Learn more about the factors that affect the lifespan of your roof
If you’ve recently had your home’s roof replaced, you may be wondering: How long should a new roof last? As it turns out, the answer to that question depends on a variety of factors, including the material you chose for your roof, how well you maintain the roof during its lifetime, and even the quality of the initial installation.
At Dolan Roofing & Construction, we’ve replaced the roofs of hundreds of San Antonio homes over the years. We’ve had homeowners tell us about their roofs that lasted for decades, while others called us in to replace a roof that had lasted for just a few years prior. What made the difference? We’re taking a look in today’s post!
How long should I expect a new roof to last?
Asphalt shingles remain the most popular residential roofing material, and these typically last around 20 years before needing to be replaced. However, other materials have steadily grown in popularity as homeowners opt to invest more in their roofs. Here are the expected lifespans of a few popular roofing materials:
Asphalt shingles
While asphalt shingles have improved in quality over the years, they’re still one of the shorter-lived roofing materials out there, with a lifespan of around 10-20 years. The exact lifespan depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the shingles and severe weather events (especially hail).
Clay and concrete tile
Tile roofs have been growing in popularity every year, and a major reason is the longevity of clay and concrete tiles. Both of these materials are expected to last at least 50 years, with well-maintained tile roofing systems lasting as long as a century! These materials do carry a higher price tag than asphalt shingles, however.
Slate
When it comes to roofing, slate is the king of longevity. At the shorter end, a slate roof will generally last around 75 years, but more often than not a slate roof will outlive its owner with an expected lifespan of 125 to 200 years!
Roof maintenance: The key to a long-lasting roof
We’ve seen asphalt shingle roofs last for 30 years, and we’ve seen tile roofs in need of replacement before they hit 40. So what gives? Well, many things can cause a roof to age faster, but the one factor we see make a big difference time and again is roof maintenance.
Effective roof maintenance is the key to a long-lasting roof. With regular inspections, cleaning, and prompt repairs, your roof is much more likely to survive to the higher end of its lifespan—or longer. On the other hand, leaving your roof untouched for years or longer, failing to address damage, and generally not maintaining your roof is a surefire way to reduce its lifespan substantially.
A truly complete roof maintenance strategy includes maintaining not just the surface of your roof, but the entire roofing system. That means making sure your drainage system (such as your gutters) is working properly and checking in on your roof vents to ensure they’re functioning correctly. It’s also important to perform seasonal home maintenance tasks, such as cleaning your gutters and tree branches overhanging your home.
Quality of installation matters!
Of course, no matter what material you have, and no matter how well you maintain your roof, there’s no substitute for professional, reliable installation. If your roof is poorly installed, no amount of maintenance will make up for it. Faulty installation dramatically shortens the lifespan of your roof, sometimes leading to a roof replacement after only a few years.
Dolan Roofing: Experts in Maximizing Your Roof’s Lifespan!
When you call on Dolan Roofing for your roof replacement, you’re ensuring that your roof gets the best possible start in life! Our professional roofers are experts in providing high-quality roof replacements, and we have years of experience working with a wide variety of roofing materials—all from the best manufacturers in the industry. What’s more, we stand behind our work with a 5-year workmanship guarantee to provide even greater peace of mind.
If you’re in need of a new roof, the friendly professionals at Dolan Roofing San Antonio are standing by to take your call! Get in touch with us today to get started.
