How long your roof will last primarily depends on its material, but in general, copper, slate, and tile last around 50 years, while fiber cement shingles and asphalt composition roofs, on average, last 25 and 20 years, respectively.
Some materials like wooden roofs are a poor choice in most US regions because they are not suitable for wet and snowy conditions.
Of course, aside from the materials, there are other factors that can affect your roof’s longevity; this means that in addition to choosing the “ideal” material based on the climate in your region, proper maintenance and structural design can help you extend the life of your roof.
Sun Exposure
UV radiation accelerates roof degradation, causing it to crack or warp. Fortunately, there are roof materials (e.g., asphalt shingles, steel, aluminum, zinc alloy, and plastic polymer) that are resistant to the damaging effects of the sun.
Additionally, you can apply a coating to make your roof more UV resistant, allowing it to last longer. Hence, this is a more eco-friendly and cheaper alternative to major roof repair (or replacement), plus it reduces your energy consumption by keeping the cool air in and hot hair out during summer, and vice versa during winter when you’re running your furnace.
Roof coating also won’t interrupt your normal business operations, unlike re-roofing projects that require you to leave your property for a few weeks or even months.
Insulation
By installing insulation, fans, and vents to your attic, you can reduce the heat level of your roof during the sweltering summer heat. And in cold weather, good insulation prevents ice dams. As a result, your shingles are less likely to have premature warping, cracking, denting, and other damages.
Good insulation not only extends the life of your roof but also lowers your energy bills.
Ventilation
Poor ventilation can lead to excess heat and moisture during summer, predisposing your roof to rot, warping, and denting. And during winter, it can result in ice dam formation, which can tear off the shingles and gutters and cause the water to back up and drain into your home.
One of the best ways to extend the lifespan of your roof is to ensure that it is installed by a licensed roofing company that is adept at proper ventilation and insulation. If you live in Northern California, contact Yorkshire Roofing at (800) 794-7444 for additional information.
Weather conditions
Choose a roof design and material based on your region’s climate. For instance, you’ll need a steeply pitched roof if you live in an area that receives large amounts of snow, while asphalt shingles and metal roofs are the ideal choices if heavy rain is common in your place.
But if you live in a region where strong winds and hurricanes are an issue, you may want to consider clay and slate roofs.
Maintenance
Homeowners and property managers can extend the life of their roofs by conducting regular inspections. In general, you should inspect it twice a year, ideally right before winter and summer. However, the frequency depends on your region’s weather pattern; this is especially true if inclement weather is common where you live.
If you notice any sign of roof damage, it is critical that you get it fixed immediately by a professional roofing contractor. If you ignore the slightest crack, it will inevitably turn into a bigger, more expensive problem.
You might be tempted to DIY repair your roof after seeing minor damage. If you think that you’re quite handy with it, go for it. But if you don’t have the right skills and equipment (safety harness, ladder, and other tools), your best bet is to hire a professional roofing contractor. Also, avoid walking on your roof whenever possible, especially during extreme weather conditions in which the shingles are soft (hot summer) or brittle (winter) that you can easily damage them with your weight.
If you need professional roofing installation, repair, and maintenance in NorCal, visit Yorkshire Roofing now and get a free quote.