Four Things You Need for a Long-lasting Roof

A standard three-tab asphalt shingle roof, the most popular residential roofing option, typically lasts around 15 years. For many homeowners, that’s enough. The average homeowner will live in a single-family home they’ve purchased for 13 years. But for homeowners who don’t anticipate moving in 20, 25, or even 30 years or more, the thought of replacing the roof, perhaps even multiple times, isn’t exciting. Your roof can last 50 years or more with all of the right conditions. Here are four things you’ll need for a long-lasting roof.

Better materials

Asphalt shingles are the most popular in large part because they are the cheapest. But if you’re willing to invest more up front, you can get a roof that lasts much longer. Clay or cement tile, metal, and slate, as well as some synthetic shingles can last decades. The higher upfront cost is offset by savings on future roof replacements.

Even if you want to stick with asphalt shingles, you’re not doomed to have a short-lived roof. Architectural shingles are a higher grade asphalt roofing product that can last longer than standard asphalt shingles. Whichever type of roof you settle on, make sure your contractor is getting high quality materials from a reputable manufacturer.

Adequate ventilation and insulation

Roofs are designed to stand up to the elements on their top side, but on their underside, they are more vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Having sufficient attic insulation will ensure that your attic space is as cold as the air outside. If it gets warm like the inside of your home, you can have issues with ice dams in the winter. In the summer months, attic ventilation keeps your shingles from baking on their underside where they’re more susceptible to warping and cracking.

Proper installation

The quality of your roof is only as good as the installation and even the best materials can fail you prematurely if they’re not installed the right way. It’s for this reason that manufacturers will certify roofers that meet a certain standard of quality. If you try to install your roof yourself, or if you hire an amateur, it will void
your manufacturer’s warranty and your roof won’t last as long.

Regular maintenance

Finally, your roof needs regular inspections and maintenance. A small leak is easily patched and cracked tiles are easily replaced. But if problems go ignored, they become widespread. Whether you need a new roof now, or just some maintenance to extend the life of your existing roof, make sure you contact a licensed, insured, and reputable Spokane roofing company to address your roofing needs.

Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com

Source: detroit.cbslocal.com/2017/11/03/how-to-make-your-roof-last-50-years/

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