Multiple factors affect architectural roof shingles life expectancy. So, to make things easier, whether you are buying a home or considering a roof repair or upgrade, Gotcha Covered Contracting has put together a list of the primary factors which influence how long a roof will last.
Factors Which Affect Roof Lifespan
This information is for you if you’ve asked yourself, “how long does a roof last?” It will help you determine the best roof for your home.
Sunlight Exposure & Roof Color
Of course, sunlight exposure is different everywhere depending on which latitude you live at. The more sunlight your roof is exposed to, the more wear it is going to endure. This is made worse if a roof is black or dark in color as it absorbs more sunlight.
Roof Orientation
Though some materials can reduce this effect, roofs with a lower inclined angle tend to retain more debris such as leaves or snow. As a result, the lifespan of a steeply angled roof is longer than low-angled and flat-roofed structures.
Multi-layered Roofing
While it may seem anti-intuitive, one roof placed directly onto another actually weakens the integrity of both surfaces. Also, this act weakens the home’s overall structure. There are certain projects where a second layer of shingles is acceptable.
Top-floor Ventilation
As a rule of physics, heat tends to rise, especially in an enclosed structure. Consequently, homes with poor circulation as well as those in which the attic or top floor isn’t ventilated sufficiently will impact how long a roof may last over time.
Industrial Pollution
Although minor compared to other reasons given on this list, the effects of pollution can also shorten the lifespan of your home’s roof. Of course, the degree of exposure to these pollutants varies from region to region, but urban areas are generally more prone to endure this kind of damage.
Nature’s Influence
While they are far more exposed to atmospheric pollutants, urban homes aren’t as subject to the ravages of organic sources of damage which suburban and rural communities are. The most common threat to a roof in that type of environment is the swaying of tree branches that consistently brush up against a roof or break during a storm.
In both metropolitan and rural areas, vermin can also be a problem. Consequently, rodents, bats, and insects will often attempt to seek refuge inside of a house, often using a weakened point in a roof as an entry point. Some social animals will worsen existing damage to make room inside the attic or top floor of a house to establish a colony or nest.
Roofing Material and Quality
While the material is perhaps one of the most important factors when determining a roof’s lifespan, another equally important factor is the effort and expertise put into the roof’s installation. Even the best roofing material, if installed by an inferior firm, isn’t going to hold up for a long time. Conversely, even the best roofing company can only do so much with bargain-priced materials.
Architectural Shingles Compared to Other Styles
Of all the different kinds of roofing, those manufactured from ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) are the least useful for someone building or repairing a home. While suitable on low slope industrial buildings, EPDM isn’t a prudent investment for a homeowner. These roofs typically last for 15 years.
Since a house is a long-term investment, the roof should last that long as well. Architectural shingles outlast all other similar styles. Architectural roof shingles life expectancy can be 30 years with no need for significant repair or replacement.
Call Gotcha Covered Contracting at 724-581-8147 to learn more about your roof’s lifespan.
