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What Is The Average Life Of A Roof

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Lifespan of roof components

If youre ready to install a metal roof atop your home, consider RBS Construction & Roofing. We are proud to be locally owned and operated, having served the Orlando, Florida area for 35 years. Our team of veteran craftsmen provides residential and commercial properties in Central Florida with high-quality and affordable roof installation, repair and replacement services.

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Metal Roof Coverings Are Appealing Resilient And Can Last As Long As 70 Years

Metal roofing runs the range of price and quality, beginning around $115 per square for standing-seam panels in steel or aluminum and up to $900 per square for stone-coated steel roofing tiles as well as standing-seam copper panels.

When it concerns metal roofs, high quality is related to density the thicker the scale , the more sturdy the roofing system will be. Youll see thinner metals at the lower end with a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years.

Premium metal roofs are popular in northern regions due to their ability to keep snow sliding off of the roof, and its strong enough that they can easily last more than half a century. Manufacturers supply warranties varying from twenty years to a lifetime, depending upon the type of metal used.

How Long Do Fiber Cement Shingles Last

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 yourself.

Any kind of roof will have its lifespan shortened by major weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, or other storms, so even if your roof and home seem relatively or undamaged after such an occurrence, know that you should have the roof checked out right away to make sure there arent any small issues that could prove to be a major problem in the future.

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Looking For Roof Replacement

If youre looking for a trusted and experienced local roofer for your roofing needs, get in touch with our experts. We are one of the select few certified roofers in the area. So, you can rest assured that your roof replacement project is in safe hands. Give Matlock Roofing a call at to get an estimate and to schedule a free in-home consultation now!

What Is The Life Expectancy Of 3 Tab Shingles

What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Commercial Roof?

3 tab shingles are the most popular sort of shingles for sloped roofs, since they are comparably inexpensive, readily available in most areas, and can last for approximately 10 to 20 years.

One thing to keep in mind if youre considering a 3 tab shingle roof is that they tend to perform better in more temperate climates such as the east coast and midwest, so if you live in or are buying property somewhere with very cold winters or that is incredibly prone to major storms or blizzards, you might want to look at alternative options.

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Lifespan Of A Roof After Hail Storms And Wind Damage

Hail can knock down crops by the bushel and tear apart your landscaping, but it can also have a negative impact on your roof. In some cases, you wont even be able to see it, but the damage is there. The lifespan of your roof following a heavy windstorm and/or hail depends on the severity of the damage. When hail hits your shingles, it leaves a divot, which allows moisture to pool. Hail and wind can also knock off the protective granules, drastically reducing the lifespan of the roof. Always contact your roofing contractor following a storm and schedule an inspection.

Factors That Determine A Roofs Life Expectancy

There are many factors that go into predicting the length of the useful service life of a roof.

The quality and reliability of the manufacturer is very important. The local environment that the roof will have to endure is also a big piece of it.

Roofing materials in coastal regions, with high levels of corrosive environmental salt, tend to deteriorate faster, for instance.

Many types of roof dont perform well in deserts, with the continual barrage of UV rays.

The use of proper fasteners and other accessories is crucial to long-term roof performance.

An all-too-common reason for the premature failure of tile roofs, for instance, is the use of low-quality fasteners and battens, which fail long before the tiles themselves would have.

All other things being equal, though, its the thickness of the material that most affects the expected lifespan of a roof. As a rule of thumb, the thicker the shingle, the panel, the membrane, or the tile, the longer the roof will last.

A cedar shingle roof like this one can last up to 40 years if its taken care of properly. Those tree branches are going to be a problem, as the shade keeps the shingles from drying out properly, which can result in rot and undesirable growths.

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What Reduces The Life Expectancy Of Roof Tiles

These are the most common factors that reduce the life expectancy roof tiles:

  • Roof colour: The darker the colour of the roof, the more it absorbs the heat, which in turn shortens the lifespan of the tile. This also applies to the orientation of the roof. If facing south, it will gain more exposure to sunlight which can also have an effect over time.
  • Roof slope angle: The angle of the roof of your property will test the durability of roof tiles, with higher pitch roofs tending to last longer.
  • Walking on the roof: Roof tiles are easily cracked if not walked on carefully, which is why you should seek professional advice before doing so.
  • Poor installation: Incorrect installation of a tiled roof will usually lead to repairs and replacements sooner rather than later. Sometimes it can be the fault of the manufacturer, but on most occasions, the contractor will be at fault. Ensuring you secure the services of a reputable company will help to avoid this problem.
  • Loft ventilation: Lack of ventilation or no ventilation in your loft space can affect the lifespan of roof tiles.
  • Hostile environment: A well installed tiled roof will be able to withstand the average amount of wind, sun, rain, snow and hail throughout the course of the year. Harsh winters and summers, along with large temperature swings in short time periods will test the durability of roof tiles.

