Increase Your Roof Lifespan With Regular Roof Maintenance
The key to having a long-lasting roof is to schedule regular roof maintenance and inspections performed by roofing contractors. By identifying issues early and performing roof repairs, you can extend your roofs lifespan with these small home improvements.
If it is time for you to consider a new roof, get in contact with local roofing contractors to receive multiple quotes on the cost of a replacement. With a trusted roofer on your side, youre sure to have a long-lasting roof that will shelter you for years to come.
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What Factors Impact How Long Your Roof Lasts
- Quality of the installation workmanship – A poor quality installation will shorten your roofs lifespan.
- Environmental conditions – Exposure to high winds, extreme temperatures, and falling debris can decrease how long your roof lasts.
- The quality of materials used – Cheaper materials wont cost as much upfront but will have to be replaced more often than other expensive roofing materials.
- The type of roofing material used – Each roofing material has different durability, making them last longer or shorter in different conditions.
While there are several factors that impact how long your roof lasts, your roof’s lifespan most heavily depends on the materials used. Let’s take a closer look at the various roof types and how long each of them lasts.
The Best Way To Clean Your Shingles
This fungus is called gloeocapsa magma. Itâs a simple fungus that grows on the back side of a tree. It also grows on your roof and attaches to the shingle. It lives on what little oil is in the asphalt and it also really thrives on the crushed limestone, which creates all of the dark streaking on your roof.
One of the reasons people think they need to replace the roof is because they see this dark streaking and assume that itâs dirt or asphalt bleeding through. Most people donât realize that this fungus attaches to the roof and causes damage over time. And by the time they do realize, itâs too late.
Gloeocapsa magma can be removed safely with some environmentally friendly products that are out there. Most products contain bleach, which is not environmentally friendly and will damage the roof. Many roofing contractors also attempt to remove the fungus with a pressure washer. They set a high pressure hose and to a low setting and force the fungus to detach. However, that pressure causes additional damage to the roof. You donât want to use any type of pressure on your roofing shingle.
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What To Consider When Replacing Your Roof
Replacing your roof is a big decision and a big investment. Not only does it cost a lot of money, but it also involves a lot of options to sort out. Things to consider when replacing your roof include:
- Choosing roofing materials that fit your budget
- Choosing roofing materials that accommodate how long you want to stay in your home
- Thinking about future roof maintenance and options for extending the life of your roof
- Developing a plan for your roof that is appropriate for your climate
How Long Should A 30
It can be challenging for homeowners to gauge when they should replace their shingle roof, and its not always as straightforward as missing shingles or ceiling leaks.
One key factor in helping you determine if you need a new roof is its age. Your roofs actual lifespan depends on several things, including the environment, the type of roofing materials used, and the availability of proper repair and maintenance.
In this article, we will discuss how long a 30-year roof really lasts and what affects its lifespan.
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Roof Maintenance Pro Tips
Use these tips from the professionals to keep your roof in good shape for longer.
A pro tip for making your roof last longer is to be sure and cut all limbs from surrounding trees that are physically touching your roof, says Rick Abbiati, owner of Colony Property Investments. Even the smallest limb touching your roof can rub a hole right through the shingles and thus cause a water leak. With every gust of wind that branch is working its way through the shingles. Extend the life of your roof by keeping all fauna cut back.
The most common thing that grows on tile roofs is algae, says Mark Soto, professional roofer with Roofing MKE. You will want to continuously clean this from roofs with a combination of water and bleach. While some people use pressure washers, this is not recommended since it can actually damage the tiles. Cleaning them with your solution and then watering it down with a hose is the best way to go about it. Since tiles arent great at dealing with people walking on them, try to do it from the edge while on a ladder.
Independently of your region and roof type, you should also regularly clean gutters and ventilation to prevent clogging.
Theres No Such Things As An Algae
Thereâs more algae on roofs today because manufacturers use crushed limestone within the shingle as a filler so they donât have to use as much asphalt. Since asphalt is an expensive, petroleum based product, they try to minimize it by using more crushed limestone.
This then creates another issue. Manufacturers today are selling shingles that are called fungus resistant and algae resistant. But this really only holds up within the first two yearsâitâs completely prorated out within a two-year period. And itâs misleading to the homeowner because, by the second year, thereâs nothing left on the warranty. Of course, this is right around the time when youâll start to see fungus.
There are, however, simple solutions to solve the fungus problem, which leads to the third issueâ¦
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What Are The Signs That A Roof Needs To Be Replaced
You Need a New Roof If You Notice Curling, Missing, or Mossy ShinglesCracked shinglesDamaged or curled shinglesLoose or missing shinglesDamage or discoloration around ventsMissing granulesMoss or algae growthDamage around chimneys or skylights.
slate tilesRoofing material that lasts the longest are concrete, clay or slate tiles These materials significantly outperform other natural products like wood shakes or any manufactured roofing materials including asphalt shingles and metal roofing.
