Getting a new roof for your home can be a great investment. If you are like most homeowners, a new roof can be a very large financial investment, so you will want to ensure that it will last for quite a while. The truth is that the longevity of your new roof is going to highly depend on the materials that are used as well as other external factors.
What Shingles Will Be Installed?
One of the biggest factors that will determine the overall lifespan of your new roof is the type of shingles that you have installed. There are three main types of roofing shingles that you need to be aware of. These include strip shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles. Each one comes at its own price point and lifespan.
Strip Shingles
The most traditional type of shingle out there is the strip shingle. Also referred to as the three-tab shingle, this roofing material is made from a shingled layer of asphalt. It comes as having a very flat appearance and is fairly lightweight. Strip shingles were very popular in the 1980s and 1990s. You should think of them as your relatively inexpensive option that lasts for about 20 to 25 years.
Dimensional Shingles
Also known as laminate or architectural shingles, dimensional shingles are a step up from traditional strip shingles. These are the most commonly utilized shingles today due to their wide availability, varying appearances, and affordability. Similar to traditional strip asphalt shingles, dimensional shingles are actually fused together and add multiple layers to create a thicker and more multi-dimensional appearance. You can get dimensional shingles to look like wood shanks or natural slate. Because dimensional shingles are heavier than your traditional strip shingles, they do last longer, with an average lifespan being between 25 and 28 years.
Luxury Shingles
Luxury shingles are considered the cream of the crop in the roofing industry. These are of the highest quality laminated shingles available and have differentiated appearances and functionalities. The shingles are much heavier than your traditional strip shingles and more resistant to adverse weather conditions. When it comes to a realistic representation of the wood shank or slate roofing, luxury shingles well outshined dimensional shingles. Due to their higher quality, luxury shingles can last for up to 30 years.
The Climate You Live In
Another big factor that is going to influence the average lifespan of your new roof is the climate that you live on. Typically, homes in a fair-weather climate that does not experience extreme weather conditions are going to allow shingles to last the longest. If you live in an area of the country that experiences extreme weather conditions, then you can expect your shingle lifespan to be shortened by about 20%. This holds true for climates that have very high humidity as well.
Roof Color
Pretty much all types of asphalt shingles come in a variety of different colors. The most common shingle colors are going to be darker charcoals and grays. Although these look nice on the majority of houses out there, dark roof colors can actually shorten the lifespan of your roof. Darker shingles will always absorb more heat than lighter-colored shingles. The more heat that your shingles absorb, the more likely they are to melt, break, and experience other signs of premature wear.
Sun Exposure
Because your roof is susceptible to heat damage, it is essential to also take into consideration the amount of sun exposure that your roof gets on a regular basis. If you live in a part of the country where you experience a lot of hot and sunny days, then you can expect that your roof is not going to last as long as areas of the country that do not receive as much sunlight.
Additionally, the way that your home faces can have a big impact on how much damage your roof undergoes from direct exposure to the sun. If you live in a house that faces east or west, you can expect your shingles to undergo even wear from the sun exposure. However, if you have a house that faces from north to south, you can expect the south side of your home to prematurely wear before the roof on the north side of your residence. This is due to the fact that the southern side is going to receive direct sunlight all day while the northern side will not.
Roof Pitch
The pitch or slope of your roof will also have a big impact on how long your new roof lasts. Whenever there is precipitation outside like rain, it is going to flow much faster down a steep slope roof than a roof that has a very slight pitch to it. Homes that have very low pitches are more susceptible to seepage, damming, and other water-related issues.
Attic Ventilation
One factor that many homeowners overlook when it comes to determining the overall lifespan of the roof is whether or not it is properly ventilated. The whole reason that your roof needs to be ventilated adequately is to help heat escape. When the heat gets trapped in your attic, it can start to affect your shingles from the bottom up. You will notice that they will start to show signs of heat damage like curling, which will shorten their usability and overall lifespan.
Roof Installer
Having a quality roofer install your new roof is going to help to guarantee that it lasts a long time. Most shingle manufacturers require that their product be installed by a licensed professional who is familiar with things like adequate ventilation and using flashing appropriately. When you spend the money on a licensed and experienced roofing installer, your roof is going to last much longer than trying to do it yourself or hiring an inexperienced roofer.
Existing Roof Structure
In order for your new shingles to last their intended lifespan, your existing roof structure needs to be in adequate condition. This means having roof decking that is free from any moisture damage and having fresh underlayment installed to prevent moisture and mold buildup. Having your roof installed over existing shingles can actually decrease the lifespan of your new shingles.
Preventative Maintenance
Regular roof maintenance plays a big role in the overall lifespan of your roof. You should be getting an annual roof inspection to help to identify if there are any problems. Getting them addressed as quickly as possible will help to keep damage to a minimum. Additionally, cleaning debris, such as moss, off of your roof can help to eliminate its overall impact on the lifespan of your roof.
Quality Roofing Services
Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar provides quality roofing services for the entire Tampa, FL community. We are also here for all of your HVAC, indoor air quality, ductwork, and insulation service needs. Contact us today to schedule your next service appointment!
