Thursday, November 18, 2010

Your Roof's Lifespan

If you have a roof, you need to understand its expected lifespan in order to make wise decisions about roof repairs and roof replacement needs. The roofing materials and many other factors play a role in the length of time your roof should last. For instance, asphalt-based shingles can usually last up to 50 years, while older used materials last closer to 15. Understanding these factors is crucial before making any decisions regarding your roof.

Materials

Asphalt and metal are the longest-lasting materials on your roof. Wood shakes are some of the shortest-lived roofs, with a life span of 14 to 20 years. High quality asphalt roofing materials can last between 20 and 50 years, depending on your location. Metal roofs can last between 40 and 50 years. In most situations, however, a roof is not made from pure asphalt or pure metal, so it will need to be replaced at around the 20-year mark.

Other Factors

Other factors play a role in how long your roof will last. Roofing material that is exposed to frequent weather changes will not last as long as material that is in a fairly mild climate. Extremes of any sort, whether it be cold, heat, humidity, or precipitation, will wear away your roof faster than its expected lifespan. The peak of the roof also plays a roll, as it impacts how directly the roof is exposed to the elements.

In addition, the quality of the workmanship used when installing the roof will play a role. If plywood decking is used, the roof may last longer than if composite is used. The quality of the underlayment also plays a role, and should be chosen based on the environmental factors that will affect the roof.


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