How to Extend Shingle Roof Lifespan: Six Tips

Want to get the most out of your shingle roof? Call Sugar Land Roofing LLC at 832-944-7663 for top-rated roofing services!

When it comes to residential and commercial property maintenance, roof care may not be at the top of our list. This is common. As the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.”

However, roofing systems serve as one of the most important structural elements of our homes and buildings as they keep us dry, safe, and comfortable. Without a roof, we wouldn’t have a shelter to protect us from the outside elements and extreme weather conditions.  

Neglecting roofs of preventative maintenance can not only shorten shingle roof lifespan but result in disruptive construction projects, roof leaks, and costly repairs. It is always best practice to schedule annual or bi-annual roof assessments and maintenance with a qualified roofing contractor, like Sugar Land’s shingle roof experts, to maximize life expectancies. 

What’s the Lifespan of a Shingle Roof?

The short answer is it depends. The average lifespan of a roof varies depending on several things, but the roofing material plays a huge part in its longevity. 

Asphalt shingles are one of the most cost-efficient roofing solutions for homeowners, making this shingle type the top residential roofing choice. Not only is it budget-friendly, but an asphalt shingle roof also comes in a variety of colors and styles. 

Different asphalt shingles have different expected lifespans. For example, architectural shingles have an expected lifespan of 20 to 25 years, while you can expect your three-tab shingle roof to last between 15 and 20 years.

While asphalt shingle roofing is cost-effective and offers a variety of shingle options, it does succumb to severe weather and damage more easily. This causes its life expectancy to be shorter than other types of roofing. 

Six Ways to a Long-lasting Roof

Although shingles aren’t the most durable roofing materials out there, you can take various steps to extend their working life. Here are five ways you can get the most out of your shingle roof by extending its lifespan. 

1.  Keep Gutters Clean

When our homes get hit by severe weather, gutters provide an escape route for precipitation to flow from our roofs and out through the pipes. If the gutter becomes blocked, the water cannot properly pass through, causing the pipes to overflow. This can cause roof leaks and water damage to your home. 

Be sure to regularly clean your gutters to keep them free of leaves, sticks, and other debris that may clog the piping system.  

2.  Get Annual Inspections

If you want to extend your shingle roof lifespan, preventative maintenance is a must. Scheduling routine roof inspections with a certified roofing contractor can help you avoid serious damage to your roof and avoid unnecessary expenses.

3.  Install Insulation

Over time, a poorly insulated home or attic can be problematic for roof life expectancies. Not only is home insulation beneficial for an energy-efficient home, but it can also help extend the life of your roof. When you have improperly installed or old insulation, it can impact your roof, causing moisture to build up under your roof and leaving your shingles vulnerable to water damage. 

Installing home insulation can also help preserve your roofing material from extreme UV exposure, which can cause roofing materials to crack and break.

4. Trim Trees 

Trees can add curb appeal to your home, but they may not always be great for its exterior structures, especially your roof. If trees are not well maintained, overhanging limbs can be the culprit of scratched or damaged roofing materials. In addition, severe storms and high-velocity winds can cause overhanging branches to break and fall on your home, causing destruction to your roof and other structural elements. 

Keep any trees and tree limbs growing near your home trimmed and away from your property’s roofing system. This can help prevent an unplanned repair or roof replacement down the line. 

5.  Repair Damaged Shingles

If your home has a shingle roof, it is almost certain that you will have to replace or repair a few damaged shingles at some point. Roofing systems are one of the most vital elements of a home, so homeowners should monitor shingles and other roofing materials for flaws on a regular basis. 

If you discover shingle damage on your roof, take the necessary steps to repair or replace these as soon as possible. If left unattended, your roof can endure further damage, which can eventually turn into a larger, more expensive roof replacement project. 

6.  Keep Roofs Clean

When you notice your gutters are beginning to back up, it may be a good idea to check your roof for any debris, like tree limbs or leaves. Be sure to remove anything from your roof that could potentially cause damage to your roof. 

Our home roofs are also a spot for the growth of algae. Excess moisture can create an opportunity for algae formation, which will oftentimes appear as black streaks on roof shingles. To remove algae from your shingles, try cleaning them with a scrub brush and water. 

Get Professional Help Protecting Your Roof

If you need assistance ridding your roof of algae or moss, contact our team at Sugar Land Roofing LLC to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable roofing specialists.

Consistent maintenance is essential if you want to maximize the durability of your roofing system and extend shingle roof lifespan. While these six tips are not a one-size-fits-all solution for a long-lasting roof, they can certainly help keep your roof in top shape so you can avoid serious and costly repairs down the road. 

If you need a roofing specialist or have other questions about shingle roof lifespan, contact one of our friendly team members at Sugar Land Roofing to help get the most out of your home roof.  

Call us today at 832-944-7663 or fill out our online request form to get a free quote on your next commercial or residential roof renovation or repair project.