No house or commercial property is complete without a reliable roofing system to protect its interior from the elements and contribute to the building’s structural integrity. Because roofing is such an integral aspect of properties, it’s easy to overlook a roof unless it has a problem that you can’t ignore. However, these systems won’t last forever, and a time will come when a replacement becomes unavoidable.
So, how long does a roof last? Would there be a reason to replace the structure before the end of its expected lifespan? These are some of the valid questions you might have about your property.
As one of the top roofing contractors in Austin, TX, Texas Roofers understands how tough it can be to determine when a roof is past its prime. Here, our experts explain what you should know about the average life expectancy for these structures and the factors that could affect it.
How Austin’s Climate Can Affect Your Roof’s Longevity
It’s a good idea to understand how climate and weather impact roofing systems before answering “How long does a roof last?” Because your building’s roofing protects you, your belongings, and the interior building materials from the outside environment, the structure is under constant exposure to various climate-related conditions, such as:
- Rain
- Wind
- Heat
- Harsh ultraviolet rays from the sun
- Cold air
Although roofs contain various materials that can withstand these environmental conditions, they’re not immune to damage. Texas is a massive state, so it has a diverse climate.
In Austin, winters are mild, yet summers are hot and humid. The city is also no stranger to severe storms with damaging winds, hail, and torrential rainfall. All of these factors can cause serious issues for roofs.
For example, humidity and warmth can trap moisture around roofing materials, leading to mold or fungal growth. Excess moisture could cause a roof leak, and the growths could degrade roofing materials prematurely. When it comes to a Texas roof’s longevity, you can’t ignore the impact of weather.
How Long Does the Average Roof Last?
How long does a roof last in Austin? Roofs don’t last forever, but they’ll at least last for a few decades in most cases.
The industry average is 20 years. Once your system reaches its 20-year mark, consider contacting qualified local roofers to inspect the structure to determine if it’s ready for a replacement. Even if your roofing structure seems fine, it could have underlying issues that may jeopardize its durability and performance, resulting in the need for a replacement.
Roofing Lifespans According to Material Type
Even though Texas roofs could last at least two decades, that’s not the case for all systems and materials. Roofing material durability varies. Here are the average lifespans for the most popular material choices for roofing throughout Austin and the surrounding areas:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are among the most popular roof materials due to their affordability. The typical asphalt shingle lifespan is between 15 and 20 years. Due to the regional climate, even the higher-end varieties that claim to last up to 30 years rarely do so in Austin.
Tile Roofing
Concrete or clay tiles have outstanding longevity in comparison to asphalt shingles. Under the right conditions, they can last for 50 years or more.
Still, the underlayment for this material often needs a replacement around the 25 to 30-year mark, which is an expensive, labor-intensive process. If you’re exploring materials for your new roof, understand that while roofing tiles can last a long time, the system itself may need work before the exterior materials reach the end of their life.
Metal Roofing
Another long-standing roofing material for Texas properties is metal. The average lifespan is 50 years or longer. For instance, with periodic maintenance, standing seam metal roofs can last four decades or more.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Like asphalt shingles, wood shakes and shingles have a shorter lifespan, around 20 to 30 years. Yet, you might need more frequent maintenance if your property has this material to prevent leaks and water damage, both of which could compromise the system’s performance and longevity.
Factors Affecting the Longevity of Texas Roofing Systems
You’re not wrong if you’re still asking, “How long does a roof last?” after learning about climate’s impact on roofing and the average lifespan of various materials. Other factors, including those below, play major roles in the durability, longevity, and performance of Austin roofing systems.
Quality of Installation
Aside from the local weather’s impact on roofing, one of the biggest factors in replacement for Austin property owners is the quality of their roof installation. Failure to hire seasoned professionals with ample experience in the area often puts roofs in jeopardy.
The roofers might fail to ensure adequate ventilation, install the materials correctly, or overlook issues with the system’s underlayment before installing the new materials. Each of these problems can cause premature roof failure.
Consistency of Maintenance
You also need to maintain your roof. While some materials need more care than others, all systems require the bare minimum. That includes:
- Cleaning gutters
- Removing debris from the roof
- Visually inspecting the structure for damage like missing or cracked shingles
The purpose of routine maintenance is to catch problems while they’re in their earliest stages and prevent some issues from forming. For some systems, maintenance may include adding a coating to the outermost surface to shield it from high temperatures, UV rays, and moisture.
Professional Inspections
Although you can certainly inspect your roof for visible signs of damage, you might not have the expertise necessary to uncover problems that aren’t immediately recognizable like a hidden leak under loose shingles. That’s why it’s always best to schedule professional inspections with knowledgeable roofers.
These experts have the training and industry experience to spot existing and potential problems regardless of their type or severity. They’ll use that expertise to provide and execute the best solutions to remedy them. Depending on their findings, they may recommend minor repairs, specific maintenance tasks, or a replacement to ensure your home or business has a sturdy, reliable roof.
Roof Ventilation
Did you know that one of the reasons roofs fail is that they lack sufficient ventilation? Improper ventilation, or a lack thereof, often causes heat and moisture to accumulate within the space directly below the roofing system.
When asphalt shingle roofs experience this, excessive heat and humidity can trigger premature material degradation. During installation, roofing companies must ensure there are plenty of vents in and around the roof to prevent heat buildup and minimize the risk of condensation.
Quality of Roofing Materials
Even if you pick a stunning roofing material that should last for years, it doesn’t mean its quality can meet durability standards. As with all other building materials, the shingles, tiles, metal, or shakes you install on your roof have varying levels of quality.
Poor-quality roofing materials are less likely to have a long lifespan than those of a higher caliber. If you’re installing or replacing your roof in Austin, always ensure you select a quality material that meets basic durability standards as well as your aesthetic preferences.
How To Extend the Life of Austin Roofs
Now that you know the answer to the question “How long does a roof last?” and its contributing factors, what can you do to ensure your structure lasts as long as possible before needing a costly replacement? Here are the essential steps to follow:
- Clean Gutters Regularly. The gutters around your roof’s edge drain rainwater away from the structure, the building’s side, and the foundation. If the gutters clog, water will pool around the roofing system, which can lead to moisture damage.
- Addressing Problems Promptly. It’s easier to replace one or two damaged shingles than it is to replace half-damaged roofing. Address problems as soon as you notice them to prevent problems from getting out of hand.
- Managing Tree Coverage. Tree branches overhanging your roof can scratch and damage its materials. Consider trimming low-hanging branches to prevent this problem.
- Schedule Routine Inspections. At least once yearly, contact a roofing company for an in-depth roof inspection to uncover hidden problems and provide maintenance recommendations to keep the system running smoothly.
Take Control of Your Roofing System Now – Contact Texas Roofers Today
How long does a roof last in Austin, Texas? The answer depends on many factors, such as your system’s materials and the quality of its initial installation. Still, you can maintain this structure’s integrity and visual appeal for years by scheduling professional roof maintenance and inspections with Texas Roofers. As one of the state’s top-rated roofing companies, we know how to provide outstanding services for residential and commercial companies, including installation, replacement, leak repair, and storm damage services.
Our skilled contractors know how volatile Texas’s weather can be. We won’t hesitate to go above and beyond to provide top-tier services using high-grade roofing materials to ensure the longevity and durability of our customers’ roofing systems. Now that you know the answer to “How long does a roof last?” call Texas Roofers at (877) 977-0277 today for a free roof inspection in Austin.
