Our roofs just might be the single most important piece of our homes. But when your roof is damaged, many other things can go wrong in a hurry. That being said, taking care of roofing issues should always be a top priority. However, detecting roofing problems isn’t always easy; sometimes years can go by before a problem is noticed. But that leads us to the importance of roofing inspections. If these examinations aren’t done and done correctly, then homeowners may be in for a rude awakening.
As we’re on the topic of the importance of your roof, there are things you should take into consideration when it comes to proper roofing maintenance, repair, and installation. While there are many topics to consider, the lifespan of your roof should be a top aspect to understand.
In this post, we’ll talk about the average lifespan of a roof, the roofing qualities that matter, and some tips for extending the life of your roof.
Average Roof Lifespan
Before diving into the factors that determine the longevity of a roof, we’ll discuss the average lifespan of these vital building components. On average, you can expect to get around 20 years for a roof. However, it does heavily depend on the material of your roof—and other factors we’ll dive into later. That 20-year lifespan pertains to roofs made of composite asphalt shingles. For wood shake roofs, homeowners can expect a 30-year lifespan. And lastly, slate, copper, metal and tile roofs can last a remarkable 50 years.
What Determines The Roof Lifespan?
If you’re only using the material of the roof as an indication of how long it will last, then that is the wrong approach. In fact, there are multiple factors that help to determine the longevity of a roof. Here are the three factors that matter most:
- Materials used
- Workmanship
- Weather elements
If you want your roof to last as long as possible, then paying attention to the aspects above is a very smart approach. But these factors don’t only play a role in how long your roof will last; they also play a role in how many repairs you’ll need, issues that arise, etc. To get a clear and honest assessment of the longevity of your roof, contact a professional roofing company for an inspection. They will walk your roof and determine its current condition and how much useful life is remaining. You will also receive a written report describing any repairs that should be made to help increase the remaining life.
Using Quality Materials Matters
Your roof protects your entire home from the elements. From the underlayment, to ventilation, and most importantly, the shingles. Using quality products makes all the difference. After all, do you want your home to be covered by the lowest grade of products available? Of course not! We all want what is best for one of our biggest investments. Choosing highly rated products will ensure your roofing system lasts longer. They have been tested by experts and are proven to stand perform better over time. It’s also important to have all components of your complete roof system to be made by the same manufacturer.
Workmanship Is Key
Any roofing products, if installed incorrectly, will fail prematurely and likely require more maintenance. Who installs your roof is just as important as the quality of the materials used. Making sure your roofing system is installed by trained, experienced professionals will save you money by avoiding costly repairs over the life of your roof.
Serious Weather Events
While most roofs will last 20 years, roofs that experience severe weather patterns may have a shorter life span. Hail, Rain, and wind can do a lot of damage over time. And if your roof isn’t properly maintained in a climate that sees many extreme storms, then you might have to replace your roof a lot sooner than anticipated. No matter the age or material of your roof, it should be inspected periodically.
Contact McToolman For An Inspection
As all roofs aren’t created equal, one may last 20 years while another lasts 50 years. To get a clear and honest assessment of how long your roof will last, pick up the phone and call McToolman today. We’ve provided thousands of roofing inspections to homes all over the Charlotte, NC area and we’d be happy to examine yours. Check out some of the many services we offer:
- Inspections
- Roofing repair
- General maintenance
- Roofing replacement
- Skylight services
- Attic Insulation
The McToolman team has been working in professional roofing since the 1990s. No matter what roofing service you need, you can expect us to complete the job correctly the first time!
Doing any roofing work yourself can put you and others in danger. To receive safe, professional, and experienced roofing services from the area’s top roofing company, contact McToolman to schedule an appointment.
