A residential roof has a lifespan and numerous factors that determine the life span of a roof which is paramount when one owns a home to help in planning on the cost of maintenance and future expenses. The life of your roof is determined by the material used, the quality of installation and the weather present in your locality. Extreme weather conditions are experienced on the roofs in some parts of the country such as Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Houston, hence it is even more important to understand when your roof may be due to replacement. We are going to deconstruct the average life cycle of the common roofing materials and the ways to increase the life of your roof.

The Lifespan Of Various Residential Roofing Materials.

Asphalt Shingles

Lifespan: 20-30 years
The most widespread residential roofing material is asphalt shingles because of their low cost, as well as their cost-effectiveness to install. They however can be influenced by the weather and particularly areas that are susceptible to hurricanes or intense heat such as New Orleans and Houston in terms of their lifespan.
Maintenance Advice: Check frequently to make sure shingles and overlays are not missing or curling to make certain that there is good ventilation in the attic so that it is not aging too fast.

Architectural Shingles

Lifespan: 25-40 years
Asphalt shingles of a better grade are called architectural shingles or dimensional shingles. They are sturdier and more durable, and are more resistant to weather.
Maintenance Recommendations: Have your gutters cleaned to ensure that there is no accumulation of water and have maintenance inspections done annually to determine whether any damage occurred or not.

Metal Roofing

Lifespan: 40-70 years
Metal roofs are said to be durable and withstand harsh weather conditions and therefore is common in storm prone places such as Baton Rouge. They are energy efficient and fire proof, reflecting sunlight to ensure that your home is cooler.
Maintenance: Rust or loose panels should be inspected and debris not accumulated on the roof as it will scratch or corrode.

Clay And Concrete Tiles

Lifespan: 50-100 years
Concrete and Clay tiles are very strong and may serve several decades. They also thrive under hot weather conditions and also resist fire and rot. But they are massive and might demand supplementary structural assistance.
Maintenance Advice: Inspect your roof and tiles, and make sure that it has no cracks or breaks.

Slate Roofing

Lifespan: 75-100+ years
The slate roofs are some of the most durable ones that exist. They are natural stones, which are very durable and have the traditional appearance. The slate roofing suits well to the homeowners that desire a classic look and durability.
Maintenance Advice: Make sure it is well installed and look at the slates, whether any of them are broken or missing. Professionals, who are majoring in this material should inspect the slate roofs.

Factors Influencing The Longevity Of The Roofs.

Weather Conditions

The severe climatic condition of such cities as Houston and New Orleans may seriously affect the life of your roof. Extra windy, rainy and hot weather conditions may lead to faster shingles deterioration.

Installation Quality

And a weakly installed roof may result in an early collapse, no matter the quality of the material. And yet, to get a good roof, you should always employ skilled roof workers such as Simplex Roof.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation of the attic is used to ensure that there is no accumulation of moisture, which would lead to rot and mould. It also controls the temperature of the roof enabling the shingles to not be bent out of shape by the heat.

Regular Maintenance

Regular servicing and checkups would help to prolong the lifespan of your roof. Solving such minor problems as replacing some broken shingles or cleaning gutters can uphold bigger problems in the future.

Extension Of The Life Of Residential Roof.

Annual Inspections

Get your roof checked at least once in a year particularly following big storms. This helps identify issues early enough and save money by spending on expensive repairs.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters that are clogged will result in back up and seepage of water under your shingles resulting in leaks and damages. The gutters should be cleaned frequently, as this will keep the water flowing away.

Trim Overhanging Branches

The trees growing above your roof can shed branches, leaves and debris that can affect or harm the shingles or cause mold and growth of algae.

Address Repairs Promptly

Should you observe an actual leak, fallen shingles or any other evidence of damage, fail not to make repairs. Small problems should not be overlooked as they may grow to be bigger and costly.

Conclusion

How long does a roof of a house last then? It is based on the material, quality of installation and maintenance. Asphalt shingles normally last 20-30 years but those that are stronger such as metal, clay tiles and slate can last 50-100 years and more. Frequent checks and proactive repairs are essential particularly in places such as Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Houston where weather conditions may be harsh to the roof. Simplex Roof has advice or roofing inspections on a professional basis. We have come to assist you in securing your home and increasing the life span of your roof.