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Southern WI and Northern IL
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What is the Average Life of a Roof?

What is the Average Life of a Roof?

A lot of homeowners during the roof installation process have a common doubt about how long will their roof last. Roof lifespan is one of the most sought-after questions in the roofing industry. The average life of a roof depends upon various factors such as the quality of roof materials used, the workmanship, and local climate. In addition to this factors like regular inspection and repairs also play a crucial role in deciding the roof life expectancy. Traditionally, materials like asphalt shingles are said to last 15-20 years. However, depending on roof maintenance and the aforementioned factors, your roof lifespan can even extend beyond this period. 

Let us look into these factors which determine the longevity of your roof.

The angle of installation- This might look like a minor factor but in reality, it plays a huge role in determining how long your roof will last. Roofs that are pitched higher will be able to last longer as the moisture and any wet substance will slide down quickly. This will ensure a dry roof and keep it safe from molds, rust, and other roof-damaging situations. 

Color- The color of your roof can also determine its longevity. Roofs attract maximum heat from sunlight and darker colors are known to trap more heat. In contrast, lighter colors reflect the heat and sunlight keeping the overall temperature of your home much lower. One might argue that lighter colors attract more dust and might fade off soon. But, you need not worry about that as most of the materials used on roofs are dust-repellent and will keep your home shining for years.

Double-Layered Roof - In theory, having a roof over another might sound like a practical way to extend its lifespan. But that is far from true and it would be pretty counterproductive. A roof over another will only shorten the lifespan as it would be difficult to clean and the chances of trapped debris and clogged drainage increase. 

Roof Orientation- The positioning of your roof also makes a world of difference to its life. Roofs that are facing south will face more sunlight, especially in the absence of trees. This would directly result in higher roof temperature and will certainly impact its heat resistance. 

Material Quality - This one’s a no-brainer. Your roof is bound to last longer if the materials used are of top quality. Treat your roof installation work as a one-time investment. A professional roofing contractor will provide you with all the details about the kind of materials that are being used along with providing top-notch workmanship. These factors will elongate the lifespan of your roof by years. 

Trees nearby- A dense cover of greenery around your roof has both advantages as well as disadvantages. While trees provide a protective cover from sunlight and help in regulating the roof temperature, they also cause the accumulation of debris on the rooftop resulting in blockage of the drainage. 

Weather conditions- Your roof’s lifespan also gets impacted by the kind of weather it faces. Extreme hot summers or harsh winters can cause your roof materials to expand or contract frequently. This wear and tear can cut down the life of your roof considerably. 

Roof Maintenance- One of the most effective ways of enhancing roof longevity is by conducting annual checkups on your roof. Your roof maintenance period could be even six months and you may take the help of your roofing contractor to conduct a thorough inspection of the surface. 
Taking regular stock of the roof and attending to minor repairs that might come up is one of the best ways to keep your roof shining and healthy. 

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