Getting your roof back on track may seem like a straightforward task, but there’s actually more to restoring roofs than quick repairs and regular maintenance. Part of that is understanding the factors that can affect how long a roof lasts, one of which is your property itself. How does your home affect your roof’s lifespan?

Your property’s location

Not all properties are made equal, and when a home is located in an area with a relatively calm climate, it is bound to have a roof that lasts longer compared to one over a property situated in a harsh climate. Say, your home experiences a lot of rain. Your roof will have a higher risk for leaks than one subjected to less rain. Live near wooded areas? Having trees close by may offer some level of UV protection for your roof but having overhanging branches increases your roof’s risks of getting scratched and damaged by falling branches.

PART 1: YOUR PROPERTY AND YOUR ROOF’S LIFESPAN

Your property’s size

Does your home cover a large area? Even the size of your property has an effect on your roof’s longevity. A high-pitched roof covering a large expanse of a home will need significantly more roofing material than a lower-pitched or flat roof over the same floor space. This means more support columns that might give way later on, or more shingles that can get damaged or missing. Making sure your roof’s style complements the size of your home will help in ensuring a roof has a long lifespan.

Your property’s structural materials

What the rest of your property is made of can also spell the difference between a long-lasting roof and a short-lived one. Homes with excellent siding and ceiling materials are great at keeping the home insulated. Coupled with proper ventilation, this makes it less likely for your roof to overheat and suffer heat-related damage. Even windows and doors affect insulation and ventilation in your home so they also have an indirect impact on your roof.

PART 1: YOUR PROPERTY AND YOUR ROOF’S LIFESPAN

Roof problems are bound to happen regardless of the type of roof you have. Fortunately, you have two options when dealing with roof problems: have your roof fixed or have it totally replaced. What should you choose? This depends on several factors, including:

EXTENT OF DAMAGE

How bad is your roof’s condition? Is it springing a leak or is it almost like it’s raining inside? When damage is mild enough, roof repair should take care of the problem. Anything severe or either too difficult or too expensive to repair will warrant a replacement.

AGE

The older your roof is, the more likely it is to get bent out of shape. Sure, minor roof problems on an old roof can still be repaired, but expect more to come in the near future. Given frequent repairs will be more expensive and highly inconvenient, it would be better off if you opted for a roof replacement instead.

PART 2: REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS - THE BASICS

ROOFING MATERIAL

The kind of roofing material you currently have in place may play a part in determining whether you should get a repair or replacement by giving you the opportunity to assess if you’d like to stick with it or replace it with another material. Say, you have an asphalt shingle roof right now. If damage is extensive enough, you can take the need for a replacement as a chance to upgrade to metal or wood shingles or even slate.

URGENCY

Do you have time to spare or is an immediate remedy needed? Sometimes, there are instances where it’s not possible to do a replacement, like in the middle of a storm. If this is the case, even when you’d rather have a replacement, it is best to opt for emergency repairs first just to address the most pressing concern at the moment. When the weather clears, a replacement can then be discussed with your local contractor.

PART 2: REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS - THE BASICS

A lot of people assume that making a roof last as long as it could is just a matter of employing proper maintenance and addressing problems quickly. What most people fail to realize is that a roof’s longevity also depends on how well it was installed in the first place. The benefits of proper installation are best enjoyed by those seeking roof replacements but a properly done repair will also be advantageous.

The Material Issue

When talking about roofing materials, it’s easy to focus just on durability as a measure of longevity. However, how a material is installed will have a hand in dictating how long your roof will last. How?

Roofing contractors, for instance, will take into account a roofing material’s weight to determine if additional structural support will be required. Structural support is integral in ensuring your roof stays up so making sure that additional ones are included when necessary guarantees that your roof has what it needs to keep on protecting your home.

PART 3: HOW INSTALLATION KEEPS YOUR ROOF IN SHAPE LONGER

The Installation Process

The best way to make the most out of anything is to use it the right way. The same goes for roofing materials. By installing them according to manufacturer’s specifications, roofing materials are assured to perform as expected, withstanding whatever the elements may bring to continue being useful for a long period of time. If improperly installed, a roof is less like to resist wind, rain and other elements, making it more likely to deteriorate faster, which will result in more maintenance work or replacement.

Ensuring Proper Installation

There is only one way to ensure proper installation and that’s to make sure you work only with a certified roofing contractor. There will be many roofers interested in having your business but not all of them will have the necessary training you’re looking for. If you’re interested in GAF roofing products, for example, take the time to make sure that your roofing contractor is certified by GAF to install their roofing products.

Despite the various factors that affect a roof’s integrity, keeping your roof in good shape is not as difficult as some people think. Constant care combined with a little foresight and research can surely add years to your roof’s lifespan.

PART 3: HOW INSTALLATION KEEPS YOUR ROOF IN SHAPE LONGER

Patriot Roofing

1623 Stone Drive NW Gig Harbor, WA, 98335

Fax: 253-265-6868Phone: (253) 448-8222.

Patriotroofing.biz