Winter is often when the roof of your home is forced to work the hardest, especially in upstate New York. Rain, snow, ice, sleet, the extra weight, and moisture can often highlight problems that already exist. How can you be prepared in advance when the weather gets rough? And how long is a roof supposed to last anyway? All of these questions actually come with very simple answers.
How Long Does a Roof Last?
Most modern roofs are designed so that homeowners can expect to replace them approximately every thirty years. When doing a complete tear-off, the high-quality architectural roofs that we install for the last 30 – 35 years. It’s important to remember that not all architectural shingles are equal. Some brands have higher longevity and wind tolerance than others.
The most common type of roof that we find ourselves replacing (3- tab shingles) however, only lasts about 15 – 20 years. We also commonly work on 40-to 60-year-old homes that have two or three layers of shingles.
When moving or considering relocating it is important that you examine the history of the building in anticipation of any repairs that may be necessary, including those on the roof. Since the roof can be one of the most expensive parts of a home, it is important to understand its history from the get-go.
How to Extend the Life of Your Roof:
So you know the history of the roof above your head, and now you’re wondering how best to keep it in working order for the maximum number of years. There are a few simple steps you can take to safeguard your investment.
1) Keep the roof and gutters clean
This may sound like it’s common sense, but just because it’s a well-known fact does not mean that everyone takes the necessary actions. Debris on a roof, as well as debris in surrounding gutters, can significantly increase the likelihood of water damage. Don’t let water get backed up. This can be prevented with simple gutter maintenance.
2) Watch for ice
Snow is easy to spot on your roof and often is nothing to worry about, but it is important to check for ice dams when snow on the roof begins to melt. An ice dam is when ice forms at the edge of your roof. Why is this a particular problem? Because that ice can then block melting snow from draining properly, thus creating water damage.
3) Invest in insulation and proper ventilation
The right roof insulation/ventilation can help keep an attic cold in the winter months thus reducing the potential of an ice dam building up. In the summer, the natural airflow moves hot air out of the attic protecting roof shingles and limiting other moisture concerns.
4) Get an inspection
Just like you go to the doctor to get a regular checkup to stay healthy, it’s important for your roof to have a regular checkup roughly every two to three years.
When Should You Replace Your Roof Rather Than Repair It:
When looking at a repair versus a replacement, consider the age of your roof. Also, consider where a repair is needed, or the extent of the problem. When doing a re-roofing project it can be more of a challenge gauging how long a fix will last. Any roof that already has problems in its original makeup will still have those issues when a second layer is installed over it. If the current roof is leaking, it will continue leaking after the second layer is put on.
You can always call us to come out for a free estimate for roof repairs or replacement.