How long does typical roofing material last?
Some roofing systems are more durable than others. Research is important to identify the most durable roofing system. What you have to know is that the most durable roofing system is costly. If you operate under a tight budget, it would be wise to buy a less durable roofing system. The durability of the roofing system depends on several factors. A long-lasting roofing system could last only a few years if exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Some roofing systems are more durable than others. Research is important to identify the most durable roofing system. What you have to know is that the most durable roofing system is costly. If you operate under a tight budget, it would be wise to buy a less durable roofing system. The durability of the roofing system depends on several factors. A long-lasting roofing system could last only a few years if exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Asphalt and Wood Shake
The most common materials on roofing systems are foam, steel, tiles, slate, wood and asphalt. Each material lasts specific number of years. The durability of each roofing material is different from the other one. For example, asphalt shingles are capable of lasting between 18 and 30 years. For their part, wood shakes should remain in great condition on your roof for between 14 and 20 years with proper maintenance.
Slate, Steel and Tiles
Materials such as slate, steel and tiles are capable of lasting for more than 50 years. If you prefer installing a foam roof, then be ready to see it operating in an excellent condition for between 10 and 15 years. For the foam roof to last as long as the manufacturer intended, you would have to apply certain types of coating on it. With the right additional coating, the foam roof should remain intact on your property for the next 30 years.
How to Increase Durability
The number of years that the manufacturer has given for the roof to be in excellent condition should not be a problem or worry you. It’s possible to increase the number of years that the roofing system can last. Regular inspection to identify the existing and potential problems that could affect the roof is required. You also increase the lifespan of the roofing systems by taking care of the trees that surround the home.
Cleaning the roof regularly in addition to frequent roofing maintenance is highly recommended. You can add a few more years to the roofing system by cleaning it regularly. When cleaning the roofing system, focus on the gutters more than other parts. Spend time each Fall and Spring cleaning the gutters to protect the roof from rotting. Cleaning the roof is highly advisable in places where moss is a huge problem.
Durability of Low-Maintenance vs. High-Maintenance Systems
Asphalt roofs are low-maintenance. It’s little wonder that they are among the most common types of roofing systems everywhere you look in the United States. Furthermore, asphalt roofs are cheaper compared to the other types of roofing systems. The quality of the asphalt shingles determines whether it will last 18-30 years as previously stated. The quality of the shingles determines how much maintenance the roofing system needs.
Metal roofs are also low maintenance roofing systems. Despite this, you can’t expect them to last 20-40 years by completely ignoring them and not investing in their maintenance at all. Wood shingles and wood shake are high maintenance roofing systems. These roofing systems are both attractive and fully insulated. However, they wouldn’t last the expected 20-30 years without proper and regular maintenance services.
Therefore, what this has shown is that each roofing system has a unique lifespan. Despite this, you can do your part to increase the durability of each roofing system. Before investing in any roofing system, check its durability with the manufacturer. Use your budget as one of the factors to determine whether it’s worth investing in a long lasting or a less durable roofing system. Contact your roofing contractor today for more assistance.