How to get the most out of your roof for years to come
If you’re in the market for a new residential roof, you might be asking yourself what the best options are for your type of house and where you reside. There are numerous considerations to ensure you’ve got the right roof in place, whether it be for a new home or an existing abode. Whatever the case may be, American Roofing & Waterproofing is your expert for all of your residential roofing needs!Let’s look at a few elements that determine the longevity of a residential roof.
Type of Material
Asphalt Shingles:
The composition varies, but asphalt shingles mostly consist of mineral fiber and cementitious fillers. On a standard three-tab asphalt shingle roof, the lifespan is about 25 years. As long as the roof has been properly ventilated and installed by a professional, homeowners should get a fairly long roof life out of it.
Wood Shingles:
Typically cut from pine, cedar or spruce, a wood shingle roof gives your home a more natural and rustic look while also being very affordable. Most wooden roofs last up to 30 years, but require much more upkeep and maintenance. Owners should keep in mind that the wood needs continual care and can be susceptible to fires, termites, mold and mildew, and storm damage.
Metal Roof Panels:
A thick, quality metal material will provide over 50 years of protection to your home. Metal roofs are rising in popularity and typically have a longer roof life expectancy than asphalt options, but are more expensive to install.
Concrete or Clay Tiles:
Another durable option that can stand the test of time is clay or concrete tiles, which like metal roofs, remain strong for 50 years or more. This type of roofing material is most commonly found in the Southwest on Spanish-style homes as they are perfect for very hot climates. Clay and concrete are heavy materials so they require a home built with sturdier materials, which can potentially require a larger investment.
In addition to choosing the right material for your roof, it’s important to also consider the following factors to maximize the life of one of your home’s most significant features:
Underlayment
To keep moisture and mold from building up and damaging shingles, preventing leaks and cracks, and preventing disintegration of your roof decking, a strong, heavy duty roofing underlayment should be installed on a home. The underlayment’s purpose adds strength and support to the existing shingles and prevents slippage. An improperly installed or weak roofing underlayment can make your roof and consequently, your home, susceptible to damage.
Insulation and Ventilation
By adding insulation to your attic and installing attic vents and fans, you can decrease the temperature of your shingles during the hot summer months, especially here in Arizona. In colder climates, good insulation can help prevent ice dams and other damage caused by freezing temperatures. Having the correct ventilation can help reduce moisture build up and prevent issues like mold and mildew. With the proper insulation and ventilation, your roof will last much longer.
Weather
A large factor that is out of our control is weather. Climate, weather, wind storms, rain storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and other types of weather all have an impact on your roof’s integrity. The key to battling this uncontrollable factor is choosing a material that is well suited to the climate that your house is located in. If your roof does suffer a potential blow from a major weather event, be sure to call a contractor for an immediate inspection to see if any damage needs to be repaired.
Workmanship
The technique used to install new roofing can have a significant impact on how long it stands up over the years you’re going to be living in your home. DIY roofing should never be attempted. Proper placement of shingles, fasteners and underlayment are crucial to a successful and well-crafted roof. Following all manufacturer’s instructions will both provide more durability and protection to your product warranty.
Turn to American Roofing & Waterproofing for a quality, professional installation of a roof you can depend on for years to come. We use the highest quality materials and skilled contractors to go over the top on all of our projects! Inquire with us for your next home roof installation or replacement when you’re ready.
