The Weather Conditions Your Composition Roof Is Exposed To
Every roof goes through wear and tear due to weather throughout its life. While climate and temperature play a role, its really about the amount of extreme weather events your area gets.
The more extreme weather that hits your composition roof, the faster the shingles will go through wear and tear. For example, if you live in an area that gets a lot of small hail, then your shingles will have granular loss a lot quicker.
You wont be able to file an insurance claim, but itll definitely shorten your composition roofs life. On the other hand, if you have a heavy hail storm, a tornado, or strong straight-line winds that damage your roof, youll be able to get the problem taken care of through your insurance company.
Are Iko Shingles The Right Choice For Your Home
This guide provides a critical look at the current lineup of IKO shingles from the perspective of homeowners, home inspectors, and roofing contractors.
We believe this is the best approach to getting a well-rounded view of any shingle brand. Its how we structured our reviews of GAF and Malarkey shingles among others.
How To Install Composition Roof Shingles
Described below is the racking method of installing composition roof shingles:
- Time Frame: Three skilled workmen would typically require 2 days to completely shingle a roof spanning 1,500 square feet.
- Tools needed: A pneumatic nail gun for fastening the shingles Including a tape measure, roofing hatchet, a chalk line, a straightedge, a roofing square, a pry bar, a utility knife, caulking gun and tin snips.
- Materials required: Shingles, long roofing nails, roofing cement, and flashings
Firstly, prepare the roof by Installing underlay, drip edge, and valley flashing.
Load the roof, preferably with a boom with the shingles while being careful not to allow them slide downwards. Either spread the shingles on the roof for easy reach or stack them near the ridge.
Snap horizontal chalk lines so that you maintain a straight course. Then snap lines for every course or every other course.
Install a continuous starter strip or full-sized shingles, which are simply turned downside up. Often, however, a starter course is made of cut shingles.
Place the shingle upside down on a sheet of plywood and use a straightedge to cut it 7 inches wide you will use the portion with no tabs.
Beginning at one end, place the starter shingles downside up with the self-seal strip near the bottom with the top aligned with the chalk line and the bottom flush with the bottom of the underlayment.
Now, you can snap a new bond line to align the shingles on the other side.
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Rubber Vs Asphalt Shingles
If the choice for your roof comes down to two options rubber vs asphalt shingles consider the following properties of both:
Durability
One of the main drawbacks of asphalt shingles is their relatively flimsy durability and fairly short lifespan. They arent a lifelong investment, and in most cases, need to be replaced after about 25 years. In areas with poor weather, many asphalt roofs dont even last 10 years. By the time they reach this age, they will have already suffered many forms of damage, including discoloration, algae growth, and potential cracks.
Did You Know: Theres a difference between cracking and splitting in asphalt shingles. Cracking occurs as a result of loss of chemicals called volatiles, whereas splitting takes place due to expansions and contractions brought about by changes in temperature.
On the other hand, some rubber shingle models can exceed their usual 50-year warranty and last up to 75 years. Such a long lifespan is normally reserved for tougher materials such as metal, but rubber shingle producers have pulled off a long-lasting roof using just recyclable materials. Furthermore, rubber shingles dont dent, rust, or chip.
Cost-Effectiveness
In regards to pricing, asphalt shingles are the most affordable roofing solution on the market. However, they generally arent considered very cost-effective. This is due to routine repairs and replacements that can take place much sooner than the time period stated in their warranties.
Eco-Friendliness
The Material Warranty That Comes With Composite Shingles
When you get a new roof, youll usually have a material warranty from the manufacturer of your roofing materials. Unfortunately, real slate and cedar shake dont come with a material warranty because theyre naturally made.
Unlike the materials they mimic, composite shingles come with a lifetime limited material warranty thats usually prorated after a number of years. The actual length of the material warranty depends on the manufacturer your roofing contractor uses.
Because of this, its important to ask which manufacturer they use and the material warranty options for your new composite roof.
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The Construction Of A Long Lasting Roof
All of these elements work together to result in a long lasting roof.
When you are choosing a roofing company or contractor to replace your roof or install one on a new house, understand that the choice of various types of shingles, tiles, metal, or any other roofing material is only one aspect of crafting a roof with a long lifespan.
