Wondering how long your roof should last? Whether you own a home or a commercial building, you are probably concerned about protecting your most valuable asset, which usually starts with your roof. Since most people can’t easily tell if their roof is in good condition or needs repairs, it begs the question, “how long does a roof last?” While some experts will tell you roofs should be replaced approximately every 30 years, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind that will determine the true lifespan of your roof. It is important to take into account weather conditions, roof type, and quality of installation and materials.
Weather Conditions
How long does a roof last? Weather conditions and climate are some of the most important impacts on your roof’s lifespan. If your residence is in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, it has probably been exposed to consistent bouts of heavy snow and rain. Over time, this will wear a roof differently than a commercial building in the plains that is subjected to high winds and occasional hailstorms. For most residential and commercial roofs throughout Colorado and the country, weather conditions have the potential to elongate or shorten the lifespan of your roof.
Quality of Roofing Materials
Of course, the quality of roofing materials you use will also help answer the common question, “how long does a roof last?” It is worth noting that the style and quality of roofing materials chosen for a residential or commercial building should also largely depend on the weather and natural conditions your roof will be exposed to. For example, many roofing experts agree that asphalt, concrete, and slate are some of the most durable types of roofing materials suited for different types of Colorado weather conditions.
Asphalt Shingling Roofing
Asphalt shingles are common throughout Colorado and all over the western part of the country. They typically come with a fiberglass mat for reinforcement and then fillers are used to make the shingle waterproof. While asphalt might be a more financially viable option, they have a shorter lifespan in hotter climates. In Colorado, depending on the location within the state, asphalt shingles will last about 20 years unless there is severe hail damage. Meanwhile, in a climate like Arizona, asphalt shingles only last about 14 years. Additionally, curling asphalt shingles are a sure-sign of a failing roofing system.
Concrete Tile Roofing
Roof Check Inc. installs tile roofs on a daily basis–in fact, we’re a leader in the tile roofing industry. One of the major benefits of quality concrete tiles is that they last an average of 30 to 50 years. They are ideal for weather conditions in Colorado as well as the east coast due to the fact that they are resistant to snow, ice, hail, and water. Concrete tiles are also low maintenance requiring very little work over the course of its lifetime. As a member of the Tile Roofing Institution, we perform at a standard of excellence in this field.
Lightweight Clay Tile Roofing
If installed by our expert crew at Roof Check Inc. clay tiles can last anywhere between 50 to 100 years. It is important that the proper flashings and underlayment systems are used to get the most out of your clay tile roof. Clay tiles are ideal for hotter climates since they have natural insulatory properties and they are relatively low maintenance. Many people choose lightweight clay tile roofing as a durable option that will withstand the test of time.
Slate Roofing
While it may be a more expensive option, slate roofs will last anywhere between 75 to 200 years and withstand most climates. It is important to know that there are two types of slate roofing–hard and soft. Hard slate is totally weather and fire resistant making it durable for decades to come. On the other hand, soft slate has a shorter lifespan–between 50 to 125 years. While it is still water and weatherproof, it is less invincible than hard slate. Slate roofing requires skill to install properly, so we recommend doing your own installation research and contacting our team of dependable professionals.
Type of Roof and Maintenance
Another contributing factor to keep in mind when determining how long your roof will last is the style of the roof. Pitched roofs usually have a longer lifespan–a minimum of 20 years–and are lower maintenance due to the way they let snow and rain slide off. Conversely, flat roofs commonly seen on commercial buildings last only about 10 years on average. Flat roofs are typically designed with a slight slope to ensure that precipitation is drained towards the gutter system. While proper maintenance and this slope system may help extend the life of a flat roof, it is less suited for areas with wetter climates. A roof restoration may be needed to extend its lifespan.
Quality of Installation and Materials
While choosing the right roofing materials for the weather conditions of your home or business are essential, we always recommend choosing your roofing installation team cautiously. An honest answer to “how long does a roof last? depends on the quality of the installation. Our team at Roof Check Inc. provides professional services to ensure that your quality roof system is installed to meet all code and manufacturer expectations. We can also work with you to select a Class 3 or Class 4 impact rated material to help extend the life of your roof. Contact our team today to get a free estimate for your roof.
Contact Roof Check Inc. Today
How long does a roof last in Longmont? Contact our Longmont roofing team to request an estimate. Since 1984, our family-owned business has been consulting home and business owners about whether their roofs need a simple repair or full replacement. Our comprehensive consultation will take the guesswork out of any questions you may have about the longevity of your roof. Additionally, we back up all of our services with a five year Re-Roof Workmanship warranty. Our large in-house operation has cultivated trust in the community and our experienced team members continue to provide our customers with quality products and services.
