5 Factors That Impact the Lifespan of Your Roof

There are some parts of your house that you do not encounter often but play an essential role in protecting your home. One of these parts is your roof, which protects your home from the elements and extreme weather changes. So, how do you work out your roof’s lifespan?

The lifespan of a roof can average between 20 years to 50 years, depending on the material. However, multiple factors impact lifespans, which could mean you need a roof replacement a lot sooner than you think. Read on to learn five factors that influence your roof and its lifespan.

1. Construction Material of Your Roof

One of the main factors that impact your roof’s lifespan is the material you choose. Popular roof materials include:

• Metal
• Tile
• Shingle

Metal roofs are an attractive option for many homeowners as they can require minimal maintenance but offer longevity, averaging between 40 and 70 years. It is a more durable option than some other roof materials, which is why it can have a longer roof lifespan.

A tile roof is another durable option that can last for over 100 years, with low maintenance and durability. They are often resistant to roof damage, such as rotting, and are environmentally friendly.

Shingle roofs vary in lifespan depending on the type, but they last for 15 to 30 years on average. Asphalt shingles are a common roof material and have been used for many years. They can have a lower upfront cost than other roof materials, but their lifespan is shorter as a result.

2. Weather Conditions

Roofing material can have an average lifespan, but other factors will increase or decrease that lifespan. One of these factors is the weather. Several weather conditions can reduce the lifespan of your roof.

Hail

Hail can impact all roof types, but the damage to your roof will depend on the size of the hail and the strength of the wind. Hail damages your roof by creating soft spots in shingles and loosening granules. It can also fracture tiles and dent metal roofs.

Sometimes hail damage is not immediately evident, which can worsen damage to the roof over time. It is best to schedule a roof inspection after a hail storm or after storm season.

High Wind

Strong wind speeds can rip parts of the roof that are already loose, causing loosening of more shingles and other roof damage. Falling objects and debris can also damage the roof during high winds. Neglecting to fix wind damage can lead to more extensive roof damage such as leaks and structural damage.

Strong Rain

Heavy downpours can begin to wear down roof materials, such as shingles. Shingles can start to curl or buckle as they age, meaning heavy rain can even break them. The shape of your roof can also result in water pooling in certain areas, which can cause water penetration, mold, and structural damage.

3. UV Radiation Exposure

In states such as Florida, the UV index can be extremely high. But did you know that UV radiation can also age your roof?

Exposure to UV radiation can lower a roof’s lifespan in different ways. For example, UV radiation can break down the protective coating of shingles, which can leave the shingles unprotected, leading to thermal shock.

Metal roofs can also lose their external coating, leading to condensation and other internal damage. UV radiation can also alter and warp tile roofs by changing chemical structures, which weakens them.

Thermal shock usually happens due to the changes in temperature from day to night, plus the quality of your roof material. If UV radiation has been damaging your roof for some time, it will not have the protective coating it needs to prevent thermal shock.

4. Age of the Roof

Your roof’s lifespan also depends on how old it currently is! While there are average lifespans, it depends on how long the roof has been installed. It also depends on how well it was initially installed and maintained throughout the years.

An older roof has likely experienced a lot of wear and tear over time, which means it is more prone to damage. Deterioration can begin on a minute level, even if there have been routine inspections over the years.

If you are unsure how old your roof is or if your roof is reaching the end of its expected lifespan, it is time to consider a roof replacement. There comes a time when roof replacement will work out more economically viable than constant roof maintenance.

5. Landscaping

Many people care about their garden’s appearance, with around 40% of Americans hiring professional landscape work every year. But if landscaping is not done correctly, it can also impact the lifespan of a roof.

Trees offer many benefits to your garden but place them wisely. If trees are too close to the home, they can grow into the roof and awnings, which will cause extensive roof damage. Trees can also fall during storms, so be aware of their proximity to your roof.

Trees can also scrape against your roof. Even small branches can begin to wear away the outer protective layer of your roof shingles.

Pollen from trees can also damage roofs. It can get under shingles and tiles or stick to metal roofs, damaging the acrylic layer.

If you do not address pollen build-up, it can lead to excessive moisture and mold. It is best to schedule a roof clean to remove excess debris, including pollen, leaves, and dirt.

Protect Your Roof’s Lifespan