Rio Rancho Roofers Answer: What Impacts a Roof’s Lifespan?

Posted by Enchanted Roofing No Comments on Rio Rancho Roofers Answer: What Impacts a Roof’s Lifespan? Roof Repair

Rio Rancho Roofers Answer: What Impacts a Roof’s Lifespan?

When buying a home, most of us don’t consider how old the roof is. When replacing our roofs, we assume the roof will outlive our occupancy.

Whether you’re a new or experienced homeowner, knowing what impacts a roof’s lifespan is essential. At Enchanted Roofing, our Rio Rancho roofers have been installing roofing systems since 2015. Our knowledge of various materials makes us experts in answering questions about roofing lifespans.

What impacts a roof’s lifespan?

How long your roof lasts depends on several variables. We’ll discuss each one in detail.

Material Types

Some materials are more durable than others. For example, asphalt shingles deteriorate more quickly than clay tiles. Another consideration is climate. Reflective materials such as metal and TPO last longer in sunnier climates.

Here are the typical lifespans for common roofing materials:

Asphalt shingles: 15 to 30 years

Clay tiles: 50 to 70 years

Metal: 40 to 70 years

TPO: 25 to 30 years

Material Quality

There are low- and high-quality versions of each type of roofing material. Even though you might save money on installing cheaper materials, you might spend more on repairs. Plus, low-quality materials may lead to shorter lifespans.

Do your research on what’s available for your roof. When in doubt, talk to an experienced roofer to determine the quality of roofing materials available.

Underlayment Quality

Underlayment is the waterproofing layer applied to roof decks before installing a roof’s materials. It’s crucial to choose a durable underlayment. If water seeps past your roof’s materials, the underlayment keeps your roof deck and everything underneath dry and leak-free.

Installation

One of the leading causes of roof failure is improper installation. Research the roofers in your area. Make sure they are licensed, insured and that their technicians are trained by the manufacturer to install your roofing system. It also helps to look at customer reviews.

Reputable roofers also offer manufacturer and workmanship warranties to cover incidences that involve material and installation issues.

Climate

Whether it’s scorching heat or torrential storms, climate impacts the lifespan of roofs. One of the most damaging occurrences happens during extreme winds and hail storms. Flying tree limbs, hail, and debris can hit roofs, causing impact damages.

When shingles loosen, and cracks form, water has a better chance of leaking past your roof’s protective barriers. Inspecting your roof for damages after significant storms is always a good idea.

Material Color

Outside of accenting your home’s look, your roof’s color affects its lifespan. Darker materials absorb sunlight, causing them to deteriorate faster in sunnier climates. That’s why it’s recommended to use lighter-colored materials for houses in sunny states.

Roof Slant

Flat or slightly sloped roofs develop drainage issues more than pitched roofs. Water easily pools on flat roofs when drainage systems aren’t maintained. When water pools, it strains your roofing structure leading to leaks and roof failures.

Even though pitched roofs drain water more efficiently, damaged or clogged gutters can create the same pooling effect.

Ventilation

A roof’s ventilation ensures temperatures are moderated. This keeps your roof from experiencing extreme temperature differences that can cause the materials to freeze or overheat—freezing or overheating leads to cracks and leaks.

Depending on your climate, improperly ventilated roofs are also susceptible to mold growth.

Maintenance

Nothing extends your roof’s lifespan more than yearly maintenance. Inspecting and cleaning your roof and gutters at least once a year ensures damages are caught and repaired early. Untreated repairs can quickly shorten your roof’s lifespan.

Also, cleaning your roof helps reflective materials maintain UV resistance.

Why are warranties important?

Most material manufacturers offer warranties on their roofing materials. Reputable roofers offer quality or workmanship warranties covering installations and labor.

Have you considered comparing your roof’s warranties against your roof’s proposed lifespan?

It’s not uncommon to see warranties shorter than a roof’s lifespan, but some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on their materials. Before deciding on a roofing material, look at the warranties offered. Having a lifetime warranty can offset the cost of repairs in the future.

Should I get homeowner’s insurance covering my roof?

Since most roofing systems last for decades, it may be tempting to forgo insurance coverage. Even though most homeowners’ policies don’t cover certain damages, many will cover damages resulting from weather-related events.

This makes having insurance coverage for your roof worth it.

Where can I find reputable roofers in Rio Rancho?

When you’re ready to replace your roof, look no further than Enchanted Roofing. Our factory-trained, licensed, and insured Rio Rancho roofers will help you choose the best, high-quality roofing system for your home.

Contact us today to schedule your estimate.