How Long Should a Roof Last?

One of the most common questions we get for a new roof is how long it will last. It’s also good to know how to get the most out of your investment with proper maintenance and repairs. Before you decide on anything, it starts with choosing the right contractor in Peak Exteriors, LLC.

Having an experienced installment of your roofing can make a huge difference in the longevity of your materials. Other factors, like your choice of material, affect how durable your new roof will be, too. Keep reading to learn more, or give us a call today for your roof replacement!

What Factors Impact Your Roof’s Lifespan?

If you’re considering a new roof, there are several things to think about to make the most of your investment. When you work with an expert contractor like Peak Exteriors, LLC, you can trust that your roof is being installed correctly with longevity in mind.

To make sure you’re picking the right contractor, check what qualifications they bring to the table and look at online reviews. Previous clients can often tell you a lot. Your contractor should also have insurance and be licensed to perform your roofing services. Other major factors to consider for your new roof are:

• The materials. There are a lot of options for your roof replacement in New Orleans, LA. Different materials are more durable and provide better protection. However, they can also vary in cost that could make your budget an issue. 
• Material quality. Whether you need a residential or commercial replacement, each material comes in varying quality. Low-quality materials may cost less up front, but often need more repairs over time and don’t last as long. You could save over time with superior material quality.
• Color of your materials. It might seem small, but the choice of color for your new roof can affect your energy efficiency. Lighter colors can reflect UV rays and prevent heat buildup in warmer months. On the other hand, dark materials absorb heat to keep your home or business warm when it’s cold out. Just remember that overheated shingles can deteriorate faster.
• Underlayment. An underrated aspect of new roofing is the sheathing that goes under the materials. The underlayment acts as a buffer for any moisture that seeps through the materials above and protects your decking. It can prevent serious damages and mold growth in the case of damaged materials.
• Your climate. Weather patterns in your area should be taken into account with material options. Just because a material is durable doesn’t mean it’s best-suited for your home or business. For example, extreme temperatures can overheat shingles while harsh winds can pull some materials off your roof without much effort. 
• The environment around your roof. Tall trees with long branches can scratch up your materials and leave debris in your gutters. The extra weight of leaves and granules can often lead to gutter replacement, so branches should be trimmed to maximize your investment. 
• Ventilation. The durability of your roof relies on air circulation and ventilation. Vents in your roofing keep extreme temperatures regulated and can prevent issues like cracking and overheating. Proper ventilation can also reduce the chances of freezing or an ice dam forming. 
• The slope of your roof. The angle of your roof plays a big role in proper drainage. Without runoff draining correctly, you might need more repairs over time or an early replacement. Flat roofs and roofs with a low slope are especially at-risk of poor drainage. This can lead to standing water, mold, leaks, and serious roofing damages.

A great step toward keeping your roof replacement efficient and intact is to have regular maintenance. Professional upkeep on your roof can go a long way to catch any minor issues before they get worse. 

Not only can we maintain your roofing during these scheduled visits, but our roofing experts will inspect your roof for signs of trouble. We can diagnose any damages with the proper services with a thorough inspection.

We recommend yearly maintenance, though you might need it more often if you’re prone to storm damage repair. Harsh climates can require upkeep twice a year, so schedule your routine maintenance when you call Peak Exteriors, LLC today!

Roofing Warranties vs Roof Lifespan

Understanding how long your roof will last in relation to the warranty for your roof is crucial. In most cases, your roof is built to last longer than the warranty. However, warranties can keep you from footing the bill for an unexpected roof replacement due to something like storm damage or a fallen tree.

Your roof warranty can also cover roof repair, which can get expensive without the coverage. While high quality materials can cost more to install, they usually have a better warranty to match their lifespan. 

The expected lifespan of most roofs is between 25 and 50 years. With that in mind, a lot of factors can affect how long your roof will last. The type of material you choose, for example, can be better for your climate. Quality and durability are also important to consider.

