How Long Does an Asphalt Roof Last On Average?

When you roof your house, you expect it to serve you for many years. This is especially true when the roof in question is asphalt. As a result, more homeowners want to understand the lifespan of their asphalt roofs. As a longtime roofing contractor in the area, Quality Built Exteriors knows that  the lifespan of an average asphalt roof is between 25 and 30 years. 

Their team  has installed asphalt roofs within South Hampton Roads and the Virginia Peninsula since 2005. They’ve seen it all, which is why they exclusively install Owens Corning asphalt roofs, which can easily exceed 30 years (and come with a full lifetime warranty). Of course, materials are only part of what makes a lasting roof.  It also takes proper workmanship and attention to details to ensure proper installation of asphalt roofs. In general though, there are key factors that affect your roof’s longevity: 

5 Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Your Asphalt Roof

1. Proper attic ventilation

As the space between your highest ceiling and the roof, your attic requires proper ventilation to address the excess moisture and heat, which can make you uncomfortable in your home. Moisture and heat buildup within the attic directly affect the roof’s lifespan. If you have an improperly ventilated attic, then the damage of the trapped cold and hot air dramatically shortens the life of your asphalt roof. The trapped heat ultimately burns up your roof, resulting in you needing a replacement.

2. Using a reputable contractor

When you hire a reputable contractor, your roof is installed correctly, and as a result, it should replicate the manufacturer’s suggested lifespan. If you do not use the correct roofing technique, then the roof’s life will be short, and a replacement will be needed much sooner.

3. Understanding weather conditions 

Each roof goes through wear and tear due to changes in weather conditions throughout its life. The weather in your area determines how fast your asphalt roof will erode. For instance, if you live in an area with lots of hail, then the roof shingles will have granular loss at a much faster rate which significantly reduces the roof’s life. Here in Tidewater Virginia, roofs face potential hurricane damage, lots of heat and moisture, and also salty air if you’re near the beach. The right contractor will ensure that your roof has both the materials and installation techniques designed for your region’s specific weather conditions.

4. The direction the roof faces

You probably don’t think that the direction your roof faces affects its lifespan. However, the amount of sunlight your roof receives has a direct impact on how long it lasts. When your roof faces east and west, each side gets an equal amount of sun. When your roof faces the south side only, it receives direct sunlight all day, increasing its wear and tear.

5. Annual roof maintenance

Debris left on your roof keeps it wet throughout the year, saturating the shingles. These conditions prevent your shingles from fulfilling their primary functions. Maintain your roof by cleaning it twice a year (and getting an annual inspection)  to remove debris from the valley and gutter line before too much damage occurs. 

 

Now that you understand some of the common five factors that impact your roof’s lifespan, you are probably wondering if it’s the right time to replace it. Luckily, Quality Built Exteriors has experts who can provide you with more information on whether to replace your asphalt roof. For more information about asphalt roof replacement, visit https://qualitybuiltexteriors.com/roof-services/.


Quality Built Exteriors
929 Ventures Way
Suite 109 Chesapeake VA 23320
(757) 389-5519

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