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 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Historic homes reflect the rich heritage and architectural style of your neighborhood and city. From Victorian mansions to Colonial revival cottages and more, these homes offer a glimpse into your city’s past. However, maintaining the look of your home requires careful planning. Choosing the right roof for your historic home is crucial for preserving its aesthetic appeal and ensuring its structural integrity. 

At Lifetime Roofing, we understand how important it is to invest in a reliable roofing material. However, when choosing the right materials for your historic home, there is much more that goes into it. If you are considering investing in a new roof for your historic home but aren’t sure what material is best to maintain its appearance, keep reading to see what our team recommends. 

What is Considered a Historic Home?

Historic homes are located within local historic districts as designated by your city. These homes maintain the area’s historic charm and offer residents a glimpse at the earliest homes in the city. Exterior changes to these homes are subject to local design review to ensure the most character-defining elements of your property are maintained.

While each city will have its own rules and regulations regarding what can be considered a historic home, these homes often have to be at least 50 years old, retain some historic integrity, and be significant to the area. Many cities strive to preserve these homes in an attempt to preserve the cultural history of the area and provide residents with a sense of pride. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roof for Your Historic Home

As you prepare to invest in a new roof for your historic home, there are a few factors you should consider. Many cities have rules and regulations regarding cosmetic work that can be done to historic homes. While you may want a more modern metal roof for your historic home, some cities may not allow this kind of change, as it doesn’t fit with the home’s original features and wouldn’t have been a roofing option at the time.

You may also need to be more lenient with the roof color you’re hoping for. In many cases, your city may require you to choose a roof color that is close to or identical to the home’s first roof. Finally, you should consider the state of the existing roof. Your city may choose to deny any roofing permits if your roof is in good condition and you are simply trying to update the cosmetic appearance of the space.

Ultimately, it may be in your best interest to speak to someone with the city about the changes you plan to make before scheduling a roof replacement. By scheduling a time to discuss roof changes, you can determine whether they align with the city’s design guidelines and if there are any changes you need to make before starting the project. 

The Best Roofing Materials

If you are ready to invest in an updated roof for your historic home, there are a few options that you may be able to consider. Some of the best roofing materials for historic homes include: 

Wood

Wood was one of the most popular early roofing materials due to its easy accessibility. While wood roofs aren’t as popular for more modern homes, they are a great way to maintain the modern appearance of your historic home. Modern wooden roofing materials are made of cedar, which is more moisture-resistant than early roofing materials. 

Asphalt

When choosing a roof for your historic home, you might be able to choose this incredibly popular roofing option. Asphalt roofing gained popularity at the turn of the 20th century. This material became an increasingly popular choice due to its durability and is a great addition to Victorian or Colonial homes. 

Metal 

While metal wasn’t a popular roofing material, it was still periodically used for homes across the U.S., making them a great choice for your roof for your historic home. Some homes from the 1700s and 1800s featured copper roofs. While copper may be out of budget, some metal roofs can reflect the same color and style these roofs featured. 

Clay

Clay roof tiles were an incredibly popular choice among homebuilders in the mid-19th century. If you have a Mediterranian or Spanish-style home, clay tiles are the perfect choice for maintaining its charm. However, you may be able to replace fragile clay tiles with more durable ceramic tiles as long as they maintain the historic appearance of your home. 

Reliable Roofs for Homes Across Salt Lake City

Whether you want to invest in a new roof for your historic home or you need to repair your existing roof, it is essential to work with a reliable roofing company like our team at Liberty Restoration. We have been providing reliable roofs to homes across the North Salt Lake City area since 2008, and we’re confident that we can do the same for you.

Whether you want to upgrade to a modern metal roof or you like the existing asphalt shingles, we provide every material you could want to upgrade your space. If you need to invest in a new roof for your historic home or you have questions about each recommended roofing material, don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

As sustainable energy production becomes more popular, homeowners may find themselves drawn to the idea of installing solar panels in their homes. However, if you’ve never made this investment before, there are many steps toward preparing your roof for solar panels that you might not know about. Without proper preparation, you may find yourself losing out on your investment. 

