What Is the Life Span of a Roof?

The lifespan of a roof depends on many factors. You must consider the materials used for the roofing and the underlayment. How the roof was installed and weather also play a big part in how long your roof will last. Many of these things are out of your control since you might have purchased the house not knowing the details of the roof.
However, there is one consideration that is in your control, and that is trees. Trees that hang over your roof can cause damage, or in some cases they can be a cure for some problems. Understanding what damages a roof can be the key to installing the correct roof for your area and having it last a very long time.

Function

Your roof keeps the elements from damaging your home. Rain, snow, ice and wind can destroy your home if it's not protected by a good roof. How well the roof protects your home and for how long depends on how well it was installed and from which materials. If you want your roof to function properly, use better-quality materials. If you plan on owning a property for only a short time, you might use a lesser-quality material. Many people use a certain material because of its aesthetics; however, that may not be the best material for your particular roof.

Types

There are many types of material for roofing on the market today. Each one has its own expected lifespan. Asphalt shingle roofs have an 18- to 30-year lifespan. The packaging claims 20-year or 30-year shingles, but this is the best-case scenario for weather and installation. Wood shakes commonly last for 14 to 20 years if they are properly taken care of. Slate, clay, tile and steel roofs will last 50 years or more if they are installed correctly. You can see many historic buildings with slate and clay roofs still intact.

Prevention/Solution

To give your roof a longer lifespan, do an inspection at least once a year. If you live in a climate that is particularly cold, snowy or prone to ice, inspect it after the winter is over. If you live in a hot climate, do this after the summer. Check for curled-up edges and missing or worn granulars on asphalt shingles. Look for cracks in any type of shingle. Wood shakes have a tendency to get moldy or have an algae buildup. If the roof looks like it's dipping in certain areas, that could be a warning sign of a leak that has gotten to the decking.
If you catch these problems when they first begin, they are normally easy to fix. By doing simple repairs or cleaning, you can make your roof last much longer than if these problems are ignored.

Considerations

Pay particular attention to how your roof is installed. Plywood decking is still preferred over a composite wood such as particleboard. A good underlayment should always be used to keep moisture from harming the decking. A black waterproof paper membrane is still the best to use. Consider your climate along with the material. Hot, humid conditions are not the best for wood shakes. Slate and metal are excellent to use in snow and ice situations. Clay tiles work well in hot, sunny climates. Asphalt shingle fares well in most situations if kept free of debris and allowed to dry properly.
Trees should be cut back from a building if it is in a wet, humid area and the roof is not getting proper drying time. However, if it's a sunny, dry area, the shade from the tree may keep the roof from becoming sun-scorched. All these things should be taken into consideration when planning your new roof.

Benefits

It will cost more to have a roofer install your roof than hiring a handyman, but it is well worth it. Having your installation done correctly may save thousands of dollars over having to put on another roof prematurely. Taking care of your roof may also save you money. Spending 1 or 2 days a year to clean off the roof or make some simple repairs could add years to your roof, not to mention if the roof started to leak. That could cause damage to other parts of your home and its contents. There are also health benefits to a properly maintained roof. If your roof is leaking, it could be causing mold to grow inside your home somewhere that you cannot see. This mold can cause illness, especially to very young children and senior citizens.

Resources

• Sundance Roofing: When Will I Need a New Roof?