All kinds of factors contribute to the longevity of your roof. Age often plays a big part, as does the weather. Heavy snow, falling branches, and moss growth can all have a hand in evaluating your roof’s lifetime expectancy.
How Long Does A Roof Last
An average roof should last 30-50 years, but that doesn’t guarantee it will be problem-free for the duration. After all, climate and weather conditions may shorten your roof’s life expectancy or cause it to show its age much sooner.
Materials Matter
In addition to the elements, you can gauge a roof’s life expectancy from the materials it’s made of. For instance, asphalt shingles, which are among the most common shingle types, last 15-30 years on average. Couple these with a bad winter, and you may start thinking about a new roof around the 25-year mark.
At the other end of the spectrum are slate shingles, which last over a century. However, slate shingles are significantly more expensive than asphalt shingles.
What to Watch For
Since materials, weather, and circumstance play a significant part in determining your roof’s life expectancy, it’s a good idea to keep your eyes peeled for signs of roof damage.
These include:
- Curling Shingles
- Missing or cracked shingles
- Granules are falling off the roof onto the ground
- Moss or Algae on the shingles
- Sunlight coming through shingles
- Roof sagging
While these signs don’t mean the end of your roof’s life, they are indicators that you may need a new roof. Staying on top of these warning signs may extend your roof’s lifetime while keeping your maintenance costs down to a minimum.
If you’re concerned about your roof or have questions about maintaining it, contact us to get a free quote with no obligation. We’re happy to help!