Have you thought about your home’s roof lately?
If not, now might be the time. Roof maintenance is something you want to take care of before a problem arises, not amidst dealing with leaks and mold.
But finding a good roofing company can be difficult. With so many companies offering similar (or different) services, it’s hard to know where to start. Should you get maintenance, or do you need a whole new roof? How long does a roof even last?
We’ve got an easy solution to roof maintenance woes. Read on to learn more about maximizing the lifespan of your room, leaving you dry and stress-free.
Table of Contents
How Long Do Roofs Last?
Well, that depends on a few things:
Roofing materials
Quality of installation
Roof maintenance
Local weather
Moss and trees
And more
According to the top PDX roofing professionals, New Generation Roofing, a well-installed asphalt shingle roof can last between 25-30 years.
However, given the rain and prevalence of moss in the PNW, roofs in the greater Portland area tend to last closer to 20-25 years. New Generation Roofing will provide an inspection and a free estimate to help you determine if it’s time for a new roof. Contact us today.
4 Factors That Determine How Long Roofs Last
What does it take to make a roof last? Here are the top four factors determining roofing longevity:
#1: Materials Used
One of the biggest factors in roof longevity is the quality of materials used. If you want to know how long your roof will last, you need to know what kind of materials went into making it.
Type of roofing: These days there are many different materials that can be used for roofing —from asphalt shingles to clay, plastic, metal, and more.
Quality of roofing materials: All roofing options run the scale of quality. Unfortunately, cost and longevity are closely linked, with more expensive roofing materials lasting longer than their cheaper counterparts. If you choose a quality, knowledgeable roofing contractor like New Generation Roofing in Gresham, Oregon you can trust we only use the best materials.
Roof underlayment: A roof is more than just the tiles. A moisture resistant underlayment is a critical, often overlooked, roofing material. It prevents leaking and mold should something happen to the exterior roof and generally adds to its longevity.
#2: Installation
Quality installation matters in any home project, especially when it comes to roofing.
According to Adjusters International, one of the top causes of roofing failure — including leaks, water damage, and collapses —is poor installation. This can be caused by cheap materials and shoddy workmanship on the part of the contractor. That's why it is so important to choose the right roofing contractor. Inexperienced contractors often offer low prices, but you end up paying more for repairs and eventual roof replacement.
When you are looking for roof maintenance or repair choose a licensed professional with plenty of good reviews and years of experience. Contact New Generation Roofing in Gresham today.
#3: Climate and Location
Location, location, location! This is true of both real estate and roofing.
Is your home located in an area that gets heavy snowfalls, or tropical storms? What about long damp seasons, like the ones in Portland, OR? All these things can impact the longevity of a roof and how much maintenance and repair is needed.
Temperatures that waver from hot to cold can cause cracks in the roof, so durable options are important in places that experience extreme temperature changes. Places where wind and hail are likely require strong roof options to prevent damage, not just from large debris but also from micro-tears which can collect water and cause mold and leaks.
Rain and wind can damage a roof, but hot deserts have problems too. The constant rays of the sun wear down asphalt roofs over time, causing bleaching and UV damage.
Finally, damp cool places like Portland, OR, have issues with moss growth on the roof. Moss might look harmless, but this fuzzy green menace can eat through the asphalt on your roof shingles, leaving the roof vulnerable to leaks during the long rainy months.
#4: Maintenance
Roof maintenance is often ignored, much to the detriment of the homeowner.
In the greater Portland area, it is especially important to have your roof regularly maintained. New Generation Roofing offers inexpensive maintenance options that extend the life of your roof, including:
Removal of moss and algae, which can erode roof tiles
Cleaning roof and gutters of leaves and debris
Treatment to prevent moss regrowing on your roof
Sealing exposed nails
General roof inspection to check for any current or soon-to-appear problems on your roof, such as cracks or leaks
After cleaning and inspecting your roof, the experienced roofers at New Generation Roofing will carefully collect and remove all the debris from the roof, being careful not to damage any landscaping or deck furniture.
This maintenance will not only increase the curb appeal of your home by having a clean roof but will also extend your roof’s longevity and prevent moss damage.
Commonly Asked Questions About How Long Roofs Last
When Should I Worry About My Roof?
If you notice any of these problems with your roof, it is time to call a roofer:
Damaged shingles: Broken, loose, and curled or “cupped” shingles all indicate serious problems.
Shingles missing asphalt granules: These can be eaten away by moss or water erosion.
Roof leaks: If you notice a leak in your roof, take action immediately! The trapped moisture in a roof leak can cause dangerous mold and severe structural damage. It can even lead to roof collapse.
Roof age: If your roof is over 20 years old, it may be time to consider replacement.
Mold and discoloration on the roof or ceiling: This can indicate there is a small leak somewhere undetected.
Heavy moss or algae: Moss is a fuzzy green plant that can take root on a roof, while algae appear like dark blue-green slime. Both are hazardous if left unchecked, as they can erode roof tiles.
Worried about your roof? Don’t be! Reach out to New Generation Roofing for a free roof inspection and estimate.
How Long Do Shingle Roofs Last?
A shingle roof can last between 12-25 years. Why the big range? The longevity of a shingle roof depends on the climate and whether or not regular maintenance is being performed.
The quality of the shingles used matters as well. For example, three-tab asphalt shingles last 15-20 years if properly installed and maintained. They are less expensive than dimensional shingles, aka architectural shingles, which last closer to 30 years.
Do 30-Year Shingles Really Last 30 Years?
It depends. If your home is located in a very temperate climate without a lot of intense weather or heavy sun, your shingles might last 30 years.
Generally, they don’t. In addition to the elements, human error can impact asphalt roof longevity. If installed incorrectly, 30-year shingles won’t withstand the test of time — that's why it is so important to get a good roofing contractor.
New Generation Roofing: Top-Rated Gresham Roofing Professionals You Can Count On To Get the Job Done Right
Think your roof might be coming to the end of its life? In need of some moss removal and maintenance?
Reach out to New Generation Roofing. Our family business has decades of experience in roofing serving Gresham, OR, as well as the surrounding areas. Whether you need maintenance and an inspection or a whole new roof, you can trust us to give you top quality work at reasonable prices. Reach out for a free inspection today.
