How much life does your roof have left in it? If you’re like most homeowners, this is a question that pops up whenever you see a bolt of lightning or hear that distinctive crack of thunder. Roof replacement isn’t something you should have to worry about often, certainly no more than once throughout the life of your home if you’re someone who trades up every few years.
A professionally installed roof should last a minimum of 15 years, regardless of the materials used. But it’s the material and workmanship that dictates the life expectancy of a residential roof. Some roofing materials last 50 years or more.
Best Materials for a Long-Lasting Roof
Asphalt Shingles
Roofing comprised of asphalt shingles often last between 15 and 30 years, when professionally installed. A favorite for homeowners across the country, asphalt shingles look nice, wear well, and are the most economical roofing material available.
Stone Coated Steel
Stone Coated Steel combines the longevity of metal roofing materials with the aesthetics of traditional shingles. It can last anywhere from 40-70 years and is extremely durable and low maintenance during its lifespan.
Clay Tiles
It could be 50 years before you have to repair or replace roof if you opt for clay tiles. Bold and attractive, clay gives your home a distinctive, southwestern appearance that may or may not fit with the houses that surround it.
Slate Tiles
Slate is undeniably the longest-lasting material for roofing. Unfortunately, its weight and cost exclude it as a viable option for most homeowners. Slate tiles can last 100 years, and the manufacturers of slate tiles often offer 50-year warranties because of this. But to use heavy slate on a residential roof, the home usually has to reinforced, which makes this a costly and rarely feasible option.
High-End Metal Sheets
Metal for roofing ranges from economical to pricey. It’s the top-of-the-line metal sheeting that can last for around 70 years. This metal features a 22-24 gauge steel with non-exposed fasteners. Lower-end metal roofing panels with exposed fasteners are susceptible to leaks over time because temperature-induced expansion and contraction of the panels cause the fastener holes to stretch and allows water to penetrate.
Signs Your Existing Roof Is Failing
A brief walk around your home should help you decide whether a professional inspection is needed. If you see any of the following items, contact a roofing professional.
- Loose, flapping, cracked, broken or warped shingles.
- Undulations in the decking.
- Daylight coming through metal roofing while in your attic.
- Metal sheets are rusted.
- Watermarks on your ceiling and walls.
At Perry Roofing, we believe our customers shouldn’t have to worry about their roofs. That’s why we have been Gainesville and North Central Florida’s leading roofing provider since 1976. Give us a call today for a free, no-obligation inspection of your current roof and we can help you make sense of what roofing system will serve you best.
We’ll take care of your roof so you can go back to focusing on what really matters most to you.
