How To Make Your Roof Last As Long As Possible

Remodeling projects can be a major hassle, especially when they are unplanned. No one likes coming home to a leaky roof after a bad storm, so you ought to know how to best take care of your roof.

With roof replacements costing an average of $34,500, you need to do everything you can to make that roof last! We’ve put together this guide to teach you how, so read on!

Durable Materials

If you want to ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible, then you will want to make sure that you have quality roofing materials. There are a variety of roofing materials that each have different lifespans and different price points.

Asphalt Shingles

The most basic type of shingle is the 3 Tab shingle. 3 Tab shingles are cheap, but not very durable. If you live in an area with storms, they may not be the best choice if you are looking to get the longest life out of your roof.

Architectural and premium shingles are better options when choosing an asphalt shingle roof. Though more expensive, both these types of shingle offer wind resistance up to 100 mph. Depending on the type, they can last anywhere from 15-50 years.

Wood

Wood shake roofs last about 50 years. They can sometimes be more susceptible to storm damage and are not fireproof. They can also be up to 6 times more expensive compared to asphalt roofs.

Metal

Metal roofing can stand up to more than asphalt roofing but comes at a higher price point. It is especially good for areas with bad hail or snow. Metal roofing can also hold up under wind gusts of up to 140 mph. 

Ribbed metal roofing lasts 25-40 years, standing seam roofing can last from 30-50. Other metals like titanium, copper, zinc, and stainless steel are also available, though they come at a premium price. These metals can last up to 100 years!

Slate

Slate roofs are by far the most durable roofs. They can last up to 150 years. They are also one of the most expensive roofing materials available. They require expert installation, as they can break during installation if handling wrongly, and the roof also will require extra bracing due to their weight.

If you do decide on slate you will have a beautiful roof that could outlive you. It can be a good investment for buildings designed to stand the test of time. 

Proper Maintenance

Once your roof is complete, proper maintenance will help you extend its life. You should plan to inspect your roof twice and year and clean it off while you are up there. Once in the spring and once in the fall.

While you are on your roof, sweep it free of any debris. Make sure to clean all leaves off of your roof and out of your gutters. Allowing your gutters to fill with debris can cause water to not drain properly and could damage your roof as well as other parts of your house.

Inspect your roof for any growing moss. You should clean off any moss to prevent it from causing damage and weakening your roofing material. Check out this handy guide for getting rid of roof moss! 

If you have nearby trees, you will want to make sure you trim overhanging branches so that in the event of a storm they do not damage your roof!

Make Your Roof Last with Quality Installation and Repairs

The final piece of the roof longevity puzzle is having a good roof contractor. Making sure the roof is installed well in the first place will go a long way to ensuring that it stands the test of time.

If you aren’t installing a new roof, then making sure any repairs are done in a timely fashion by experienced professionals will help make your homes roof last for years to come! Give us a call for all your roofing needs, we’d be happy to assist you!