Average Roof Lifespan How Long Does A Roof Last
If you are in the process of buying a new home, you probably want to know the age of the roof and how much longer it will last. Similarly, if youve lived in your home for a while, you are probably also wondering about the current condition of the roof and whether its time to consider some viable replacement options.
This guide outlines the expected lifespans of most popular roofing systems for homes. Print it out and use it to assess the life expectancy of any roof when buying a new home or planning for future roof replacement needs in your own home.
Right Off the Bat: A typical asphalt shingle roof will normally last anywhere from 15 to 25 years before requiring a replacement.
That said, there are several different kinds of asphalt shingles, as well as other roofing materials to consider when estimating longevity of a particular roofing system. Lets get started.
Average Lifespans for Most Popular Residential Roof Systems:
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What To Consider When You Are Replacing A Roof
One important thing to consider when you are choosing a roofing system or purchasing a new property is the resistance of the roof to wind uplift, which is the suction effect created by wind forces as the air flows parallel to the surface of the roof.
When a gust of wind hits the side of a house or other building, some of that air moves upwards across the roof, creating a pressure differential that can blow off or damage shingles or tiles, or even entire sections of the roof altogether.
Roofing systems are rated based on the amount of wind uplift they can withstand measured in miles per hour.
If you live in a particularly windy area or one that is prone to tornadoes or hurricanes, youll want to ensure that you go for a higher rating for wind uplift to avoid a wind damage roof.
Youll also want to consider other factors before replacing your roof or purchasing a property the age of the roof, how many layers of shingles there are, and whether the roof is properly braced and ventilated.
A roof inspection performed by a professional can help you answer these questions and more, and you can also visually examine the roof yourself for curling or buckling shingles, missing shingles, damaged shingles, damage to the flashing or seals around the chimneys, skylights, or dormers, granules or debris in the gutters or around the ground near your home, and other signs of future problems.
What Shortens The Life Of Your Roof
Several things can shorten the life of your roof, including the following:
- Storms High winds, hail, and other storm-related events can shorten your roofs lifespan. They can also make shingles curl, buckle, or come off completely.
- Lack of regular maintenance Have your roof inspected by a qualified roofing contractor to ensure problems are detected and fixed early before they develop into larger issues. If you have a severe storm in your area or have any concerns, call your roofing contractor for an inspection. Otherwise, once or twice a year is a good inspection schedule to maintain.
- Damage from debris Storms could cause trees, limbs, or other damaging debris to fall on your roof.
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How Much Is A New Furnace
The average cost to replace a gas furnace this year is about $3,280 for an installed gas furnace with a standard efficiency of 80,000 BTUs. This is about 7% more than in 2020. Adding central air conditioning to an HVAC system raises the average cost of a complete system replacement to $6,930 in 2021.
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How Long Does A Shingle Roof Last
A shingled roof can last for several decades, but typically asphalt shingle roofing systems last for around 15-25 years with proper care and maintenance.
That said, there are several types of shingles that could be an option for your home or property, depending on your location, budget, and preferred style.
The type of shingles and the material that they are made which make up your roof play the biggest role in how long it will last.
For instance, asphalt shingles dont last as long as wooden or cedar shakes.
Asphalt shingles tend to only last for 20 years, while wooden shingles, cedar shingles, or wooden or cedar shakes tend to last for much longer depending on your region, climate, and other elements such as overhanging trees or landscaping that might pose a problem.
Fiber cement shingles and other composition shingles can last for around 20 to 30 years.
The type of shingle roof that you have will affect how long your roof lasts as well as when you need to consider replacing shingles or get other repairs done or do them yourself, if you are fairly handy and comfortable climbing around on your roof.
There are a variety of guides online for performing roof repairs, so if you are comfortable with DIY you can often fix or apply new shingles to your roof on your own.
That said, always consult a roofing contractor or roofing company if you are unsure of what you need to do or are not comfortable with clambering around on your roof yourself.
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Influencing Factors For Your Roofs Lifespan
Below are factors which impact the lifespan of your roof:
- Quality of the installation workmanship. Poor quality work will shorten your roofs lifespan.
- Environmental conditions. Exposure to extreme temperatures, high winds, or falling debris can decrease your roofs lifespan and affect its granule loss.
- The type of roofing material used. Roofing materials have varying durability, making them last shorter or longer in different conditions.
- The quality of materials used. Cheaper materials cost less upfront and more in the long run.
