Having a new roof installed is a fairly large investment so, naturally, it makes sense that homeowners do the best they can to get the most out of their roof and increase its lifespan as much as possible. Your roof will eventually reach the end of its life but the end goal is to ensure that this is put off.
So, what factors can influence the lifespan of your roof and how can you prevent these factors from taking its toll? Well, we grouped them into three major categories for you to explore.
Weather & Climate
It shouldn’t be a surprise that weather and climate are not only on this list but one of the first to appear as this is likely the number one factor to affect your roof. Since your roof is located outside of your home and is the one thing, besides windows and walls, protecting you, your family, and your belongings from the elements, it makes sense that years of weather and climate will wear out the shingles on your home.
There are a variety of weather conditions that can affect your home including hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, thunderstorms, and even heavy downpours and harsh winds. These conditions can wear down even the strongest roof. These are not necessarily your fault but your roof’s lifespan won’t be impacted if you make good decisions in the beginning prior to having a new Indianapolis roof installed.
You have a couple of options at your disposal which are (1) you can research different roofing materials and find a roofing contractor who specializes in using that material or (2) if you are unsure about which type of roofing material will work best with your climate, you can find a local roofing company such as Lanes Contracting & Roofing, that knows already which roofing materials would last the longest where you live.
Materials & Installation
Ever heard of the expression “you get what you pay for”? Well, if you just go with whatever roofing company or roofing material (or both) is cheaper, then you are most likely going to end up replacing your roof prematurely.
Indianapolis roofing materials are plentiful in variety so it can be difficult to choose which one is best for longevity. There are wood, asphalt, concrete, metal, ceramic, and many other types of roofing shingles that you can choose from –– each ranging in how long they will last. If you opt for concrete or metal shingles, you are not only likely to have a longer-lasting roof but one that will stand up to the elements better too. Another good material that you have to include in your list in order to have a long-lasting roof is an ember guards kit. These DIY ember guard kits make it a breeze to prevent the destruction of your home due to wind-borne embers. They not only prevent embers from getting through, but will reduce the build-up of leaves and other debris from piling up in your gutters – which serve as fuel for these embers, and could compromise the safety of your home.
It doesn’t matter if you have the best roofing materials –– if isn’t installed correctly, it won’t serve its purpose. This is why it is crucial that you do your research and find a good Indianapolis roofing contractor that will properly install your roof. If there are any defects, this will definitely impact the lifespan of your roof.
Age & Maintenance
Bottom line, your roof’s age is a given concerning lifespan. If your roof is near the end of its life, then you know that you will have to invest in a new one. Now, if you purchase a home that is already built, then you need to ask how old the roof is so you know if it needs to be repaired or if you can expect to replace it sometime soon.
Like with age, it is expected that a homeowner maintains all aspects of his house –– including a roof. No one can reasonably expect anything to last a long time if it isn’t given a little tender, loving care. By making routine maintenance and regular repairs with roofing contractors as needed, you can expect to have a roof that will see the end of its intended lifespan.
Giving Your Indianapolis Roof The Proper TLC
Nothing is meant to last forever –– even our home’s roof. But, there are certain factors that contribute to a roof’s ability to battle time like weather, climate, age, maintenance, installation, and roofing materials. If we can make good financial judgments across all of these areas, one can guarantee not only a more financially smart approach to roofing but also obtain a roof that will last the full length of its lifespan.
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