How Long Will My New Roof Last?

Replacing the roof over your head is a huge expense, and those who make this tremendous investment likely want to know how long they can reasonably expect it to last before they’ll need to replace it again. The answer isn’t always straightforward: there are many different factors that contribute to your roof’s longevity. Let’s take a look at a few of them on this blog.

Roof Material

The biggest factor in a roof’s longevity is what material you construct it out of. Perhaps the most common roofing material are asphalt shingles because they’re cheap, fairly simple to install, and require. However, you also sacrifice durability with them, and therefore longevity. Ideally, you can only expect an asphalt shingle roof to last roughly 15 to 20 years at the most, even when properly cared for. However, clay tiles, natural stone like slate, or other hard roofing materials can last much longer, with some being capable of withstanding wear and tear for 50 years or more! Of course, these materials do cost more, and you should speak with a Colorado Springs roofer to figure out whether your roof can handle a heavier material like these before purchasing.

Roof Treatment

The more a roof has to be able to withstand in terms of use, the less time it’s going to last. Do you have a solar panel system installed on your roof? Each of those panels means you’ll need holes placed in your roof for mounts. Holes are areas where water can intrude, which means they’ll need to be specially sealed and have that seal replaced periodically when it wears out. Roof-mounted air conditioners, vents, chimneys, and even skylights can also have these issues. The more rooftop features you have, the harder your roof will be to maintain and the more likely your roof will need to be replaced sooner.

Regular Maintenance

A roof that sits untouched for decades doesn’t get the attention it needs that can help extend its lifespan. In some ways your roof is kind of like your car: the better you maintain and take care of it, the longer it will last. A periodic roofing maintenance service every few years can help you spot and repair any issues before they become serious and risk causing catastrophic damage to your roof (and your home). On the other hand, a roof that receives little attention is far more prone to developing cracks and leaks that can cause even the most durable, well-constructed roof to fail prematurely.