How Long Does A Cedar Shake Roof Last
Cedar roofing is a popular choice due to its elegant appearance and weathered look that tends to get better with age and the fact that it is rot-resistant and insect-resistant. Cedar shakes or cedar shingle roofs can last for several decades or even longer with regular care. Cedar shakes or cedar shingles can last for around 30 to 40 years depending on the climate, the presence of any overhanging trees or other vegetation that may cause problems, and the level of maintenance that you or your roofing contractors perform.
Cedar shakes or cedar shingles can last from 20 to 40 years with proper care and maintenance, and they can withstand wind uplift of up to 110 MPH.
When you start seeing cedar shingles or shakes cracking or peeling, then you know it is time to look into repairing or replacing your roof.
Cedar shakes, shingles, and other types of wood roof require regular upkeep to stay in good shape.
An annual roof inspection think of it as a yearly physical for your roof is necessary to check out its condition, replace any split or peeling shingles, and check for leaks.
Treating the wood with a preservative that can penetrate the wood every five years can help prolong the life and beauty of your cedar roofing.
Ask the contractors who have built or inspected your cedar roofing if you need to treat your cedar roof and set up a regular maintenance schedule if you want to ensure that your cedar shingles or shakes last as long as possible.
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Clay Tile Roofs Life Can Last Up To 50 Years Or Longer But Requires Professional Installation
Clay tiles come in a range of earthy colors. Thus, this roofing is most known for its vibrant terra-cotta tones. And thats in the southwestern United States.
The clay tile installation costs between $600 and $800 per square foot. But replacement wont be soon as it lasts pretty long. Low-maintenance, long-lasting tiles may easily last 50 years. And manufacturers provide warranties ranging from 30 years to a lifetime.
Clay tile roofs are prevalent in hot, sunny locations. And also where the suns high heat may soften the bottom of asphalt shingles. Thus, reducing adhesion and causing roof leaks.
Some clay tiles are from clay. But most of todays clay tiles are from pigmented concrete. Manufacturers mold such concrete into curved, flat, or interlocking designs.
When Should Roof Shingles Be Replaced
Industry experts recommend having a bi-annual professional inspection. This will give the technician a chance to spot any small issues before they become a major leak problem. This will also give them the opportunity to keep you updated on the aging and condition of your roof, allowing you time to budget a new roof.
The underlying structure of a roof should last as long as the house itself does. However, if the roofing is done with subpar materials and shoddy workmanship, it can affect the lifespan of the roof. A general replacement schedule that roofing contractors use is:
- Composition Shingle Roofing: 12 to 20 years
- Asphalt Shingle Roofing: 15 to 30 years
- Wood Shingle Roofing: 20 to 25 years
- Rubber Roofing: 30 to 50 years
- Metal Roofing: 50 to 75 years
These time frames can vary with the climate exposure, heat, humidity, and severe weather conditions. The better quality of shingle roofing material, the longer the roof will last and routine maintenance and upkeep can help the roof lifespan.
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Concrete And Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are an excellent roofing option for premium homes. Clay tiles are heavy and require a specially designed roof frame to support the weight of the roof.
A properly installed clay tile roof should last anywhere from 50 to 100 years.
Clay tiles normally have really good wind uplift ratings up to 120-130 MPH, but any cracked and loose or missing tile pieces can create a hazardous situation during a hurricane.
Concrete tiles are like clay tiles in many regards including their heavy weight. They are however a less costly tile roofing option, with an expected lifespan of 40 to 75 years.
Tell-Tale Signs to Consider Replacement: Many cracked or loose tiles and/or leaks that dont respond to simple repairs.
What It Means To Have A 30 Year Shingle
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing options for homeowners across America. In fact, theyre used on more than 80% of roofing and re-roofing projects across the U.S. Their versatility allows them to be used in just about every part of the country, from the hot and humid southeast to the cold and snowy northwest.
In general, there are two types of asphalt shingles that are used: architectural shingles and 3-tab shingles. 3-tab shingles are composed of a fiberglass mat embedded in asphalt and covered with ceramic-coated mineral granules. They can typically withstand wind speeds of up to 60mph. Architectural shingles are also composed of a fiberglass mat embedded in asphalt and covered with ceramic-coated mineral granules. However, these shingles are composed of multiple layers bonded together. Shingles with multiple layers bonded together are usually more durable than shingles composed of a single layer. They can typically withstand wind speeds greater than 60mph.
So how long do asphalt shingles last?
Typical life expectancy of a 3-tab shingle is anywhere from 10-15 years. An architectural shingle will typically last 15-20 years. With proper maintenance and the right environment the shingles can last longer. On the other hand, with no maintenance and a harsh environment, the shingles will likely not last as long as the numbers above.
12 year old architectural shingles
Several factors affect shingle lifespan. These factors include:
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