How Long Should a Roof Last?

Jul 5, 2011 | Roofing Denver, Uncategorized

how long should a roof lastEvery time a homeowner hires the services of a roofing contractor, the first question that he usually asks is if there are warranties being offered and how long should a roof last? In general, a roofer will offer a 10-30 years guarantee which means that from the date of installation, the occupants can expect the roofing system to run smoothly for the next 30 years or so. Put simply, guarantees are an assurance that the quality of the roofs is high. But are these warranties true? Can you really rely on such promises?

First off, you have to identify the lifespan of your roofs based on its type of material. The question “how long should a roof last?” is not something that can be answered by merely looking at the surface of your roof. For a more accurate answer, consult a professional roofer who understands the intricacies of a roofing construction. If it’s done poorly, the need for constant repair will be necessary.

Below is the list of roof types and their lifespan:

  • asphalt roofs – 25 years
  • cedar shingles – 25 years
  • wood shakes – 25 to 75 years
  • steel or metal – 20 to 50 years
  • clay and slate – 50 to 100 years

To make a roof last longer, it must not only be properly built, it must also be well suited for the kind of weather where the house is situated. If you reside in an area where snow is frequent, having a snow guard is a brilliant idea. This will help avoid having an ice dam on the top of your roof.

Of all the roof types, asphalt has the shortest lifespan. But these are very cheap and can easily be repaired if damaged. Metal is also a popular choice but if your place is frequented by heavy rainfall, you might want to steer clear of it. Metal gets rusty over the years when always wet with water. It will be necessary to repaint the roofs every after 2 to 3 years to maintain its beauty and functionality.

So the question remains, how long should a roof last? There are plenty of factors that contribute to the longevity of a roof. Most roofing companies only buy parts and materials from manufacturers that supply products with proven quality. In this way, they can give their clients the assurance that the roofing system which they’ve installed will last a lifetime.

As the homeowner, you have the responsibility to inspect the roofs on a regular basis to ensure that problems are given immediate attention. If minor faults are taken for granted, these will surely get worse after some time. Hence the expenditures for roof repairs will double.

To sum things up, quality of material and proper maintenance are two contributing factors that can help answer the question how long should a roof last? That is why it is important to choose the right type of roofing materials for your house depending on the climate of the state or country where you are located. Finally, maintain the good condition of your roofs by having them inspected by a professional roofer.

Integrity Roofing and Painting