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A strong roof is an important part of any house, not only for the protection it offers to the dwelling itself and to its inhabitants, but because it enhances the home’s curb appeal, and increases the value of the property.
If your roof is old and has started deteriorating, shingles may have started cracking or falling off, and it will probably develop leaks. When water starts seeping into the home, other problems arise such as mold, mildew and wood rot.
Although there are many types of roofing materials, at this point you may want to get the one that lasts the longest so that you don’t have to concern yourself with this issue again in the foreseeable future.
How Many Years Can You Expect Your Roof To Last?
Most roofing materials last a long time. Several decades is a normal time frame for a good roof to last. But of course, the care you take of your roof, as well as the quality of the materials you select for it, will have an impact on the lifespan of any roofing material.
To help you make a good selection, here is a short list of some of the most popular roofing materials in use today and their life expectancy:
- Metal – Lifespan goes from 40 to 80 years
- Slate – Has a life expectancy of 100 years
- Wood shingles – These have a natural life of 30 years but can last longer in moderate weather conditions
- Wood shakes – They work as well as wood shingles and last the same
- Architectural asphalt – They offer protection for about 30 years on average
- Concrete – Should last about 100 years or more
- Asphalt shingles – They generally last about 20 years, although higher quality shingles could go as long as 50 years (though higher quality shingles are definitely more expensive)
- Clay tiles – These are rated for a life expectancy of 100 years or more
Should Life Expectancy Be The Deciding Factor When It Comes To Roofs?
One of the main reasons roofs fail prematurely is due to neglect. In addition, Insulation and ventilation are not only crucial to your roof system but also play a role in ensuring its longevity. The quality of the workmanship is also an essential factor to consider when selecting the right Portland roofing contractor to do the job. When all those elements come together, the right roofing material will definitely meet or exceed its life expectancy.
You Have A New Roof, How Can You Make Sure It Doesn’t Get Damaged?
Undoubtedly, the weather is responsible for a large part of what happens to a roof that may not be preventable. Rain, snow, hailstorms, wind, to name a few factors that do damage. However, you can take some preventative actions to ensure no further damage happens:
- Be on the lookout of small areas of damage
- Call your roofing contractor in Portland to take care of them before they become larger
- Remove snow and ice when they accumulate
- Trim down tree branches that may hit it during severe weather
- Install attic insulation to prevent ice dams
- Get rid of moss that is visible
- Keep your gutters clean
When the time comes for your roof to be fixed or replaced, call your trusted Portland roofing contractors. Giron Roofing will provide you with a free estimate and help your home look the way it should.
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This content is sponsored by Khalid Irfan.
Photo: Shutterstock