Northern Virginia enjoys a moderate climate, but the occasional extremes of cold and heat and storms can all take their toll on roofs in the area. A roof replacement can be a very costly endeavor, so many homeowners wonder how long they can expect their roofs to last. Learn more about the factors that can influence the average roof life in Northern Virginia.
The Roof’s Position
Roofs that have a southern orientation tend to gather more heat and are subject to more damage from the sun’s UV rays, which means they may deteriorate more rapidly.
The Roof’s Material
The material is one of the biggest factors determining a roof’s longevity. Outlined below are estimates for the average lifespan of a variety of popular roofing materials:
- Wood shingles – 30 to 40 years
- Metal roofing – Up to 50 years
- Slate roofing – Up to 150 years
- Asphalt shingles – 20 to 30 years
- Tile roofing – Up to 100 years
- Laminate shingles – 24 to 30 years
Keep in mind that weather factors and other considerations will ultimately determine whether a specific roof lasts closer to the earlier or higher end of the range.
The Quality Of The Roof’s Installation
Even the best roof will not perform as expected without proper installation. Therefore, it is essential to hire an experienced roofing company with specialized technicians who can carry out the work to the highest standards.
The Color Of The Roof
Another consideration is the color of the roof, with darker roofs absorbing heat, which can speed up the process of deterioration.
The Roof’s Pitch
The pitch of a roof can have a surprising effect on how long it lasts. For example, a flat roof will struggle to shed water, which means that it will be prone to pooling that could leak into small fissures on the roof.
Extreme Conditions
Spells of extreme moisture, cold or sun can reduce the lifespan of a roof regardless of its composition, although some roofing materials withstand these conditions better than others.
Storms
Hail is one of the biggest threats to a Northern Virginia roof as it can crack or break roofing materials and allow water and snow to seep inside. Once this water enters fissures and refreezes, the expansion can create additional damage to tiles and shingles. In addition, storms of all kinds are capable of damaging roofing materials through heavy winds, fallen tree limbs and flying debris.
How To Extend The Lifespan Of A Northern Virginia Roof
Homeowners can perform regular maintenance to help their roof last as long as possible. Regularly checking the roof for missing or damaged roofing materials is essential. Homeowners can carry out these checks at regular intervals, such as at the beginning of each season, and they should also conduct a review following a bout of extreme weather or a major storm.
If there is any fallen debris on the roof, it is important to clear it away quickly. Homeowners who are unable to do this safely should call a professional. Any areas where the roof has been damaged by fallen debris should be replaced or repaired immediately. In addition, it is important to check for signs of mold or fungus.
Another area to inspect is the flashing around vents, chimneys and skylights. Ensure there are no signs of rust or damage anywhere on the flashing.
It is important to ensure that a roof is properly ventilated to control moisture. If moisture accumulates, it is essential to have the roof ventilation reviewed to avoid creating conditions that foster the growth of potentially dangerous mold.
Homeowners should also inspect their roof from the inside by heading into the attic to look for visible signs of leaks, water staining or moisture. It may be necessary to use a flashlight to get a closer look at corners. From time to time, it is a good idea to go inside the attic on a sunny day to look for pinpoints of light shining through, which may indicate an area of the roof that has been damaged yet that is impossible to observe from the outside.
Finally, homeowners should wash out their gutters regularly to prevent ice dams from forming. Ice dams can tear off gutters, loosen the shingles on the roof and cause water to back up and enter the home.
Homeowners should have their roofs professionally cleaned on a regular basis. This can help to remove growth such as moss, algae and lichen that can cause extensive damage. After cleaning the roof, professionals can apply preventive products to stop these issues from returning.
Get In Touch With Adelphia Exteriors
Make sure your roof is ready to stand up to Northern Virginia weather with help from the roofing experts at Adelphia Exteriors. Family-owned and operated, the friendly team at Adelphia Exteriors has decades of experience in exterior remodeling and is committed to providing excellent service. Reach out to them online or over the phone by calling (703) 386-7357.