How Can You Maintain Tile Roofs To Last Longer

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Monitor the condition of your roof once or twice annually from ground level using the naked eye, binoculars or a secure ladder if required. If you spot a broken or cracked tile it is important to get this attended to quickly. If not, it will create further problems elsewhere on the roof. Hiring a professional is the best course of action in this instance.

Using a pressure washer is the best way to clean both clay and concrete tile roofs. A combination of warm water and mild detergent will be sufficient to remove any algae or mould may develop. The water should be aimed from the highest peak of the roof at a distance of approximately 3-4 feet from the area you are cleaning. Ensure that you keep it in the direction of the drainage system. If you aim the hose any closer to the tiles, the pressure risks cracks and damage that will require replacement.

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Average Lifespan Of A Roof

Selecting a roof for your residential or commercial property is a huge investment, not to mention, extremely important. After all, the roof you select can ultimately affect the overall health of the entire building or home. Additionally, the expense of roofing systems is usually at the forefront of property owners evaluation. Many questions may crop up such as: how much should I expect to pay? What is the process of a new roof installation? And above all, what is the average lifespan of a roof? Knowing this information ahead of time can give you an idea of what to expect and the steps to take to extend the average lifespan of a roof.

Learning maintenance tricks and reasons why certain roofs simply last longer may be helpful to the structural integrity of your business or homes roof. Learn about the average lifespan of a roof and follow these tips to extend its lifetime.

Average Lifespan For Each Roofing Material

Most roofing materials in the United States have an average lifespan of around 15 20 years if youre looking at how often an average roof has to be replaced. This is in part due to the fact that most residential homes in the country use asphalt shingles as a roofing material that has an average life expectancy of around 15 20 years.

However, there are a plethora of different roofing materials that you can choose from. Since there are a wide variety of materials that are manufactured from different raw materials such as metal, wood, asphalt, and naturally-cut stone, these materials are bound to have different characteristics from each other. Not only will these roofing materials have varying levels of lifespan, but they will also react differently to different weather conditions.

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What Factors Affect The Longevity

The average lifespan of these structures is affected by a multitude of factors, such as the color of the shingles. Dark roofing materials are considered less favorable, as the absorption of heat reduces their lifespan over time. Shingles in light colors are believed to last longer due to their ability to deflect sun rays and remain cool.

Moreover, the angle of the roof influences its longevity as well. Consequently, steep-pitched roofing structures are more durable since rain and snow are easily driven down the surface. The surfaces that are directed southwards have a shorter lifespan, as their exposure to sunlight is much greater than those shaded by trees.

In addition, the quality of the roofing material is of the utmost importance concerning longevity. Cheap materials are infamous for lasting significantly shorter than those of better quality. Make sure you see this link, , to learn how long 30-year roofs last in reality. The installation process plays a major role, as slapdash installations result in leaks and other types of defects.

In order for a roof to be long-lasting, there is supposed to be proper attic ventilation, which prevents dampness from affecting the condition of the shingles. Water accumulation is thought to be the leading enemy of roofing materials, as it induces the growth of algae, mold, mildew, and moss.

What Are The Signs Of A Deteriorating Roof

Average Lifespan of a Roof

Did you just buy a new house and want to inspect the roof? Or have you owned a home for awhile now yet never really took the time and effort to give the shingles a closer examination? Now is as good of time as ever so long as you are comfortable and feel safe being on the rooftop. If not, why not hire a professional roofing service to conduct an inspection?

Signs that you need a new roof:

  • Shingle edges look curled.
  • Excess algae has destroyed the protective layer of the shingles.
  • There is noticeable water damage.

At the end of the day, the lifespan test does not lie. If you know for a fact that its been more than 20 years since the roof was replaced, chances are you need a new roof.

However, if the following conditions are not readily present on the roof and you know the timetable has not yet been reached for a replacement, there are ways you can try to extend the life of your roof for those that are still in good to average shape.

