespan of your roof will depend on many factors, including the age of your roof, the roofing material used, and the weather.
Home Care Contractors is a roofing contractor that specializes in providing high-quality home care services, including roof maintenance and repair. With years of experience and a team of skilled professionals, we take pride in ensuring the durability and longevity of our clients’ roofs. In this blog post, we explore the factors that influence roof lifespan in Washington State and provide valuable insights on how to make a roof last.
What Can Impact the Average Roof Life?
If you’re one of the many homeowners who wonders how long a roof lasts before you need a roof replacement, you’re not alone. The average roof lifespan is around 20 years, but different roofing materials may mean your roof lasts longer.
Weather Conditions
Inclement weather that produces rain, snow, or ice can cause moisture. Shingle roofs, especially those with wood shingles, will be more susceptible to this type of damage. When water intrudes, it can affect the structural integrity of your home. Major weather events involving heavy wind can tear away composite shingles or clay tiles.
Poor Ventilation
Your roof needs proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup from rain or water vapor. When moisture intrudes, it can cause the interior of your roof system to rot.
Proper Installation
Among the different factors that can impact your roofing lifespan, it must be installed correctly. Professional installation is essential for all kinds of roofs from flat roofs to sloped roofs. If you consider adding solar panels to become more energy efficient, they should be installed properly as they can cause leaks when installed incorrectly.
Roofing Materials
Your roof’s lifespan also depends on the roofing material that has been used. Here are a few of the most common roofing materials and how long they can last:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are by far one of the most common materials for residential roofs. Asphalt shingle roofs can last from 20 to 30 years. In the Pacific Northwest, the granules and grade of a shingle roof can be a factor in its longevity.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofing will depend on the grade of metal used. If metal roofing is made from thinner materials, it will be more vulnerable to tree limbs or hail in a storm. A standing seam metal roof is thicker and more durable and is capable of lasting from 50 to 100 years.
Tile Roofs
The lifespan of a roof with tile materials will vary depending on the type of tile. A tile roof made from concrete tiles or slate roof tiles may last between 100 and 150 years. Clay tiles and slate tiles have long lifespans but the initial costs for installation are more expensive, especially with slate roofs.
Natural Wood Shingles
A wood shingle roof is a beautiful choice for your home and can resist wood rot. If you have a wood roof with wood shakes, it can last over 25 years as long as you provide proper maintenance.
How Regular Maintenance and Timely Repairs Impact All Roof Types
Even if your entire roof is composed of highly durable materials, it can last longer if it is well-maintained. Roofs in this part of the country are subject to fluctuating temperatures, ice dams, UV rays, and algae growth. You can make your roof last by having a professional roofer perform regular maintenance as required. Additionally, replacing missing shingles promptly can help you avoid the need for a new roof.
If it has been nearly 20 years since your roofing was installed, it is wise to keep up with maintenance and inspections. After serious storms, you should have your roof checked for damage. A reputable roofing company will be able to find and repair any issues.
It is not advised that you climb up on the roof yourself. This is a dangerous task and only professionals are trained to spot signs of deterioration. If you notice anything from the ground, such as cracked or curling shingles, loss of granules in your gutters, or have leaks in your home, your roof may need to be replaced or repaired. You can contact Home Care Contractors to help you find the right roofing options for your home.