As a homeowner, you invest a lot of money to have a strong roof that protects you and your family from various elements. An asphalt roof is one of the most popular roofs on the market. In fact, it has been the most installed roofing material in many residential properties throughout the past century.
The expected lifespan of asphalt roofs is anywhere from 15-30 years. Several factors can make the difference between achieving your roof’s full potential and one that fails prematurely. Since a new asphalt roof is a significant investment in your home, you want to get the most out of it. Knowing the factors that impact your roof’s lifespan allows you to avoid roof failure and get the maximum years out of it. Here are six factors that affect your asphalt roof life expectancy.
1. Weather Conditions and Temperature
The weather conditions in your area greatly influence the lifespan of your asphalt roof. If you live in an area that frequently gets snow, heavy hail, ice, or strong winds, your roof will undergo wear and tear much faster. Even if roofs are supposed to be strong and durable, their lifespan decreases when repeatedly exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Asphalt roofs are also affected by extreme temperature adjustments. These conditions affect normal contraction and expansion, leading to cracks, splits, and other damage on your roof. As a result, water starts leaking through, causing fungi and algae growth. Additionally, too much water buildup during winter can cause breakage due to freezing. Eventually, the roof loses integrity and wears down. Plus, too much sun exposure cracks and fades the color of your roof. This is a result of ultraviolet rays that increase roof deterioration.
2. Installation Method
If you use high-quality asphalt materials but fail to expertly install your roof, it won’t last many years. Installing an asphalt roof requires preparation, top-level training, and proper equipment. Relying on an inexperienced or novice contractor will lead to a roof structure that fails prematurely or needs repairs throughout its lifetime.
Make sure you find a roofing company that is trustworthy, experienced, and provides high-quality workmanship. An experienced roofing contractor knows the right installation techniques that will help maximize the lifespan of your asphalt roof. Reputable roofers are also highly likely to stand behind their work by providing a workmanship warranty.
3. Roof Maintenance
Regular roof maintenance plays a crucial role in the lifespan of your roof. Even the best roof requires professional assessment at least once or twice a year to keep it in good shape. When you schedule maintenance with a reputable roofing company, you’ll stay up-to-date with the roof’s overall health. Professionals use their expertise to inspect your asphalt roof and see if there are any problems with your roofing system. Correcting any minor issue helps to keep your roof in good condition and extend its lifespan. Without regular inspection, a small problem can spread, forcing you to replace a roof earlier than expected.
Regular maintenance also allows a contractor to keep debris off your roof. A roofer cleans the gutters, eliminates moss buildup, assesses metal framing for rust, removes debris from the roof, trims trees, and more. Wet debris sitting on your roof for an extended time lowers the chances of meeting the roof’s full life expectancy. If you regularly have clogged gutters, a professional may recommend installing a gutter protection system to stop moisture accumulation.
4. Roof Slope
Your roof’s pitch probably comes to your mind when thinking about the overall appearance of your home. However, the pitch, also called slope or angle, affects a roof’s lifespan. Generally, flat roofs or those with a slight slope usually have a short service life due to slow water movement. If rainwater stays on the roof for extended periods, it can result in water damage. Plus, there is a greater risk of intense UV radiation compared to higher-pitched roofs.
Steeped roofs shed water much faster, which prevents seepage, damming, and other water accumulation problems. Consult a roofing expert to help you determine the ideal angle for your new roof. In cases where you cannot change the pitch of your existing roof, get regular roof inspections and invest in tougher materials.
5. Ventilation and Insulation
The right ventilation facilitates air circulation, allowing your roof to breathe. That’s why ventilation in the attic or underneath the first roof layer is vital during roof installation. It helps to reduce moisture and heat buildup, which can shorten your roof’s service life, especially during the hot months. For an asphalt roof, the adhesives deteriorate quickly due to excess moisture, and the shingles start to curl or crack. Also, if your attic or crawl space is under-ventilated, it can encourage mold growth.
In the colder months, your roof needs good insulation to contain heat and prevent ice dams. Without proper insulation, excess moisture and heat can cause condensation. Over time, the roof decking starts to swell due to condensation and loses its load-bearing capacity and ability to hold nails.
6. Roof Orientation
You may overlook roof orientation, but it’s a crucial factor that affects your asphalt roof’s lifespan. You may have noticed that roof slopes that face south tend to deteriorate much faster. This results from excess sunlight exposure throughout the day. The increased heat negatively impacts the lifespan of roof materials. On the other hand, if your roof orientation is towards east and west, each slope receives an equal amount of sunlight during the day.
If you plan to build a new construction, keep the roof slope away from direct sunlight. You can also consult your roofing contractor about the right direction your roof should face. This way, you’ll avoid strong UV absorption, which will go a long way in extending the service life of your asphalt roof.
The Best Roofing Company
The lifespan of your asphalt roof usually depends on the factors discussed above. You can get extra years out of your roof by keeping an eye on it with the help of a roofing contractor. Spotting potential problems earlier and fixing them is an effective way of extending its service life. Also, hire an experienced roofer to install your new roof. Professional roofers will follow the proper installation procedure, and they know the best slope and orientation that will help maximize your roof’s lifespan.
Whenever you need a top-rated roofing contractor, turn to [company_name]. We are ready to help you get as much value as possible from your roof by providing quality solutions. We are a family-owned company that has consistently offered trusted construction expertise since 2001. Our company is a member of the lowa Roofing Contractors Association and National Roofing Contractors Association. You can depend on our highly experienced professionals to handle every stage of your roofing project. Our team provides tailor-made solutions aimed at exceeding each customer’s expectations. You can hire our professionals for low-slope roofing, shingle replacement, window installation, insulation, gutter replacement, ice dam removal, vinyl siding and roof maintenance, coatings, inspections, repair, and installation services in Mason City.
Call [company_name] today to schedule a roofing service with the best contractor.