At Lifetime Roofing, our team understands how exciting it can be to invest in solar panels for your home. However, without proper preparation, you may find yourself dealing with unexpected and costly damage. If you want to learn about preparing your roof for solar panels, keep reading to see what our team recommends. 

1. Assess Your Roof Condition

One of the first steps to preparing your roof for solar panels is assessing its current condition. Check for signs of broken or missing shingles or a damaged gutter system. These will need to be addressed before your solar panels can be installed. However, it is important that you avoid walking on your roof if possible. 

Walking on your roof may lead to more damage to your roof’s most fragile components, which can result in costly repairs you aren’t prepared for. You also risk slipping while on your roof and hurting yourself. If you don’t have the appropriate tools to inspect your roof, it is best to contact a roofing professional for an inspection. 

2. Ensure Structural Integrity

While your roof is designed to withstand a great deal of weight, they aren’t infallible. Adding solar panels to your roof can add even more weight to it. If you are preparing your roof for solar panels, you should ensure your roof is structurally sound enough to withstand this additional weight. 

To ensure they are ready, it is best to reach out to a structural engineer or solar panel professional. They can determine if there are any problem areas that they feel need to be addressed before this installation begins. You may need to invest in additional support beams or racking systems to ensure the weight is distributed evenly across the roof. 

3. Consider Roof Orientation and Shading

The orientation of your roof and the amount of shade it experiences throughout the day play a significant role in the amount of solar energy you may produce. Ideally, your roof should be south-facing with minimal shading from trees, buildings, and other obstructions to be most beneficial to your home. 

Depending on your location and energy needs, some east—and west-facing roofs can also be suitable for solar panels. If shading is unavoidable, you might want to trim your trees as you begin preparing your roof for solar panels. This trimming will ensure optimal solar exposure throughout the day and help you produce the most solar energy possible. 

4. Evaluate Roof Age and Consider Replacement

On average, asphalt shingle roofs have a 20- to 30-year life expectancy. While some maintenance can help extend this, these materials will deteriorate over time. As you prepare your roof for solar panels, it might be a good time to note its age and whether it is approaching the end of its lifespan. 

The last thing you want to do after investing in solar panels is remove them to perform a roof replacement. If you notice any leaks or broken shingles that you believe may indicate that it is time to invest in a new roof, call your trusted roofing company to schedule a replacement before your solar team comes to install the panels. 

5. Invest in a High-Quality Team and Materials

When it comes to solar panel installation, quality matters. To get the most out of your investment, choose reliable, high-quality solar panels. Read reviews and ensure the product you purchase is worth the time and money invested. You should also work with an experienced team that can ensure the entire process goes smoothly.

These professionals will ensure the process goes smoothly and have any necessary licensing and insurance in case of potential damage. While solar panel installation is a great investment in your home, they aren’t worth the risk of substantially damaging your roof. By working with reliable professionals while preparing your roof for solar panels, you can trust that they’ll do all they can to prevent unnecessary damage. 

6. Plan for Maintenance

When you install solar panels on your roof, you might believe that you don’t need to worry about roof maintenance. These panels should block any large debris that can cause significant, costly damage to your roof. However, it is still important to plan for maintenance when preparing your roof for solar panels. 

You may want to develop a maintenance plan that includes inspections and cleanings. During these inspections, your solar panel team may spot minor roofing problems that can impact the performance and well-being of your solar panels. Proper maintenance will not only maximize your energy production but also extend the lifespan of your solar investment.

Preparing Your Roof for Solar Panels with Lifetime Roofing

Whether you are preparing your roof for solar panels, performing regular maintenance, or considering investing in a new roof, it is essential that you work with a reliable roofing company. Our team at Lifetime Roofing has provided roofing services to homes across the North Salt Lake City area since 2008, and we’re confident that we can deliver the roof you’ve been dreaming of.

From traditional asphalt shingles to more modern metal roofs and everything in between, our team provides a variety of roofs to match every home perfectly. If you are preparing your roof for solar panels and would like to learn more about how our team can help, don’t hesitate to contact us today for support.