In addition to serving as one of the leading sources of your home’s curb appeal, your roofing provides your house with its first line of defense against the elements. As the years pass, however, constant exposure to blistering sunlight and pelting rain can impede your roof’s ability to perform either of these functions. At this point you may find yourself wondering: How long does a roof last? Of course, the answer to that question largely depends on the type of roofing and environmental factors that can affect its integrity. However, there are a few rules of thumb you can go by.
How Long Does an Asphalt Roof Last?
Most asphalt roofs will last between 12 and 20 years, though partnering a reputable roofing contractor who installs top-tier products can extend your asphalt roof’s lifespan up to 50 years. An asphalt roofing system consists of a series of fiberglass shingles—each coated in waterproof asphalt and UV-blocking, colored ceramic granules—attached to your roofing deck with strong adhesive and nails. Over time, high winds and windborne debris can dislodge either entire shingles or the ceramic granules that cover them, exposing your roof to damaging UV light and water.
How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?
One of the more durable types of roofing, a metal roof can last between 40 and 70 years, with well-made roofs enduring up to 100 years thanks to the material’s natural resistance to wind, water, and impacts. After taking half a century of beatings from Mother Nature, though, even this hardwearing roofing may start to show its age. A compromised finish can lead to rust spots that damage the integrity of your metal roof, while panels that have been warped or twisted due to repeated heavy impacts or faulty installation do little to protect your home from the elements and invasive pests.
Do I Need a New Roof?
If you’re worried about how long the roof on your home will last, you may find it worthwhile to pull out the binoculars and perform a cursory inspection. You can spot many signs of roofing failure from the ground. With an asphalt roof, discolored, curled, damaged, or missing shingles serve as early warning signs that a roof replacement may soon prove necessary. If your home has a metal roof, look for rusty patches, gouges, and places where the metal panels look loose. Indoors, signs of water damage, mold growth, and insect or animal infestations also serve as telltale indicators of roof damage.
Of course, not all roofing damage can be easily spotted by an untrained eye. That’s why most experts, including insurance companies, recommend turning to a professional roofing contractor for regular inspections if you have an older roof. This is especially true after a storm rolls through town, as severe weather can compromise the integrity of any roofing system.
What to Look for in a Roofing Contractor
In order to ensure your roof will last as long as possible, you want to partner with a trustworthy roofing contractor for any inspections, repairs, or replacements. Look for a tenured roofing expert whose business has stood the test of time and who has earned a reputation for reliability in the community. Consumer protection organizations, like the Better Business Bureau, can provide you with the information necessary to judge the truthfulness of a company’s claims of excellence. You can also examine the manufacturers that any roofing installers partner with, along with the warranties they feel confident offering for roofing systems and labor.
Of course, if you live in the Jeffersonville, Indiana, area, you can always partner with the roofing contractor that your neighbors trust—Jeff Home Improvements. We would be happy to install a beautiful roof that will last for years to come. Contact us today to learn more.
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