For How Long Will Your Roof Last? Let’s Find Out!

Besides looking good, your roof is a barrier between the inside of your home and the outside world. If it’s in good shape, your roof protects your home from the weather, leaves, branches, and other debris. 

But, when it isn’t in good condition, the roof can leak, grow mold and mildew, and cause other problems in your home. Even a minor leak in the roof line can cause widespread water damage to important home systems.

Naturally, its importance makes the roof a major investment. Therefore, homeowners need to make an informed decision when selecting roofing materials to guarantee they have a safe and sound roof for the long haul. So how long does a roof last? Several factors impact a house roof lifespan. In this article, we’ll break it down for homeowners.

How Long Does a Roof Last?

How long does a good roof last? Roofs made of slate, copper, or tile, which are more expensive, can last for more than 50 years. How long are shingle roofs good for? According to the NAHB, wood shake roofs should last about 30 years, fiber cement shingles about 25 years, and asphalt shingle/composition roofs about 20 years. All kinds of roofs have their lifespans shortened by harsh climate and weather conditions.

Now, there are several elements that we need to consider when estimating the lifespan of a roof. Below you’ll find the most important: 

Materials

A roof’s expected lifespan is significantly affected by the quality and type of materials used to construct it. Choose a high-quality product if you want to avoid the hassle and cost of frequent roof repairs and a shorter roof lifespan. If you want to get the most out of your roof, hiring a reliable contractor who works with high-quality materials is a good first step.

Installation

You might be surprised to learn how much hiring a qualified professional can impact the typical lifespan of your roof. You don’t want to be in a position where you see indications of subpar roofing work and wonder whether the roof was installed properly.

Weather

Changing temperatures might damage your roof, so consider durable materials. Shingles are susceptible to cracking and splitting when temperatures suddenly shift from hot to cold. Storms, hail, and wind can erode the protecting granules from shingles, where moisture can collect and cause mold growth and roof leaks. 

Slope

Your roof’s pitch affects drainage, and a poorly draining roof may need more regular maintenance or replacement. Owners of properties with flat or low-sloping roofs should be especially careful to check for water accumulation that could result in the growth of mold and fungi or more serious damage that results in roof leaks.

Ventilation

Having optimum ventilation for your roof will extend its life lifespan. Maintaining a stable temperature on the roof makes the building’s components less likely to shatter under stress, lessens the possibility of damage from overheating or freezing, and improves overall efficiency. Damages from poor ventilation can add up quickly, so it’s crucial to watch out for warning signs of ventilation problems on the roof and take action if necessary.

Maintenance and Care

A roof’s typical lifespan can be increased by doing routine maintenance. If your roof is inspected once a year, you can catch problems early on and fix them before they become expensive emergencies.

Get Your Roofing Installed by Christopher Home Improvement

Now that you know how long do house roofs last, on average, with proper materials and installation practices, get your roof correctly installed the first time with Christopher Home Improvement. 

We’re here for the residents and business owners of Connecticut. Knowing who to trust with your roof is an important decision, and we know it can be challenging. We want to get to know the people in our community and give them a taste of how wonderful our service can be.