Your roofing system is one of the most important components of your home and is its primary defense against the elements and adverse weather conditions. As one of the key constituents in protecting you and your family, it is important to ensure that your roof is well-maintained so that it can continue to provide the best possible protection for your home.
A roof’s longevity largely depends on three main factors: the materials used to construct it, how it has been installed and maintained, and the climate you reside in. Your roof needs to be tough, as it takes the brunt of weather damage and general wear and tear from the elements, especially the sun. Even the toughest roofs will be worn over time, but this length of time can be extended by choosing the correct roofing materials for your climate and ensuring that your roof is installed correctly and regularly maintained.
Lifespan of a Shingle Roof
How long a shingle roof lasts depends on three main factors: the type of materials used, how the roof has been installed and subsequently maintained, and the climate in which you live. We will dive into each of these factors to see how they affect the longevity of a shingle roof.
Generally, a shingle roofing system is purported to last anywhere between 15 – 30 years for asphalt shingles, 30 – 40 years for wood shingles, and 50 years for metal shingles. The longevity of your roof can be maximized through attentive workmanship and installation, as well as consistent maintenance and repairs.
Materials – What Are the Longest Lasting Roof Shingles?
How long your shingle roof lasts will depend largely on the material chosen for your roof shingles. Asphalt shingles have the shortest lifespan, ranging between 15 to 30 years. Cedar or wood shingles tend to be more durable, lasting between 30 to 40 years. Finally, metal shingles last the longest, at approximately 50 years.
It is important to remember that the more durable and longer-lasting the material your shingles are made from, the more costly they are likely to be. However, although it may be a more expensive venture, investing in more durable roofing materials yields a high return on your investment in the long term, and is worth consideration.
Deciding on a shingle material for your roof requires regard to your climate, as well as considering the cosmetic attractiveness and overall style of your home.
How Climate Can Help Determine Roof Shingle Material
When deciding on a roofing material, it is essential to consider the weather conditions and climate in the area in which you live, as climate plays a significant role in your roof’s wear and tear. For example, metal shingles are excellent for rainy and hail-prone climates but run the risk of corrosion if they are exposed to sea salt spray. Salty air may also negatively impact the longevity of wood or cedar shingles, despite them being more durable than asphalt shingles in a similar climate. Asphalt shingles, which are the most common roofing material used in the US, tend to last longer in colder climates than in warmer climates.
The sun plays a significant role in the wear and tear of your roof. Damage from UV rays is one of the primary factors that contribute to the degradation of your roof over time. Asphalt roofs are particularly susceptible to damage from UV rays, which is why they are slightly better suited for colder climates. That being said, asphalt shingles are still the most popular roofing material used in the US, owing to their cost-effectiveness, wide applicability, and durability.
High winds, heavy rain and humidity can also affect your roofing material, as well as high variability of temperature. It is for this reason that deciding on a roofing material requires careful attention and expert advice. At Aegis Construction, our experienced staff can help you make an informed decision on your roofing material, considering climatic as well as maintenance factors.
Installation and Maintenance
A significant predictor of the longevity of your shingle roof is how it has been installed and how well it is maintained.
Selecting a reputable roofing contractor is key in ensuring that your roof is installed with attention to detail and according to the correct standards. At Aegis Construction, we are extensively experienced in installing and maintaining roofs, and we guarantee excellent craftsmanship in your new roof installation. With Aegis, you are guaranteed to have a strong and reliable roof that will last many years.
Having a well-installed roof goes a long way in reaching the peak longevity of your roofing materials.
One of the first factors that is considered during roof installation is attic ventilation. A poorly ventilated attic can drastically reduce the lifespan of your shingle roof, especially in the case of asphalt shingles. The hot and cold air that is trapped between your attic and roofing system can do significant damage to your roof and can result in warranties being voided. To circumvent this risk, it is critical to hire a reputable roofing contractor, such as Aegis Construction, to ensure that your roof is installed correctly, with adequate ventilation, to give your roof its highest possible longevity.
Maintaining your roof consistently is also key to ensuring that you get the best longevity out of your roof.
Ideally, your roof should be inspected annually to ensure that there is no underlying damage that could be causing larger-scale problems such as water mitigation problems and leaks, which could lead to serious destruction in your home’s foundation and walls.
An inspection of your roof should also be conducted after a significant storm, such as a heavy windstorm or hailstorm, to ensure that no damage occurred during the event and if any was caused, that it is rectified as soon as possible before the damage has a chance to progress to something more serious.
Your roof should be consistently maintained, cleaned, and debris removed (especially after storms) so that water doesn’t have a chance to collect, pool, and cause damage to your home that can result in costly repairs.
You can contact us at Aegis Construction to arrange a free inspection, which will help in identifying potential damage, maintaining your roofing system, and ensuring that its longevity is maximized.
How Often Should Shingle Roofs Be Replaced?
Ideally, an entire roof replacement need not occur until the roofing material has reached its lifespan. With that being said, when damage occurs (such as from a storm) and is picked up with routine inspection, damaged shingles should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring. Left unchecked, damaged shingles can allow water to enter your underlying roofing system, resulting in leaks, damp, and potential mould growth, which can be costly to repair and cause severe damage to your home’s structural integrity.
Shingle roofs are advantageous in that individual shingles can be removed and replaced without necessitating an entire roof replacement – making them cost-effective.
It should be noted, however, that new shingles are not the same as an entirely new roof. Worn and damaged shingles can be replaced singularly, but eventually, your roof will reach the end of its lifespan, which may necessitate an entire roof replacement. This is especially true if there is any damage underneath the shingles on the roof deck, such as water damage and rot.
Are New Shingles the Same as a New Roof?
Replacing your shingles (also known as re-roofing) is not the same as a total roof replacement.
Re-roofing is cheaper than a full roof replacement, but it is important to distinguish when re-roofing is appropriate, and when it may be time for a full roof replacement.
Re-roofing can only be done on a roof that has only one layer of shingles. If your roof has already been re-roofed in the past and has more than one layer of shingles, then you will need to conduct a full roof replacement as opposed to re-roofing.
Re-roofing is a cheaper option but tends to not last as long as a full roof replacement. Re-roofing also doesn’t allow for any underlying damage beneath your old shingles to be detected, which could result in compounding problems such as roof sagging or rot, which will not be resolved with a new layer of shingles.
Key Takeaways
The longevity of your roof is dependent on several factors, most importantly your shingle material, the climate you reside in, and the installation and maintenance of your roof. Selecting the correct material that suits your home’s style, budget, and climate, is paramount in ensuring that it lasts as long as possible. It is also important to ensure that your roof is consistently well-maintained, to ensure that any damage is repaired, thereby prolonging the lifespan of your roof.
Aegis Construction has been in the roofing business since 2015, and we pride ourselves on our craftsmanship and outstanding customer service. With Aegis by your side, you are guaranteed a roof that lasts as long as possible. Contact us today!