On the contrary, the shingles work with the flashing, underlayment, deck, and ventilation to help prolong the lifetime of your roof.
You should know that most roofing warranties include standards for installation and the types of underlayment, ventilation materials, and more that have to be used and all of this contributes to lengthening the lifespan of the roofing system.
How Long Do Composite Shingles Last
One of the perks that come along with composite shingles is that they are incredibly durable.
One of the most common warranties you will see in the industry is a 50-year warranty. But realistically, shingles especially of the asphalt variety do not last that long. Composite shingles, on the other hand, are made to last 50 years and beyond.
Being made of strong recycled materials like plastic and rubber makes them highly durable. They can handle bad weather, high wind speeds, and hail damage.
Composite shingles are so durable that they received a class four rating, the highest possible rating on the Underwriters Laboratory 2218.
Shingles qualify for class four status when they withstand having a two-inch steel ball dropped on them from a height of 20 feet. This means class four shingles have the highest impact resistance of any shingle and composite is the best of the best.
So, if you live in an area with severe weather and want a roof that is genuinely going to withstand the test of time, composite shingles are going to be the best option for you.
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How Long Does Composite Roofing Last
It is the blend of roofing materials that makes composite shingles such as high quality product. Composite shingles are most recognized for their durability. While other roofing shingles last an average of 15-20 years most composite roofing is warrantied from 30-50 years. Some composite shingles are even guaranteed to last a lifetime.
We install the highest quality composite roofing. Click the links below to learn more about the composite shingle manufacturers we install.
Early Failure Of Asphalt Shingles
Its important to talk about a major issue homeowners are seeing these days with asphalt shingles. A few decades ago, manufactured shingles were much heavier due to the percentage of asphalt contained within them. Nowadays however, a lot of the asphalt in the shingles has been replaced with crushed limestone filler. This makes the shingles much lighter in weight and much less effective, even though the advertised warranty has jumped from around 30 years, to lifetime warranties.
This is a well-documented problem with even Bob Vila speaking out about it. Class action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of many homeowners across the country who have had their asphalt-shingle roof fail in as few as 6 years after installation.
Cost-cutting on the part of the shingle manufacturers has caused a variety of failures, including blistering, buckling, and leaking. These are expensive fixes and when homeowners turned to their warranty, they were shocked to realize the coverage only replaces the shingles themselves and doesnt cover the labor costs of replacing the roof , and it doesnt cover damages caused by the failures either.
If you have an asphalt shingle roof that is showing signs of a defect well before the warranty is up, you may be the victim of shoddy manufacturing. To mitigate the issue and keep your costs down, heres what you can do:
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What Is The Average Lifespan Of Premium Shingles
Like architectural shingles or dimensional shingles, premium asphalt shingles can withstand around 110 MPH to 130 MPH of wind uplift depending on how they are installed.
The difference between the two types of shingles is that premium shingles are generally more luxurious in appearance and are usually installed on high-end homes.
Premium shingles last from 20 to 30 years on average.
Adding a desirable roof shingle color can also add to the appeal and value of your property as well.
Replacing Shingles On Your Roof
Replacing a few roof shingles is much easier than replacing your entire roof, naturally.
And sometimes replacing the shingles on your roof is something that you can do yourself if you are comfortable with climbing up on top of your home and have good DIY skills, but we do tend to suggest that you have your roof examined by a professional every few years.
After all, how long does a 30 year roof or any type of shingle roof last in reality?
We can offer you an idea but theres nothing like real world expertise and having your roof inspected by a contractor or company who is familiar with your particular type of roofing material, your location, and any other quirks that may need to be taken into account.
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Things To Know About Composite Shingles Versus The Material They Mimic
Were you already considering a real slate or cedar shake roof before finding out that composite shingles were an option? If so, you need to know how they match up on key factors.
To help you determine if you should get a composite roof instead of the material it mimics, were going to go over 3 comparisons to keep in mind.
The Guide With All The Information You Need For A Roof Replacement
Now you know how often the 5 most popular roofing materials need to be replaced. After reading this article, you should know if it’s near the time or the right time to replace your roof.
If it is, there’s a lot you need to learn about going through the roof replacement process. You need to choose the right roofing material, know how much your replacement will cost, how to hire a great roofing contractor, and so much more.
