All roofs come with an expected life span, with “expected” being the operative word. For example, a standard asphalt shingle roof is often said to be expected to last 20 years, but it can be shorter or longer depending on certain factors. In today’s post, Next Level Roofers examine these factors.
Materials
The choice of roofing material is a significant contributor to the roof’s life span. Most of it is due to the material’s inherent durability. For example, standing seam sheet metal is more durable than asphalt shingles, so they have a much longer life span of about 50 years. Tiles and slate are even stronger, and so they typically last about 100 years. There’s also the matter of quality. High-quality roofing materials made by name-brand manufacturers are engineered for weather resistance, and usually come with extensive warranties.
Installation
Proper installation holds the same weight as the choice of materials, if not more. After all, even materials of the best quality would fail in the hands of an incompetent roofer. Take roofing nails or fasteners, for instance. They may sound like a small part of a roof, but incorrect nail patterns can defeat the roofing manufacturer’s design. The idea is to ensure an even distribution of stress when the roof is exposed to hail impact and high winds, and uneven fasteners create weak spots in an ideally monolithic layer. This is why it’s important to hire a roofer that’s not just experienced, but also trained by the manufacturer and has a workmanship warranty.
Maintenance
Anything that’s exposed to wear — whether it’s your car, air conditioner or roof — needs regular maintenance. Annual maintenance appointments allow your roofer to identify wear-related issues, as well as installation mistakes and manufacturing defects, and address them before they can lead to a premature roofing replacement.
Another reason for keeping up with regular maintenance appointments is the warranty coverage. Most roofing warranty claims require proof of maintenance, otherwise it could result in a denied claim or even a voided warranty. Homeowners’ insurance providers likewise frown upon lack of maintenance, and could also deny a claim (or raise the homeowner’s premiums) if proof of maintenance is unavailable.
Need help with your roof’s upkeep? Give our team at Next Level Roofers a call at (407) 237-7960. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve communities in The Villages and Sumter County.
