What’s the Average Roof Lifespan, and How Can You Extend It?
Roof replacements fall within the top five most costly home repairs in Pensacola and surrounding areas. A roof refit can cost you between $3,500 and $50,000, depending on the roof size and type. Fortunately, these precious and pricey investments don’t need much attention. But when you neglect minor repairs and routine maintenance, the lifespan shortens and the maintenance costs skyrocket. So, what’s the average lifecycle of a roof?
Longevity
Well-maintained roofs last about 50 years on average. But there is a substantial discrepancy in the lifespan because different roofing materials have varied capacities to withstand harsh weather. Roof material, installation workmanship, and color materials also affect durability. With proper care, metal roofs can last up to 70 years, while asphalt shingles average between 15 and 30 years.
Clay tile roofs’ lifecycle averages between 50 and 100 years while wood shakes have an optimal lifespan of 30 years. Slate tile roofs last the longest, averaging between 75 and 200 years. A roof’s lifecycle may be shorter or longer than average, depending on how well you maintain it. Make your roof last longer by implementing the following preemptive care practices.
Roof Fortification
Pensacola and surrounding areas are highly vulnerable to summer tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorm-triggered winds. These catastrophic natural disasters have the power to sweep away poorly conditioned roofing systems. Roof fortification buttresses your roofing system, enabling it to withstand such threats.
In a three-stage treatment, roofers can fortify your roof against hurricanes, winds, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. Roofing experts start by sealing your roof decking with high-grade sealant. Secondly, they’ll reinforce the roof installation with rink-shank nails designed with robust ribbing to repel wind uplift. Thirdly, the roofer locks your roof’s edging down using metal flashing. This roof upgrade comes at an extra cost of up to $5,000, depending on the square-foot size of the home.
Multilevel Insulation for Cathedral Ceilings and Attics
Insulating attics and cathedral ceilings is a tried-and-true way to reinforce the robustness of a roof. Additional insulation layers in attics safeguard against ice dams that cause costly and hard-to-repair leaks. The insulation of the cathedral ceilings likewise prevents snow damage.
As snow on your rooftop melts, it naturally drips off. But in homes with poorly insulated recessed lighting fixtures in the cathedral ceiling, the generated heat melts the snow from beneath. The trapped moisture permeates through the nail holes, which can destroy the decking. Have a professional roofer install a self-adhesive membrane to keep water and ice away.
Invest in Regular Roof Maintenance
Every roof system needs ongoing maintenance to stay in shape and last longer. Even durably constructed metal, asphalt, and tile roof systems will fail if not given proper, regular maintenance and care. Some typical maintenance measures include:
- Minor and premature roofing system replacements
- Roof fastener replacement and tightening
- Comprehensive roof inspections and restorations
- Repair and replacement of chimneys, skylights, and vent openings
Routine roof maintenance services protect against costly roof repairs and prolong the roof’s life beyond the predicted lifespan. Maintain a perfectly conditioned roof, and keep your family safe during severe weather.
Regularly Clean Your Roof
Regularly hire professional power washing services to help prolong the lifecycle of your roofing system. Periodically cleaning your roof boosts the home’s curb appeal and keeps the roof strong enough to withstand regular beatings from harsh weather. A professional roof cleaning ensures the removal of moss, algae, and corrosive residues. Also, a professional roofing cleaning may expose damages needing prompt repairs.
Have your roof cleaned any time of the year but do it regularly after heavy rainstorms and during the spring season when trees are shedding more leaves. Never try DIY roof system cleaning, as it could further damage your roof. In addition, avoid the use of harsh chemicals as they could damage shingles and cause rusting of metal surfaces.
Routinely Clean Gutters
Gutters are crucial parts of the roof system, but they are also one of the most neglected regarding service and maintenance. Homeowners rarely think of the gutters until they notice water flow issues or roofs leaking. Gutters have the sole responsibility of channeling out water from the roofing system. When debris accumulates in your gutters, it leads to water overflow. Collecting water and debris inside your gutters further leads to mold growth, rotting trim boards, and wood fascia boards. Ultimately, the ceilings below your gutters will develop leaks, which can be costly to restore. Gutters aren’t expensive or demanding to clean, provided you find a reputable gutter cleaning specialist in Pensacola & surrounding areas.
Trim Tree Branches
Many natural catastrophes can shorten the life of your roofing system — fallen tree branches included. Tree branches that violently fall onto your roof rub against the rooftops, loosening the shingles and metal fasteners. In a weakened state, the roof may easily blow away during high winds and violent storms.
You can lengthen your roof’s lifespan by simply putting in more effort to trim the branches of trees surrounding your property. Trimming tree branches requires specific skills and tools. For that reason, always consult your arborist when you have a tree removal, trimming, and care project.
Ensure Proper Air Circulation in the Attic
Another sustainable way to prolong the life of your roof is ensuring the proficient flow of air in the attic. When air flows seamlessly within the attic, the roof remains in a perfect, functional state. Dampness in the attic often results from air trapped by an obstruction. As you know, dampness and moisture are the two important ingredients mold needs to grow and thrive.
An effective way to avoid such a situation and maintain your roof and attic in good condition is by ensuring a professional inspects the roof vents and soffits regularly. These openings are basically responsible for facilitating the smooth flow of air into the attic. Attempts to clean clogs in the soffits and roof vents could lead to catastrophic falls and injuries. Furthermore, unprofessional handling of roofing or attic repairs could lead to further, more serious problems.
Like every other component in your home, a roof has a lifespan largely determined by how much care and attention it gets. Regular inspection and maintenance of the roof and its components could guarantee a longer lifespan. At Quality Roofing, we are one of the leading and most reliable roofing contractors serving Pensacola and the surrounding communities. Our core services include roof inspections and maintenance, roof system replacements, and prompt roof repairs. We also provide high-quality, affordable storm damage restoration services, metal roofing, and architectural shingles.
Our premium financing services cater to your needs, ensuring you can secure and install your dream roofing system without much hassle or high upfront payments. We are just a call away from your home, and our service areas include Orlando, Pensacola, Gulf Shores, Destin, and Fort Myers.
Contact our team at Quality Roofing today to learn more about our roofing services and service rates.
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