The life expectancy of your roof depends on several factors; type of
roofing, quality of material, and exposure to harsh weather elements
among the top. With regular maintenance and normal weathering factors, a
roof can last anywhere from 10 100 years.
Common roofing material such as built up roofing usually lasts 12 20
years, metal roofing 15 40 years, wood shake or shingles 10 40 years,
asphalt shingles 15 20 years, and specialty material like slate up to
100 years under good conditions.
Leaks start as small cracks in roofing material that may not be
visible; water may collect in an adjacent area. To detect such damage, a
close inspection of the roof may be necessary.
A certified roofing contractor can be called to avoid further damage
to the roof, or personal injury to the homeowner caused by trying to
inspect it his or her self. A roof inspection should be performed
annually; constant weathering by sun, heat, rain, snow, hail, wind, and
cold can cause roofing material to break down. A certified roofing
contractor will know what to look for.
A roof and soffit system should be properly vented to prevent
over-heating and moisture retention, two factors that can cause a roof
to break down prematurely.
