The lifespan of your roof can vary depending on a lot of variables. For instance:
- What type of roof is it?
- Are the materials that make up your roof high quality?
- Who installed your roof?
All of these questions and more are very important in understanding the lifespan of your home’s roofing. If you’re wondering how long your roof will last, consider the following three elements: your shingles, the underlayment, and the ventilation.
What Affects Your Roof’s Lifespan?
Shingles
The shingles are the main part and outer shell of your roof. Shingles are most commonly made of asphalt because it’s reliable and affordable. Many people, however, have switched to luxury roofing materials and did so for good reason. Luxury shingles not only have longer lifespans in places with cold, harsh winters (like Wisconsin) but also provide a design-savvy look that can set your home apart from your neighbor’s.
Underlayment
Another important part of your roof is the underlayment. This is the waterproof material that goes at the very base of your roof and acts as a line of last defense from the elements.
Underlayment is especially important here in Wisconsin, where ice and water can build up in gutters and on flat surfaces. This buildup very often goes unnoticed until after the winter, which can sometimes be too late. This is why the installation process is so important to your roof’s lifespan.
Ventilation
Ventilation in your roofing is often a misunderstood and overlooked concept, but it’s imperative to know when considering how long your roof will last.
Your roof’s ventilation is important because it keeps your roof at the right temperatures year round, which in turn reduces maintenance and damage. For instance, a roof should be cooler in the winter so that it doesn’t melt too much ice or snow, which can cause water damage. Proper ventilation also helps the roof stay warmer in the summer so that it doesn’t cause condensation and moisture, which can ruin your roof from the inside out.
A properly inspected, installed, and ventilated roof can spread out routine roof repairs by years. To learn more about your roof’s ventilation system, check out this helpful article.
Don’t Forget Warranty
Another important factor to consider when calculating the lifespan of your own roof is the warranty. Remember to cross-check your warranty specifications with the actual state of your roof today. Many warranties specify the types of nails and nails sizes, ventilation expectations, and even pre-installation cleaning standards. Sometimes these warranties fall short of their own specifications. This could mean serious trouble for your roof in the long run.
If you have any concerns about your roof not meeting its expected lifespan, contact us today. As local roofing experts, we want to make sure this winter won’t be your roof’s last!