A roof is not a small investment. So you want to keep it as long as you can, whether you build a new one or replace an old roof. Naturally, many factors contribute to the length of your roof. Some of them, like the weather and the environment you live in, are out of your control. An extremely old roof or a harsh weather exposed roof regularly can get damaged easily. It will not last as long. The effects of industrial pollution on the roofing materials will also be adverse.
Preferred Roofing is here to discuss each factor that affects the durability of the roof as one of the finest roofing companies in OKC in different roofing products for residential and commercial properties:
Material
Asphalt shingle is America’s most popular roofing material because it offers the most beautiful, durable, energy-efficient and sustainable trade-offs. However, asphalt shingles hardly compare when it comes to longevity compared to tile and metal roofs.
Slope
The slope defines the ability of the roof to drain water. All flexible roofing systems have a limit on how much wearing they can tolerate before they lose their strength. This is why low-pitch roofs are advisable with flat roofing systems
Weather Elements and Sun
Although roofing systems can resist harmful and corrosive components, the most potent roofing system is eventually affected by strong winds, torrential downpour and hailstones.
On the other hand, heat influences wear and tear, especially in the dark coloration of the roofing material which allows it to absorb more energy. Intense UV radiation speeds up roof degradation. Happily, some roofing products are designed to provide effective, beautiful UV resistance.
Ventilation and Insulation
Inadequate ventilation of the attic cooks materials from the inside, especially asphalt shingles. Moreover, the wooden roof deck is vulnerable to moisture deterioration and causes condensation. The temperature on your attic can soar due to insufficient isolation. This makes it very difficult to regulate the temperature in your attic in combination with poor ventilation
Installation
Premature roof failures are the most common cause of work errors. Incorrect installations can still lead to early deterioration, requiring premature replacement, even if you select the highest quality roofing material on the market.
Age
The even longest lasting roofs will age. Consider always the age factor to make financially sensitive decisions in servicing your old roofing system. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to save an old roof.
Maintenance
Like every roof, if you do not correctly tend your roof means that you do not expect to make it last. Furthermore, if you forget special maintenance duties, you may lose the validity of your warranty.
Which Is the Longest Lasting One?
Most the roofing companies in OKC rate slate as the longest lasting roofing material by far at 150 + years, closely followed by clay and cement at about 100 years. If you plan to stay in a home for generations, this would seem to make them the ideal choice, but these materials have drawbacks to consider:
- Its high cost
- Its excessive weight
- Its limited options for designs and colors
What are the alternatives then? Here are some for you:
Asphalt Shingles: These materials may last between 10 and 20 years as the most common roofing material in the United States although products placed on the market in the past years have a lifetime of up to 50 years.
Architectural Asphalt: The asphalt has a higher quality, and the durability is 30 years on average.
Metal: It is expected that metal roofing will last 40 to 80 years.
Wood: Wood roofing is a high level of maintenance, but it should last for about 30 years with proper care and attention.
These are, of course, only rough estimates and, as we said before, many factors can influence the roofs. When you choose your roofing materials, the best solution is to consult experienced roofing companies in OKC about what suits your situation and budget best.
We will help you choose the best thing for you and your family here at Preferred Roofing, so today we are pleased to help you with your roofing-related inquiries.