How Do You Extend the Life of Your Roof?

Most homeowners don’t really dwell on how long their roof will last until they need to schedule a roof repair in San Diego, CA. It is only then that they start to worry whether they will have to include a roof replacement in their budget. As a responsible homeowner, this is the type of scenario you want to avoid: you don’t want that big of a dent in your budget. 

On the other hand, you are justified to have safety concerns if there is a major issue with your roof. So how do you make sure your roof stays healthy in the years to come? What can you do to extend the life of your roof and make it last as long as possible? Read on for our helpful guide which we have based on decades of experience in the roofing industry.

 

How many years does a roof last? 

Whether you plan on selling the house or keeping it, professional and responsible roof care and maintenance is the only way to get your roof to last long. Depending on the material, a roof may last between 20 and 50 years. Left neglected, its life expectancy will be drastically reduced. 

Taking preventative measures with regular roof inspections and maintenance and occasional roof repairs performed on an as-needed basis will help you postpone roof replacement which is not only expensive, but also time-consuming and inconvenient.

What is the life expectancy of a roof depending on the material?

The life expectancy of a roof depends on various factors, the most important one being roofing materials. The most durable roofing materials include slate, copper and tile roofs which can last over 50 years, while wood roofs tend to last up to 30 years. An average shingle roof may last up to 20 to 25 years before you need to have it replaced.

How do you extend the life of a shingle roof? 

If your roof suffers damage, it is not going to take place over night. Taking preventative action is therefore your best bet against worst-case scenarios in which you are left with no other choice than to replace the entire roof. 

To extend the life of your shingle roof, or any type of roof for that matter, take the following steps and precautionary measures:

 

• Perform regular gutter maintenance,
• Trim the trees and remove vegetation, fungi, mold and mildew,
• Ensure proper attic ventilation,
• Ensure proper insulation,
• Be mindful of any changes such as granule loss,
• Clean the shingles on a regular basis,
• Ensure your roof is watertight,
• Schedule annual professional roof inspections.

 

Even though shingles come with a manufacturer’s warranty of 30 or 40 years, expecting them to actually last that long would be unrealistic. For instance, if you buy shingles with the expected service life of 30, the most you can get out of them is 25 years, and that’s with proper care. If neglected, the 30-year shingles will last you 15 years at best. 

The only way to cut down roof repair and roof replacement costs down the line is to schedule proper roof inspections and maintenance. You will be saving yourself money and sparing yourself headaches going forward.

From small roof repairs to full roof replacement, we’re by your side

If you need an experienced contractor to provide reliable roof repair in San Diego, CA, you’ve come to the right place. We handle everything from cosmetic issues that have no effect on your roof’s functionality to persistent roof leaks and extensive roof damage. Call for consultation and we will give you recommendations in accordance with the scope of your roof problem, your optimal budget and your preferred roof repair timeline. We will help you make the right call in all roof-related matters across San Diego County, Orange County and Riverside County, as well as set up your roof maintenance schedule and perform your roof repair and maintenance going forward.