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Wood Shakes And Shingles

Usually, a wooden shingle roof lasts for about 30 years with warranties that run up to 30 years. In order for wood shingles and shake roofs to last, however, you need to perform regular maintenance. Wooden roof upkeep includes yearly cleanings, as well as repainting or staining every 5 years.

Wooden shakes can last for decades if properly maintained. Image source: Westshore Roofing

The type of wood that you use will also determine how long the roof will last. Cedar shakes, for example, last longer than other types of wooden shingles because cedar is rot and insect-resistant. Cedar shakes are also able to withstand winds up to 245 miles per hour, which makes them a popular type of roofing material for coastal homes.

Signs you need a wooden roof replacement: Splitting shingles, rotting shingles, pest damage, mold, and/or algae growth.

Whats The Average Lifespan Of A Roof

Homeowners that prioritize roof repairs and annual roof inspections can ensure a much longer roof lifespan than those who ignore such an important part of the home. However, asking what the average lifespan of a roof might be is akin to asking what the average lifespan of a human isit depends. It depends on location, the materials used, maintenance and the good luck of avoiding natural disasters. Some roof materials are built to last longer than others, such as copper which many people think ages beautifully and can last for generations.

However, if really pressed, an average lifespan is about 20 years. In Utah, shingles are the most popular roofing option. This is a region with four distinct seasons, and those snowy winters and blazing hot summers can cause severe wear and tear on a roof. When considering roofing materials for new construction, a new roof or a total home remodel, homeowners dont have to go with whats most popular in their state. Consider these common roofing materials, their lifespan and how they might be a good fit for your home:

1. Asphalt/fiberglass

2. Wood/shakes

3. Steel/copper

Bear in mind that the quality of the installation is just as important as the quality of the roofing material. Schedule a biannual inspection plan, choose the Roof Doctor and rest assured youll have a good roof over your head for many 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.

How Does The Life Span Of A Metal Roof Compare To Shingles

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Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials because traditionally they were the option that was most economical. Unfortunately, lower upfront costs are often outweighed by a shorter lifespan and frequently required maintenance.

The Metal Roofing Alliance puts the lifespan of asphalt shingles at 10-20 years while State Farm places it at 12-20 years before a homeowner would need to replace a traditional asphalt roof. Additionally, asphalt roofing needs frequent repairs and shingle replacement as well as re-caulking and sealing as the roof ages.

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How What Is The Life Expectancy Of Stone Coated Roofing Tiles

Concrete tiles or clay tiles are another favorable roofing option, especially for higher end or luxury homes.

Clay tile roofs can last for 50 to 100 years and the more affordable concrete tile roofs can last for around 40 to 75 years, but keep in mind that they are heavier than other types of roofing systems so the underlying structure will need to be able to properly support them.

One thing to be aware of if you are considering installing clay or concrete roofing is that both clay tiles and concrete tiles can break off and become hazardous during a windstorm or tornado.

Clay tiles are particularly popular in the southwestern U.S. especially in that distinctive terra cotta shade due to their ability to keep things cool in hot desert weather.

Estimated Total Costs To Install A New Roof

  • 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles: Range = $7,000 to $12,000 / Avg. = $9,500
  • 30-year Shingles: Range = $9,000 to $15,000 / Avg. = $12,000
  • Wood Shingles: Range = $14,000 to $25,000 / Avg. = $19,500
  • Steel Shingles: Range = $14,000 to $25,000 / Avg. = $19,500
  • Aluminum Shingles: Range = $15,000 to $28,000 / Avg. = $21,500
  • Standing Seam: Range = $23,000 to $30,000 / Avg. = $26,500
  • Natural Slate: Range = $25,000 to $50,000 / Avg. = $37,500
  • Concrete Tiles: Range = $20,000 to $40,000 / Avg. = $30,000
  • Clay Tiles: Range = $25,000 to $50,000 / Avg. = $37,500

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Roof Inspection And Maintenance Regularity

You probably get the oil checked in your car on a regular basis, and in most states, you have to get the entire car inspected every year. Why wouldnt you do the same with your roof the most important factor protecting the contents of your home, which is likely five times the value of a new automobile? A qualified roofing inspector will check for cracked caulk or rusted flashing. Theyll look at the shingles to check for buckling or blistering and look at the rubber boots around the vent pipes to ensure theyre sound. With regular inspections and necessary repairs, you can expect your roof to protect your home for many years.

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