Roofing materials all become worn out with time. It all depends on how great the maintenance is on them. However, maintenance is not the only thing that affects how long your roof will stay. The life expectancy of a roofing material will be affected by various things. These are as discussed below.
Weather Elements
This affects the roof a great deal. Things like hailstorms, strong winds, too much snow or heavy rainfall affect the roof in different ways. Commercial roofing contractors usually advise property owners to be aware of the climate in the area and choose the roofing materials carefully. For instance, a place with strong winds may not be the best for asphalt shingles because they may be carried away by the wind. This means that you will probably have to deal with shingle replacement too often. It could become costly.
Being aware of the way the elements affect the roofing materials will help a property owner in choosing a material that will have a high life expectancy.
The Installation
It is important to choose an experienced roofing company when you are installing your roof. This will determine how long the roof will last. A poorly installed roof will get damaged pretty fast and this will mean that you have to spend more money on repairs. It is advisable to ask the roofing company if they have experience when it comes to the roof design. If they are experienced they will be able to anticipate any issues that could lower the lifespan of your roof.
The installation should also be done with the right tools and quality materials so as to last longer. An inexperienced roofing company may charge you less but this will become a problem in the future. You may end up spending too much on roof repairs.
The Roofing Materials’ Ability To Withstand Heat
If you live in an area with too much heat, you need to seek advice from a roofing contractor about the type of material to use. Some materials do not do well with too much heat. It affects them so much so that their life span may be cut down in half. You do not want to spend money replacing a roof too soon after the installation. It will be too costly.
Choose a roofing material that will be able to withstand too much heat without getting damaged quickly. If your house is located at a higher level it means that it gets exposure to the sun so you need to choose a roofing material that can withstand that much heat.
The Slope Or Pitch Of The Roof
The way the roof slopes determines how well it will last because of the of water pooling on the roof. A roof that encourages too much water forming ponds should be installed with roofing materials that can withstand water. Choosing an absorbent material is a sure way of asking for a roof leak. If you plan on using a material that absorbs water then it is best to have a roof that is able to drain water quickly.
It is also important to note if you live in a place with too much precipitation. A roof with materials that do not absorb water is best of the place has too much precipitation. However, keep in mind that you should clear your gutters to allow water or snow that has melted to drain. Water pooling for too long on the roof will weaken the roofing material.
Ventilation
A roof with poor ventilation is one that will lead to damage happening faster. The ventilation is not just for the inside of the house. It determines how well your roof will be able to handle heat. Poorly ventilated roofs can trap air on the attic. This will cause the roofing materials to get damaged from the inside. A common culprit of this type of damage is asphalt shingles.
It is important to have properly ventilated roofs so that the heat is not trapped inside. If you live in an area with frequent storms, it is a good idea to invest in a roof ventilation system. This will protect the lower layers of your roof from getting damaged.
Insulation
You need to have properly insulated roofing to prevent the roof from getting damaged. When the temperature is too high the roof may get damaged if there is poor ventilation. The damage occurs just as it goes with poor ventilation. An attic that is too hot will start to damage your roofing materials from the inside. If the layers underneath are damaged and the top roofing materials are not able to withstand too much water, this leads to a water leak.
That said, there are ways to ensure that you maintain the roof for a longer time before having to replace it.
Regular Inspection
It is crucial that you have your roof inspected by a professional roofing company. This will ensure that you are able to take care of any issues before they become too much. Most roofing companies offer free inspections if they have installed or repaired your roof recently. Take advantage of that to ensure the roof lasts longer.
Timely Repairs
Do not ignore any roof damage. Minor roof damage can quickly turn into a nightmare if not handled right away. You should make sure that you do the necessary roof repairs when you are notified of any problem by the roofing company. This will save you from having a damaged roof that you have to repair entirely. It will also ensure that the roof remains strong enough to keep going for several more years.
Overgrown Trees
Be sure to be trimming overgrown trees that are too close to the roof and become a threat. They could fall and damage or weaken it. Materials such as tiles could break easily if the pressure from the tree is too much. Local tree experts can help you trim trees that is both good for your home and for the trees.
You can always look for roofing advice from ArmorServices.com or check their websites. Most of them have lists of ways to ensure your roofing materials last longer.