When it comes to keeping your home secure, you really do get what you pay for. Expensive roof replacement can often find a roof lasting longer, but you don’t have to break the bank to feel safe. Call us today to let us help, or keep reading for common material options!

The Lifespan of Residential Roofing Materials

When it’s time for your new roof installation or upgrade, you’ll have a lot of options to choose from. As we’ve mentioned before, some materials can last longer or be better for your climate. Keep these factors in mind when looking over the typical materials that our homeowners have asked for:

• 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles. While these are affordable for almost any budget, we don’t recommend these for your home. 3-tab shingles usually last around 15 or 20 years. They’re made with less durable components and they’re especially susceptible to strong winds. Choosing a low-cost option could lead to frequent and expensive roof repair in Mandeville, LA.
• Composite shingles. These materials are capable of mimicking slate and wood without the cost. While they’re still more expensive than some options, composite shingles are more durable than wood without the termite or fire issues. They can last 40 to 50 years and offer many color options to choose from.
• Metal. This is becoming a popular option for residential roofing, because metal is a very durable material. The cost of your metal roof is dependent on how thick the metal is. Thin sheets of metal, for instance, are less expensive, but only last 20 to 25 years on average. Thicker sheets can last 5 decades, but they cost more.
• Wood. If you’re wanting to achieve a rustic aesthetic for your home, wood can be a good choice. Most wood shingles are made with cedar, pine, or spruce trees. They offer a natural, affordable option that might last 30 years. However, wood is highly susceptible to fire and it’s prone to mold, termites, and mildew without proper routine maintenance.
• Architectural Asphalt Shingles. If you’re set on shingles, these are the ones we recommend. Compared to the 3-tab counterparts, architectural shingles are thicker for better protection. They typically last between 3 and 5 decades and offer a lot of choices for color to match your house painting.
• Slate. You could have slate tiles on your roof for 50 years or even 100 with proper maintenance. They’re one of the longest-lasting materials and offer great resistance to hail, heat, snow, and rain. Because it’s so effective and weighs more than most materials, slate is usually more expensive. Some contractors won’t work with slate tiles, but Peak Exteriors, LLC will install them on your roof if that’s what you want.
• Clay or concrete tiles. Similar to the durability of slate, these tiles can last for 50 years or more. As you might have guessed, concrete and clay weigh more than other materials, so not all roofing can support them. 

Lifespans of Commercial Roofing

There are 4 common choices when it comes to a commercial roof replacement. Here’s a brief idea of each material and what you might get with your investment:

1. PVC. A Vinyl membrane to protect flat roofing, PVC can reduce energy costs. Its natural white color can reflect UV rays, so it won’t fade or crack as much over time. You could pay more, but PVC can last for more than 20 years.
2. EPDM. This is the most common option among commercial roofing. It’s less expensive, easy for us to install, and generally lasts around 30 years with proper maintenance. EPDM is a synthetic rubber that’s built for affordable protection.
3. TPO. These single-ply sheets have a strong bond to keep your flat roof secure. Thermoplastic Polyolefin is less expensive than some materials, but it doesn’t usually last as long with an average lifespan of 15 or 20 years.
4. Spray Foam. When we install spray foam on your commercial roof, it can last for 50 years or longer depending on how thick the foam is. A protective coating can also add to the lifespan, as long as you have routine maintenance and recoatings.

Signs You Need a New Roof

Just because your roof is designed to last for a number of years doesn’t mean it always will. There are many issues that can occur that affect your materials over time. Be on the lookout for these common signs of roof replacement:

• Water spots or stains on the ceiling or walls
• Missing, cracked, or peeling roofing materials
• Leaks
• Pest infestation

A regular inspection can help identify issues that might not be visible before your roof reaches its lifespan. As your materials get close to that number, they can become more susceptible to damages and wear.

Whether you’ve noticed something wrong with your roof, the materials are old, or you want to upgrade, you can trust Peak Exteriors, LLC. Our roofers are professional and offer many services to keep your home or business secure, so call us today!