If you’re in the market for a new roof to be installed by a professional roofer, there’s one question that might be on your mind: how long do residential roofs last?
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it seems. Many factors can determine the lifespan of a roof, including its composition and exposure to harsh weather conditions.
We’ll explore these factors below and provide homeowners with a ballpark estimate of the lifespan of their typical residential roof.
How Long Does an Average Residential Roof Last
Our roof is indeed our protection against the worst of the weather. But, how long does an average residential roof last?
There are a lot of factors that play into this question and it’s hard to pinpoint one definitive answer. The lifespan of your roof depends on its composition as well as many external conditions like exposure to harsh sunlight, hail storms, or high winds.
In general, though, roofs typically last up to 20-25 years as long as they’re properly maintained.
The reason why roof lasts a long time is because of the materials they are made of. If your roof is made out of wood, paint, or asphalt shingles, it will typically last for about 20 years.
If your roof is made out of metal or tile, then it could potentially be closer to 25 years. Your roof’s composition determines how long the material can withstand sun exposure and other harsh weather conditions before needing repairs or replacement.
On the other hand, if your roof is made out of clay-based products, such as clay or concrete tile, it will only last about five to ten years.
Factors That Can Affect Roofing Lifespan
To give you a better insight, here are the things that can affect the lifespan of your roof:
- Hurricanes – Hurricanes can cause a lot of damage. They create high winds, torrential rain, and hail storms that are tough on your roof’s composition and condition.
- Dirt and debris – If your roof constantly has debris such as leaves, dust, or dirt that’s constantly being blown off your roof and onto it, then this will cause the material to deteriorate over time.
- Humidity – If you live in an area with high humidity levels like Florida or Louisiana, there is a greater chance of mold growth on the surface of your roof which can lead to problems down the line if not taken care of promptly.
- Extreme temperatures – Roofs typically age faster when exposed to extreme cold for prolonged periods because they don’t have enough insulation under them.
How to Take Better Care of Your Roof to Make It Last
The best way to take care of your roof to make it last is to have a professional roofing company come and inspect it. A qualified roof inspector will be able to identify any problems with your roof’s condition and give recommendations on how to take better care of the surface.
Professionals will also be able to identify if your roof needs repairs or replacement because of something you could have done to cause it.
Some things homeowners can do is make sure their gutters are clear and clean so water doesn’t come in contact with the surface, use a heavy-duty metal rake on top of wooden roofs once every few years to remove debris that might be caught on the material, and apply an asphalt coating for protection against extreme weather conditions like rainstorms, heat waves or hail storms.
Conclusion
The average residential roof will indeed depend on how you take care of your roof, but it will typically last around 20-25 years.
This is a long time! Knowing these numbers will help you plan your future roofing needs and make sure everything’s taken care of before the next storm rolls in.
If you want more information about how roofs work or need some advice on what steps you should take now that winter has arrived, contact us today. We offer free consultations with our experts who are happy to answer any questions.