Roof Durability: How Long Should My Residential Roof Last?

How long should your roof last?

While there’s no set lifespan for residential roofs, you may be wondering how long you can expect your roof to last if you need to replace it in the future. There are many factors that influence how long your roof will last, including the quality of materials and installation, whether or not it receives regular maintenance, and even the weather in your area. 

Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve the longevity of your roof and get it back up to par when it starts to show signs of wear and tear.

What Affects The Lifespan Of Your Roof

How long a roof lasts depends on a number of factors, including the materials it's made out of, how well you maintain it, and where you live. 

There are two main types of residential roofs: asphalt shingles and metal roofs. The lifespan of each type is different.

-Asphalt shingles typically last 20-25 years before they need to be replaced. They don't corrode or rot like other roofing materials do, but they can get worn down by wind or hail damage or cracked by tree branches over time. Replacing them may also be needed if the weight they're supporting has increased significantly since the initial installation due to new additions to your home such as an extra story or a deck. If your roof needs work, we recommend getting a professional inspection first.

-Metal roofs typically last 30-40 years before needing replacement. Because these roofs usually come in sheets, they don't have seams that can leak water in the same way asphalt shingles do. Metal roofs also provide better insulation for homes in colder climates than asphalt does because metal doesn't absorb heat as much. And unlike most other roofing options, metal isn't susceptible to wear from high winds or hailstorms.

The Lifespan Of Asphalt Shingles

A residential roof is typically made up of asphalt shingles that should last about 20 years. This lifespan is dependent on a number of factors including the quality and type of shingle, grade of roof, maintenance and exposure to weather.

 When a roof does need replacement, it will be time for a new roof if any of these factors have caused noticeable damage. It is also important to know how much life a roof has left before it needs replacing as there are many factors that can shorten its lifespan.

The average asphalt shingle will lose 5% of its effectiveness every year, which equates to 25% over the course of 10 years. An installation date provides some guidance as well; roofs installed after 1998 may not meet current industry standards and therefore won't last as long. 

Finally, individual homeowners may have noticed premature wear with their roofs in comparison to others who live nearby with similar construction or proximity to harsh elements like high winds or saltwater. 

How long should my residential roof last? The answer depends on how you care for your roof and where you live; homes in areas prone to high wind or salty conditions might want to budget ahead and replace sooner rather than later!

Keeping Up With Your Roof Will Extend Its Life Expectancy Greatly

- Regularly inspect your roof for any signs of damage, such as missing shingles or possible leaks. 

- Keep tree limbs from resting on the roof by trimming them periodically. - If you have gutters, clean them out regularly to allow water to flow freely into the downspouts and away from the house. 

- In winter, be sure that snow is cleared off of the roof as soon as possible in order to minimize ice damming and avoid potential structural damage from heavy snowfall accumulation. If you are experiencing leakages or damages, it's important to address the issue immediately. The sooner a problem with your roof is addressed, the less likely it will cause major damage to your home and its inhabitants.

If you feel as though your roof’s lifespan is coming to an end, click here to contact us for a complimentary  inspection!