The lifespan of your roof is impacted by a variety of factors. Learn from the pros at Refined Exteriors, how to make the most of your roof’s potential longevity.
Roof Durability in the Denver Area
Your roof contributes to the curb appeal of your home and protects it from the elements. The longevity of your roof is influenced by a variety of factors such as:
- The climate in your area—Shingles last longer in cooler climates than they do in warmer ones, as long as the temperatures don’t change too abruptly.
- The roofing material on your home currently—Understand that asphalt 3-tab shingles last up to 20 years. And high-quality asphalt architectural shingles last 25-30 years. Concrete tile lasts 35-50 years, and EPDM rubber flat commercial roofing lasts 10-16 years.
- Temperature extremes and sudden changes—When temperatures change suddenly, splits, cracks, and other damage can occur to your roof shingles. When shingles get damaged, water can infiltrate your home and cause even more costly problems.
- Your roof color—The darker your roofing materials, the shorter their lifespan. Since dark colors absorb heat, a darker color roof decreases longevity.
- The angle of your home’s roof slope—The higher the roof pitch, the longer a roof lasts.
- Multiple layer roofing—Typically, roofing material is disposed of before roofers install a new roof. When a new roof is installed on top of an existing roof, the new roof will typically have a shorter lifespan.
- Installation practices—Roofing installed by trained professionals will last longer than DIY projects or sloppy roof installation.
- Attic ventilation—When attics are properly vented, your roof lasts longer. If you don’t have adequate attic ventilation, add a ridge vent to your home.
- Trees near your roofing—When trees brush up against your roof, the roof’s lifespan can be decreased.
How to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Roof
You can enjoy a roof replacement that lasts as long as it’s intended to with a few simple steps:
- Stay up to date on preventative maintenance—It’s certainly easier to care for your roof than repair it, so staying proactive on prevention pays off. Keep your roof clear of debris, and trim back any trees that overhang your roof to prevent mold, moss growth, and damaging water buildup. Keep gutters clean to avoid leaks.
- When repairs are needed, act promptly—If you spot a lifted shingle, roof leak, or other problem, it’s vital that you have it repaired promptly to avoid more damage. If moisture penetrates your roof—mold, mildew, and rot can fester and harm your home interior.
- Keep gutters clean from debris—Gutters and fascia are both integral parts of your roofing system and need to be well maintained so you can enjoy the long lifespan of your roof. If gutters start to leak, have them replaced. Additionally, cracks or damage to your fascia need to be treated promptly to prevent water from seeping into your home.
- Inspect your roof twice a year and after severe storms—Every spring and fall, take time to do a visual inspection of your roof. You can use binoculars and step away from your property to get a good look at your roof’s condition without taking the risk of climbing on top of your roof.
- Find a reputable roofer when you need repairs or roof replacement—A major component in your roof’s longevity is hiring a professional roofer to repair or replace it when needed.
Want to know more about roofing options for your home?
Check out our “Roofing Guide”. The best resource when you have to get a new roof over your head.
Signs You Need Roof Repairs
It’s important to be proactive when your roof needs repairing. Here are some signs to look for:
- Shingle granules in your gutters—If you clean out your gutters and find asphalt shingles granules in them, your roof is wearing out and should be repaired.
- Missing granules and bare spots on shingles—If granules are creating bare spots on your shingles, that can create an entry point for water in your home.
- Gutter trouble—Water should be drained away from your home with well-functioning gutters to prevent moisture retention and moisture damage.
- Broken or missing roof shingles—Storms can cause shingles to break or come off, leaving your home vulnerable to the elements.
- Curling or buckling roof shingles—Aging shingles can easily be torn off by wind or ice damage, and if they aren’t replaced, your home’s protection can be compromised.
- Animal droppings—Keep animals off your roof by trimming nearby branches that overhang your roofing system. Animal droppings increase the wear on your shingles.
- Moisture penetration around flashings—The flashings around skylights, valleys, eaves, stacks, and chimneys are all potential entry points for moisture if caulking dries out or lifts, creating a gap.
- Gaps—If there are gaps between your roof and chimney or roof and vents, have them repaired, or caulk them.
Signs You Need Roof Replacement
When your roof is aging, get a roof replacement in a timely fashion to avoid costly hassles that result from moisture penetration. Keep an eye out for:
- Water damage
- Warped shingles
- Sagging wood
- Cracked tiles
- Gaps
- Missing shingles
- Sunlight penetrating your attic
Roof Replacement after a Storm
If your roof becomes damaged due to a hail storm or other severe weather, your homeowner’s insurance policy will likely cover it.
Get Premium Roofing Materials and Expert Installation from a Roofer You Can Trust
At Refined Exteriors, as a full-service roofing contractor, we specialize in roof replacement and repairs. We install premium asphalt shingles, F-wave REVIA synthetic shingles, wood shingles, tile roofing, and commercial flat roofing.
Our licensed and experienced roofing installation team is trained and insured, giving you peace of mind that your roofing will be installed with precision.
We use GAF roofing products, and we are a GAF Master Elite contractor and a GAF Certified Green Roofer. We offer exceptional warranties on our roofing, giving you confidence in your home’s protection.
Contact us today for a free consultation that will give you confidence in your Denver area home.
