Clients will often ask – can roofs actually last a lifetime? If you’re a Coure’ d’ Alene homeowner and business considering investing in a new roofing system, you’ve likely been bombarded by roofing manufacturers claiming their shingles do indeed last a “lifetime”.
While that may sound good on paper, you may find yourself wondering if claims could possibly be true.
Unfortunately, these claims are not true.
Large roofing manufacturers claim these “lifetime” warranties on products that don’t deliver on their promise. At the same time, they’re charging homeowners and businesses alike an arm and a leg. At Western Construction & Roofing, you’ll pay approximately half of what other roofing companies will provide, all while receiving an equal or greater quality roof.
In this blog post we break down what “lifetime” actually means, and what factors into a roofing system’s longevity.
Can Roofs Actually Last a Lifetime
Contrary to claims of most large roofing manufacturers, shingles can’t last a “lifetime”. Most roofs won’t even last 50 years. While there are certain factors that affect the longevity of your roofing systems, even the best roof typically doesn’t last more than thirty years.
What makes a roof last?
As mentioned, there are several factors that impact how long a roof lasts.
Weather
Weather plays a huge role in how long a roof may last. A roof in Idaho won’t last the same amount of time as a similar roof in California. Here in Coeur d’Alene, harsh winters and warm summers lead to roofs lasting an average of 25-30 years. Hail, and snow can wear on roofing systems, leading to premature wear in many cases.
Maintenance
Just like routine maintenance can keep your car in tip top shape, regular roofing inspections can also help to curb issues before they become detrimental to your roof. Even if nothing is wrong, it’s a good idea to have your roof checked twice a year — once during spring and once during fall— to ensure your roof is ready for the season ahead. If caught early, leaks and missing shingles can be mended quickly, putting off the need for total roof replacement.
Shingle Quality
Another factor that affects how long a roofing system lasts is the quality of the materials used. Many roofers stand by GAF as the gold standard for shingles. However, our experts at Western Construction and Roofing recommend Owens Corning Duration, IKO Dynasty, and Malarkey. In our experience, the double layer shingle and reinforced strip featured with Owens Corning Duration shingles is more reliable and long-lasting than GAF shingles.
Ventilation
Attic ventilation is key to keeping moisture out, heat in, and keeping your home insulated year round. If your attic isn’t properly ventilated, your shingles can negatively be affected by both heat and moisture. During long Idaho winters this translates to warped and waving roof decking. In the heat of summer, this can look like cracked shingles.
At Western Construction and Roofing our top priority is keeping you, the buyer, informed. Informed on the truth of how long your roof will last, informed on what it should cost, and informed on the most cost-effective way to pay for it. Many roofing companies will try to sell you expensive roofs with lofty promises. Our team at Western Construction provides the facts alongside quality serve and workmanship to provide you with a quality roof.
Can Roofs Actually Last a Lifetime? Ask Western Roofing Yourself!
If you’re interested in investing in a new roofing system, please contact our team at Western Construction and Roofing today! We provide quality roofing service, lightning-fast response times, and are expert on handling roof-related insurance claims for both residential and commercial clients. Our team looks forward to working with you soon.