A roof is an expensive yet necessary investment. When paying that much money for anything, you want to make sure it lasts as long as possible. There are several different factors that play a part in the lifespan of your roof. It’s not as simple as installing and then waiting until you need a new one. Knowing what factors can affect the lifespan of your roof is important to know so you can get your money’s worth out of your investment.
Sadly, there are plenty of homeowners out there who are unaware of what can be done to help preserve the life of your roof. In most cases, these people’s roofs never reach their full potential and end up needing a roof replacement much sooner. That is why we want to share with you some ways to help preserve the lifespan of your roof.
Routine roof maintenance
One mistake that a lot of people make is failing to have routine maintenance done on their roofs. It may seem a bit inconvenient at the time, but it’s worth it if it means saving you from ongoing damage that will cost even more money if untreated.
It is important to have routine maintenance done on your roof, ideally one to two times a year. Maintenance helps catch any damage before it worsens and allows you to know the status of your roof. Roof maintenance is also a great time to clear any type of debris buildup off of your roof and the gutters. Debris may seem like no big deal, but when it’s left sitting for long periods of time it can damage the roofing material, therefore, shortening its lifespan.
Roof maintenance is a pretty easy process and usually doesn’t take up much time. It is much better to catch any problems early on and is also a chance to keep your roof clean, preventing damage.
Working with the right roofing company
While you may be told you will get X amount of years out of your new roof, you may not even get half of that if the roof installation is done poorly. That is why it is so important to take your time when choosing a contractor to install your new roof.
Sadly, there are some roofing companies out there that are just looking for a quick buck, and most of the time these are the companies that fail to properly install a roof. The issues on these roofs can range from poor attic ventilation to incorrect nailing of the shingles. With these types of cases, the chance of a workmanship warranty protecting you is slim to none.
To avoid running into this situation, here are some things to look for when choosing a roofing company to work with. Always read reviews and be certain that the company you are looking at is licensed and has plenty of experience. We also recommended getting two or more quotes before choosing a contractor to work with. We’ve said this before on here, but if the price seems too good to be true then it probably is. It is important to be realistic and while a steal may seem tempting, you still want to be sure that the quality of work is not impacted. Our most important tip is to trust your gut. If you have a bad feeling about a company or any doubts, move on to the next one. A roof is a very important part of a home and it’s not worth risking any damage or safety.
Location and the weather
Extreme weather is a common cause of roof damage. The location that your home is in and the weather that is found there can greatly impact the state of your roof. If you are located in an area with constant heat, the sun beaming down on your roof constantly can impact the shingles. If you are in an area with snow, then ice dams are a real concern. Thunderstorms occur everywhere and can seriously impact a roof with things ranging from debris and branches to extremely heavy rainfall. Hail is another big issue as it can leave dents in your shingles and wear the material down.
One thing you can do to help preserve the lifespan of your roof is to go with a roofing material that would better withstand the climate and weather found in your area. Any reputable roofing company would be happy to inspect your roof and give you recommendations on what would be best. This also leads back to routine maintenance. Weather damages all roofs, whether you can see it or not. Routine maintenance allows an inspector to see what damage was caused and fix it before it gets worse.
Quality roofing materials
Finally, we wanted to cover the topic of roofing materials. In roofing, you really get what you pay for. Some budgets are more restrictive than others and that’s okay. Even the cheapest roofing options can still last for a while when installed properly and regularly maintained.
The type of roofing materials that are used does affect the lifespan of a roof. If you can afford to go with a more quality option then it is recommended. Cheap prices mean both cheap materials and cheap labor. Let’s face it, the cheapest labor option is not going to be the best work. With a roofing investment, it is worth paying a bit more in most cases. Especially if you want to get the most out of your new roof. Depending on what roofing materials you decide to go with, your roof could potentially last between 25 to 85+ years.
We are here to help
These are just a few things you can do as a homeowner to help preserve the life of your roof and get the most out of your investment. A roof requires care and maintenance if you want it to achieve its full lifespan. It’s important to do your own research as well to help find out what works best for your particular roof. While the internet is a great source, we like to keep you all informed with up-to-date information through our Learning Hub on our website where new content is uploaded weekly.
At Liberty Roofworks we work with our customers to come up with the best roofing solutions for them. We understand the importance of a quality roof installation and we settle for nothing less than that.
If you are in need of any type of residential roofing services do not hesitate to contact us. We would be more than happy to send out one of our licensed and experienced roofing professionals to perform an inspection and go over what your options are along with what the next steps would be. Whether you need your roof repaired, replaced, or inspected, we do it all!
Frequently Asked Questions
The world of roofing can be rather confusing at times and it’s normal to have a lot of questions. Here are some common ones we get asked about roof preservation. If you still have questions please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to answer them for you.
What types of shingles will last the longest?
The two types of shingles that last the longest are tile and slate shingles. They will last longer than the traditional asphalt shingle, though they are much more expensive. With the right maintenance, tile or slate shingles can last up to 100 years compared to asphalt shingles which only last around half of that if you’re lucky.
When is the best time to have my roof inspected?
The Spring and Fall months tend to be the most ideal times since the weather is at its most calm level and it’s easier to spot damage. However, a roof technically can be inspected at any time as long as it is visible.
What does routine roof maintenance consist of?
During a routine maintenance check, a roofer will typically clean out your gutters along with any debris found on the roof, check shingles for damage, and inspect the flashing and any other installations. It’s typically a quick process and can save you money in the long run.
Why is it important to have regular maintenance done to your roof?
Regular maintenance is one of the major keys to preserving the life of a roof. It is what allows you to catch any damage before it gets worse which in turn will cost more money to replace. Professional roofers are trained to spot damage and issues that those untrained can not see. Routine roof maintenance is an important part of homeownership and should not be skipped.
How will I know if my roof is damaged?
Some damage will be visible to the untrained eye such as curled shingles, missing shingles, or leaky spots in your ceiling. Other types of damage can be harder to spot and may require a closer look which is why it is important to have routine inspections done on your roof. Roof damage is something that should not be put off but instead addressed right away to prevent the problem from getting worse.