One of the most common questions that Georgia homeowners ask their contractors when having a roofing replacement done is how long their new roof will last.
Although it is a valid question, there is no definite answer that any roofer can give because there are many variables involved.
It is possible to get a general idea of what lifespan to expect when your home's roof is replaced by taking a few factors into consideration.
Keep these ideas in mind so you are sure to get the longest life possible from that new roofing installation!
1. Different Materials, Different Life Expectancy
The first and most important factor when determining how long any home roof that is replaced will last is the materials used.
No two roof systems are the same and each comes with a different life expectancy from the maker of those materials.
Based on the life expectancies suggested by different roofing material manufacturers, these are some general roofing replacement lifespans of the various materials:
- Asphalt Shingles - 15 to 20 years for standard 3-tab, non-premium flat shingles.
- Architectural and Dimensional Shingles - 25 to 40 years or more depending on the quality and design of the product.
- Wood Shingles - 25 to 30 years with proper maintenance and regular sealing.
- Metal Roofing - 50 to 75 years depending on metal type, gauge, and protective coatings.
- Clay and Concrete Tiles - 50 to 100 years or more when well maintained.
- Slate Shingles - 75 to 100 years or more; some slate roofs have lasted centuries.
2. Georgia Weather’s Effect On Roof Life
Another factor when estimating the life expectancy of any residential roofing replacement is the local climate, as certain weather can age the materials faster than others.
In Georgia, roofers find that the extreme heat, powerful storms, and strong winds that are common increase the speed at which roofing materials age.
High moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations can degrade materials and damage from hurricanes as well as big storms can loosen them and reduce their watertight effect in various ways.
Some materials can withstand certain extremes better than others, so it is always a good idea to choose a material that will last the longest in your local climate.
3. Proper Maintenance Affects Everything
In light of this information, roofers point out that just because a replaced roof has a certain life expectancy, there is no guarantee that yours will last as long.
As noted above, climate can take a toll on any roofing replacement, shortening its lifespan.
More importantly, so can a lack of maintenance or ignoring needed repairs.
Taking care of all required maintenance, arranging for regular inspections, and making needed repairs quickly increases the chance that any installation will reach or even surpass its life expectancy.
Without that necessary care, premature aging is likely.
How Long Will Your Georgia Roof Last?
Though there is no way for a contractor to tell exactly how long a residential roofing replacement will last, it is possible to estimate lifespan in order to achieve that.
Consider the recommended life expectancy of the materials chosen to replace a roof based on their quality and the manufacturer’s suggestion, then move ahead with a plan to carefully maintain and protect those materials.
When working with an experienced local roofer to keep your roof in great condition, it is highly likely that to see a long life from any roofing investment!
