Shingle roofs are the most prevalent style of roofing. Unless your property has a flat roof, the odds are you have roof shingles. If you take care of basic roof maintenance, your home’s roof can last between 15 to 100 years, depending on the kinds of shingles you use. In addition to the shingles you use, there are a variety of factors that can shorten your roof’s lifespan
Hail, windstorms, and even direct sunlight will all cause wear and tear to your roofing. Moss and mold growth, and debris on your shingled roof can lead to roof damage if it isn’t cleared promptly. The kind of roof shingles you have will make a difference in the cost to replace roof shingles and how well they hold up in the area you live in. Let’s take a look at the most common types of roof shingles.
Asphalt Shingle Roof
The most commonly used roof shingle is made from asphalt. This is because asphalt roof shingles are relatively easy to install and maintain, and they are widely available at a low price. Asphalt shingle roofs last between 15 and 30 years, depending on the weather in your area, and there is a variety of colors and styles to choose from.
Unfortunately, they are not as resilient against mold and UV damage as other roofing materials, and even when an expert installs them, they are prone to losing shingles after wind storms. A single missing shingle can cause a leak relatively quickly, so asphalt roof shingles need to be inspected often and replaced promptly.
Cedar Shake Shingle Roof
A cedar shake roof lasts up to 50 years in the right environment and provides a unique, natural look to your home. However, they are aren’t nearly as resistant to moisture as asphalt shingles are. Cedar roof shingles can be a great choice for a dry environment, but they are much more costly than asphalt shingles and will start to warp long before their 50 year expected lifespan.
In a damp environment, cedar shake is more susceptible to mold. Mold can also be an issue from sap dripping off of overhanging trees. If cedar shake roof shingles aren’t coated with a fire retardant, they can become a fire hazard in areas prone to wildfires.
Clay Tile Roof
A tile roof is the most durable, long-lasting roof, with a life expectancy of over 100 years with the right care. This roof also provides some of the best insulation to sound and heat out of any roofing material. However, maintenance can be difficult without an expert. Inexperienced roofers can easily damage a clay tile roof by walking on it incorrectly.
Tile roofing can crack from hail, water damage, or falling debris. However, they are much more wind resistant than asphalt or wood roof shingles, as long as they are appropriately attached. Despite how fragile they are, the roof’s overall structure is well protected by clay, and as long as you keep up maintenance, you will likely never need a roof replacement.
Metal Roofing
A metal shingle roof can last 70 years or more without a roof replacement. They also provide much better insulation, which can lower your heating bill compared to the traditional asphalt shingles. They are also one of the best roofing choices for solar panels. They provide an easy site for installation, and they will certainly outlast your solar energy system. Metal roofing is also much more environmentally friendly because all of its components are easily recyclable, so they won’t end up in the landfill.
Metal roofing shingles are more resistant to direct sunlight than traditional asphalt shingles, and they are much tougher against hail and wind. Surprisingly, they are also much lighter weight than asphalt shingles, and can be positioned directly on top of a shingle roof, provided it’s in good enough shape.
The drawback to metal shingles is they are more expensive and harder to install than traditional shingles. Not all roofers will work with metal shingles, so you need to ensure you have an experienced pro to install or repair a metal roof.
Regular maintenance is crucial
No matter what roofing material your shingles are made of, they all require maintenance to last. You should have your roof inspected by a professional twice a year, generally in the spring and fall when the weather can make them vulnerable to damage.
A professional roofer can spot these trouble areas with a regular roof inspection and offer roof shingles repair before you have serious damage. This can mean the difference between basic roof repair and installing a new roof.
If you skip regular roof inspections, you can miss simple problems before they develop into serious issues that will require a costly repair to fix. Our San Diego roofing company offers low-stress roof installations and maintenance in the San Diego area so you can keep your home’s roof at its full potential. That means lower energy bills and a safer home for your family. Contact Preman Roofing today for a free estimate, or to get more information more about our maintenance plans for commercial roofing and residential roofing.
