If you are like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about your roof until there is a problem. And by then, it may be too late. A professional roof inspection can help you identify any potential problems with your roof before they become costly and difficult to repair.
The following blog will discuss what you should know about your roof before an inspection.
1) The First Thing You Should Know About Your Home Roof Is Its Age
The average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is 25-30 years. For tile, it is the underlayment that should last 25-30 years, with the actual tile lasting up to 50 years. If your roof is approaching or has exceeded the estimated lifespan, it is more likely to have issues, and a professional inspector will be able to uncover them.
If you are unsure of the age of your roof, you can ask your local roofing contractor for their estimate of when your roof was installed.
Keep in mind that even if your roof is within its average lifespan, severe weather conditions can shorten its life expectancy. For example, a windstorm or constant sun exposure can damage shingles or underlayment and cause them to deteriorate faster than they would otherwise.
2) The Second Thing You Need to Know About Your Home Roof Is The Material
The material of your roof will affect how long it lasts and how much maintenance it will need over the years. The most common roofing materials in Southern California are asphalt shingles and tile.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They also come in various colors to match your home’s exterior.
Tile is made from clay or concrete and can last 50-100 years. Slate, which is a natural stone can also last 50-100 years. Tile and slate roofs are very durable and low maintenance, but they are also one of the most expensive roofing materials. With both products, the underlayment will likely deteriorate well before the tile or slate, especially if directly exposed to the elements. Underlayment’s lifespan is typically 20-30 years.
Slate roofs are made from natural stone and can last 100 years or more. Slate roofs are the most durable and require little maintenance, but they are also the most expensive.
If you are unsure of the material of your roof, a professional roofing contractor will be able to tell you during a roof inspection.
3) The Third Thing You Need to Know About Your Home Roof Is The Pitch
The pitch of your home roof is the angle at which it slopes. A low-pitched roof has a shallower slope and is more likely to retain water. This can lead to leaks and other problems if not properly maintained. A steeper pitched roof is less likely to have these problems because water and debris can easily run off the roof.
You can usually tell the pitch of your roof by looking at it from the ground. Most residential roofs are “steep,” meaning with an angular pitch.
In conclusion, it is beneficial to know your roof’s age, material, and pitch before a professional inspection. These factors will affect the condition of your roof and the likelihood of problems being identified during the inspection.
Greatway Roofing has over 20 years of experience as the leading Ventura County, Santa Clarita Valley, and the San Fernando Valley roofing company. We offer free, comprehensive estimates, and our workmanship is guaranteed. If you’d like help inspecting your roof, talk to one of our friendly team members today at (805) 523-2550.