Wouldn’t it be great if all this information was in one place? If you answered yes, then we have the guide for you.
With The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof, you’ll become one of the most informed homeowners in the roofing industry. Don’t go into the roof replacement blind, get your free guide now.
Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been proud to offer Nashville and surrounding areas high-quality roofing services. We strive to give you and everyone we work with an experience rare in the roofing industry based on honesty, education, and strong workmanship.
Heres Your Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof to learn what you need to know about your upcoming roof replacement and to make all the right decisions.
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Top 65 Facts About Roofing Shingles
Theres a good chance every house in your neighborhood is outfitted with a shingles roof. Mainly because 75% of all houses in North America opt for this popular type of install.
But before you decide to follow the crowd, dig a little deeper and find out more about this material.
Here are the top 65 facts about asphalt shingles you should know, before you buy.
Average Roof Replacement Cost:
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1. When it comes to composition, there are two different varieties: fiberglass and organic.
Fiberglass shingles: are made up of the following layers:
a woven fiberglass mat a layer of waterproof asphalt coating a top layer of ceramic granules, which protect from damaging UV rays.
Because of the presence of fiberglass, less asphalt is needed in the manufacturing process. As a result, you have a more light-weight, fire resistant and durable shingle. Today, 90% of all asphalt roofs sold in the US, are fiberglass shingles.
Organic shingles: These are manufactured from recycled layers of felt paper, saturated in asphalt. They are then coated with adhesive asphalt along with embedded ceramic granules for extra protection. 40% more asphalt goes into the manufacturing of organic varieties than fiberglass ones. This means they are heavier, more costly and more harmful to the environment. Additionally, they dont last very long, and are now nearly extinct.
2. In terms of design, there are three main roof shingle styles:
How Long Does A Standing Seam Metal Roof Last
A standing seam metal roof system is a series of panels that are locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically.
This allows for panels to expand and contract freely when the metal heats up and cools down. Because of this, a standing seam metal roof is the recommended metal roof for residential purposes over a screw down metal roof.
Your new standing seam metal roof comes with a 30-year paint warranty on the Kynar 500 finish on your metal panels. Even though the paint has a 30-year warranty, it doesnt mean its going to disappear after 30 years.
This means you can expect to get around 30 years out of a standing seam metal roof and even up to 50 years in the right conditions.
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How Long Do Roofs Last
Your roofs life depends greatly on the type of material is installed, who installed it, and how well you have cared for your roof during its lifetime. In general terms, roofs last a certain amount of time based on the type of shingle used: composition shingle roofs can last 20-30 years, cedar roofs can last 25-50 years, and heavy laminate roofs can last up to 50 years.
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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How Long Does A Thatched Roof Last
If you live in a house with a thatched roof, then you probably already know that they need to be built properly by professionals who have specific experience with thatched roofing.
That said, the core or main structure of a thatched roof can last for several decades up to 40 to 50 years depending on your climate but the roof ridge will need to be replaced every 8 to 10 years.
Thatched roofs are often built by craftsmen who have built these types of roofing for years, so they understand the details and can give you an estimate of how long your roof will last, as well as providing you with regular maintenance and inspections.
The Life Expectancy Of Your Roof
Having a roof inspection conducted during the standard due diligence stage that occurs before you buy a property is fairly standard, and dont hesitate to ask for concessions if the roof isnt up to code or has problems that could prove to be costly in the future.
If youve purchased a home or built a home before then you probably know that the roof might be one of the complicated and potentially expensive aspects of the purchase.
Youll want to know the age and condition of the roof that youre putting over your and your family or employees, along with any concerns or special requirements for the type of material and style of roof on the property.
Youll also want to understand the average lifespan of the type of roof you are buying or installing in your specific geographic area and its unique weather patterns.
And perhaps most importantly, youll want to get the roof inspected before buying a new home as well as having regular roof inspections performed to assess the current state of your roof.
For instance, asphalt shingle roofs tend to last around 20 to 25 years, while other types of roofing, like metal standing seam roofing, can last for 50 years or even longer, depending on your climate, type of property, and various other environmental factors including things like overhanging trees and the humidity percentage, amount of rainfall, or if you are prone to roof hail damage.
So, at this point, you might be asking how long does a new roof lasts?
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