How Long Will My Roof Last?

You may be asking yourself: how long can I expect my new roof to last? When considering what type of roof to get, whether to repair or replace it, and anticipating future projects and costs, knowing the approximate expected lifespan of your roof is really helpful. In this blog, we’ll discuss the various factors that impact how many years you’ll get out of your roof, as well as tips to prolong the lifespan.

What Roofing Material Lasts Longest?

The type of roof system you have is one of the most important factors in determining the expected lifespan of your roof. Asphalt shingles are the most common because of its look, durability and energy efficiency. However, metal and concrete tile are the longest lasting material options for roofs. While these materials do have a longer lifespan, they don’t offer the same aesthetic appeal as asphalt options do. We truly believe high-quality asphalt shingles are the best choice for residential roofs in mid-Missouri.

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles: 15-18 years
Architectural Asphalt Shingles: 24-30 years
Metal or Galvalume: 30-45 years
Concrete Tile: 30-50 years
Modified Bitumen: 10-16 years

Factors that Affect the Lifespan of Your Roof

Beyond the actual material used to build your roof, there are other factors that contribute to how long your roof will last before needing a full replacement. These factors include the color of your roof, the slope of your roof, which direction your home faces, your ventilation and insulation, regular maintenance and who installed your roof.

Roof Color

Believe it or not, the color of your roof can be a large factor in how long your roof lasts. Darker roofs absorb more heat. When you’re in a warm climate with lots of sunlight, this heat absorption can cause the roof to wear more quickly. While black is a popular option, choosing a charcoal gray, dark blue or even brown can extend the life of your roof. If you prefer the look of a fully black roof, there are many things you can do to extend its life including regular maintenance and choosing a high pitch, as we’ll discuss below.

Slope

The slope of your roof will determine where buildup from snow, rain or other debris sits. When your roof is more flat, there’s a greater chance for this buildup to sit and put pressure on your roof. The last thing you want is heavy water or debris to weigh on your roof and begin to compromise the integrity and safety of the structure. Additionally, the breakdown of certain types of foliage can also produce acid wear on your roof. To make your roof last longer, choose a roof with a higher pitch so it will direct all of this runoff downward and off of your home.

Orientation

Similar to how darker roofs can wear more quickly because of heat absorption, the direction your roof faces can contribute to its expected lifespan. In the northern hemisphere, the sun is always location to our south. If your roof faces south and doesn’t have a lot of established tree cover, this means your roof is receiving more direct sunlight that can break it down more quickly. If your home is situated in a way where it receives strong sunlight, we recommend choosing a lighter color asphalt.

Ventilation and Insulation

How does ventilation or insulation in my attic factor into the lifespan of my roof? Well, considering that your roof sits on top of your attic, anything that builds up in your attic will directly impact the roof that lays on top of it. If your attic isn’t properly ventilated or the insulation is inadequate, this can cause warm, moist air to become trapped. This moisture is an ideal environment for rotting, mold and mildew, which will compromise your roof.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your roof is crucial to extending the lifespan of your roof and preventing more serious and costly repairs and replacements. Have your roof regularly inspected and have repairs completed when you notice any problems. If you’re looking for a quality roofing contractor in Columbia, TrueSon Exteriors is your local roofing expert.

Installation

It doesn’t matter what your roof is made of, what color it is, direction it faces or how much maintenance you have done if your roof wasn’t installed by a trusted professional. Your roofing contractor should be knowledgeable, precise, adaptive and follow proper procedures to ensure a roof that is safe for you and your family. While it may be tempting to go with whoever offers you the lowest bid, remember that your roof is the number one thing that protects those you love from inclement weather. Not to mention that a high quality roof and installation can last twice as long as bad installation.

Hire TrueSon Exteriors for Professional Roof Installation in Columbia, MO

TrueSon Exteriors is Columbia’s most trusted roofing contractor. We have decades of experience installing, repairing and maintaining high-quality roofs. Give us a call today if you’re ready to get started on your next roofing project.