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Replacing your roof can be a costly investment, especially if you aren’t financially prepared for it. Once you’ve replaced your roof, you likely want to do everything you can to protect yourself from premature replacement or repairs. But, to protect yourself from this, it is important that you understand the factors that impact your roof’s lifespan.
At Lifetime Roofing, we understand how important it is for home and business owners to protect their investment in a new roof. Without proper education, you might not realize the role you play in protecting the lifespan of the roof. If you want to protect yourself from costly premature roof replacements and repairs, keep reading to learn about the factors that may impact its lifespan.
What is the Your Roof’s Lifespan?
Your roof’s lifespan refers to the amount of time it remains structurally sound and functional before needing replacement or major repairs. Your roof’s lifespan will vary depending on the material used to build the roof. The expected lifespan of each roof is:
- Asphalt Shingles: 20 to 30 years
- Metal: 50 to 80 years
- Wood: About 25 years
- Flat Roof: 20 to 25 years
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Factors That Impact Your Roof’s Lifespan
While there is an expected your roof’s lifespan, there are several factors that can increase or decrease its lifespan. Some of these factors include:
1. Weather Conditions
If you live in a place that receives extreme weather throughout the year, this may shorten your roof’s lifespan. Heavy rainfall, strong wind, and snowpack can deteriorate your roofing materials, leading to premature repairs and replacements.
2. Roofing Materials
Not all roofing materials are created equal, as you can see from their varying lifespans above. While metal roofing materials are strong enough to withstand several decades of wear and tear, wood materials may be more susceptible to decay.
3. Installation Quality
Working with a reliable roofing company is an essential part of ensuring you get the most out of your roof. If you work with a poorly trained roofing company, you might find that your roof’s lifespan isn’t as long as you expect.
4. Roof Slope
Drainage is an important part of roof maintenance. If your roof is inadequately sloped, this may allow for water pooling, which increases your risk of water damage. If you are redesigning your roof, you may want to incorporate a steeper slope to keep your roof safe.
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5. Insulation and Ventilation
Proper ventilation and insulation play a major role in preserving your roof’s lifespan. Adequate ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture levels in the attic, preventing damage to the roof structure and prolonging its integrity. Ensure your attic is well-ventilated and adequately insulated to maintain optimal conditions.
6. Color
While you might like the appearance of a darker roof, this may lead to a shorter lifespan. Dark roofing materials absorb and hold onto heat longer than light materials. If you choose a darker material, you may notice your roof drying out or, in more extreme cases, melting due to this extended exposure to heat.
7. Maintenance Frequency
Scheduling regular maintenance for your roof allows you to catch minor problems before they become more substantial. If you fail to schedule maintenance, you may find the materials on your roof degrading more quickly as a result of unaddressed damage.
8. Trees and Debris
When trees and other organic materials hang over your roof, the constant exposure to the scraping of leaves, sticks, rocks, and more can wear away at the roofing materials. If you want to ensure your roof lasts for its entire expected lifespan, it is best to keep these things trimmed back.
Signs Your Roof Has Reached the End of Its Lifespan
While there are many things you can do to ensure your roof’s lifespan, it will inevitably need to be replaced. Some of the signs that your roof has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced include:
- Persistent Damage
- Water Leaks
- Granule Loss
- Sagging
- Mold and Moss Presence
- Curling or Missing Shingles
If you are unsure whether your roof needs to be replaced, it might be in your best interest to contact a roofing professional for an inspection. They can come out to perform an up-close inspection, catching signs of damage that you might not otherwise see.
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Avoid Premature Damage with Lifetime Roofing
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from costly roof replacements is by working with a reliable roofing company from the start of your new roofing project. If you are looking for a roofing company in Salt Lake City that can help you install and protect your roof for years to come, turn to Lifetime Roofing. For almost two decades, our team has provided reliable roofing services to homeowners across the Wasatch Front.
Whether you have a metal, shingle, or wood roof, our team is equipped to handle the installation and maintenance of them all. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about scheduling roof maintenance to extend your roof’s lifespan or have questions about the services we provide, don’t hesitate to contact us today.