Is Your Roof Made of Asphalt Shingles?

As a homeowner, you focus on maintaining your home in the best way possible to protect it and maximize your investment. With your roof, you want to get the longest possible life from this critical structural element. Your roofing contractor will tell you your new roof should give you 25 to 30 years of useful life. The truth is, typically, you will get close to the manufacturer-recommended lifespan of your asphalt roof. However, several elements can affect how long your asphalt roof will last.

This post will explain some facts about your asphalt roof. We'll answer questions like, How long will it last? And, Why does your asphalt roof fail?

So, How Long Can You Expect Your Asphalt Roof To Last in Minnesota?

Your home's roof protects your family and possessions from the weather. When you purchase a home, it's crucial to learn all about the age of its roof, its current condition, and any special requirements for the material and design. Having your roof inspected prior to purchase and then having annual inspections is crucial to extending its lifespan.

Your roof is a significant financial commitment, so you want yours to last as long as possible.

Five Factors to Maximizing Asphalt Roof Lifespan

There are five key factors that can help you to extend the life of your asphalt roof. Understanding these factors allows you to take proactive and preventative measures to extend your roof's usable lifespan.

The Type of Asphalt Shingles

There are three primary types of asphalt shingles: 3-tab, dimensional, and premium asphalt roof shingles. When properly installed and ventilated, each should last 80-85% of their manufacturer's estimated lifespan. That means the average lifespan of a 3-tab shingle roof is 20-22 years, while a dimensional shingle roof should last 25-28 days. Life expectancy is reliant on the quality of installation and the presence of ventilation. 

The Quality of Your Roofing Contractor's Workmanship

Your contractor's expertise is a factor in determining how long your asphalt roof will last, whether you need minor repairs or a complete replacement roof. Working with a reputable roofing contractor means you can rest assured you will receive the highest quality workmanship and roofing materials. By investing in quality materials and having them expertly installed, your roof will last.

Your Local Weather Conditions

Every roof will experience weather-related degradation during its lifetime. The rate at which it deteriorates is proportional to the severity of your local weather. In the South, for example, intense sunlight can cause your roof to deteriorate faster than it would in the Midwest. In Minnesota, we experience cold winters with significant snowfall, hail, and ice. The typical asphalt roof in Minnesota will experience granular loss, and your roof's lifespan will be shortened. You also may not be allowed to make an insurance claim because of it. Your roofing contractor can help you choose the right roofing shingle to meet the challenges of your local weather.

Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is a critical factor in the longevity of your roof. A well-ventilated attic helps you maintain a comfortable temperature year-round by reducing moisture and heat build-up. Roof vents are crucial to promote good air circulation, allowing you to remove the heat and moisture that can damage your property. Stopping your attic from overheating reduces the likelihood of developing damaging ice dams in the cold Minnesota winter and saves money on utility bills. Damage from extreme temperatures and moisture in an improperly ventilated roof can significantly reduce its lifespan. Be aware that improper ventilation can void the manufacturer's warranty on your roofing materials.

Maintenance

When was the last time you went up on your roof? Have you noticed any rips or tears, or maybe some moss? Your roof will remain wet if debris is allowed to accumulate, and moss will continue to grow. When your roof is consistently wet it loses its ability to protect your home from the elements. Annual preventative maintenance is essential for increasing the life of your roof. With regular maintenance, common roofing problems can be detected and remedied before they become critical.

Reasons Your Asphalt Roof Can Fail

Your roof is an essential part of your home. It protects you and your family from wind, rain, hail, extreme heat, and harsh wind. When your roof fails, it can cause significant stress. A new roof can cost thousands of dollars, and you need to find a reliable roofer that can do the job within your budget.

There are preventative measures to take to avoid common roof problems and extend your roof's lifespan. Along with improper ventilation and lack of regular maintenance, here are some additional reasons that roofs fail

Poor Installation

A sound roof starts with proper installation. Unfortunately, some companies will cut corners using cheap materials and rushing through the installation process. This can compromise the long-term integrity of your roof and can leave it more likely to leak and deteriorate more quickly. Before you sign any contract, do your due diligence to know if you are hiring a reputable contractor.

No Flashing

Another way unscrupulous contractors may try to cut corners is by not installing flashing. This is a crucial part of any roof expected to last 20 years or more. A lack of flashing increases the risks of leaks near your chimney, vents, skylights, and more. If your roof doesn't have flashing installed, have your roofer add it as soon as possible.

Mismatched Roof Materials

Don't try to save money by using different materials when your roof needs repairs. Not only will mismatched products look bad, but they can also cause your roof to fail sooner. Mismatched materials can also void your manufacturer's warranty.

Third-Party Damage

Whether adding a satellite dish or skylights, when hiring a third party for any other jobs on your roof, like new gutters, hire someone you can trust. Many third-party vendors can cause costly roof damage while installing their products. Be careful, ask plenty of questions, and choose a company that offers a workmanship warranty before you sign any contract.

Your roof is crucial to your home's safety. Hiring a qualified roofing contractor, using quality materials, and proper preventative maintenance can go far when it comes to extending the life of your roof. Even with the extreme weather in Minnesota, with proper installation and high-quality materials, you should enjoy 20 to 25 years of worry-free service from your roof.

Do you need a new asphalt roof? Do you live in Waseca, Freeborn, or the neighboring Counties in Southern Minnesota? Then you owe it to yourself to call Rooftop Solutions at (507) 400-7663. With 50+ Five-Star Google Reviews, we are not your typical fly-by-night, subcontract-it-out roofing contractor. We are always happy to answer all your roofing questions.