When installing a new roof or taking care of an existing one, there are a few considerations that must be taken into account to ensure that yours will last as long as possible. In this article, we’ll go over five of those so that you can have a roof that effectively protects you and your property for many years to come. Take a look below.
1. Choice of material
Not only will your decision affect the overall aesthetics of your building, but it will also play a huge role in determining its ability to withstand the test of time. Roofs can be made of different materials, and each one will have its own corresponding lifespan. Wooden roofs, for example, represent the least durable option, with roofs made of wood expected to last for about 20 years. Metal or concrete roofs, on the other hand, can last much longer, especially if maintained properly – about 50 to even a hundred years!
2. Design
A roof is intended to protect the building underneath it from the elements, which means it must be designed in such a way that it can cope with such a demanding job. Objects that fall on the roof have to be able to fall off safely so that they don’t pile up and weaken the structure. This is why most roofs are built with a slope, it means that anything that falls on top can just run or roll off easily. For flat roofs or ones that are pitched low, other design elements must be incorporated to ensure that the same effect is achieved.
3. Exposure to the elements
Sun and rain exposure will definitely have an effect on the lifespan of your roof, as both of these can wear away at its construction. Everything from the sun’s rays, to strong winds and heavy downpours, can all slowly deteriorate the quality of your roof. Since you will have no practical way of controlling these weather conditions, it’s important for you to keep these in mind. More specifically, you should factor in what the climate in your area is like and choose the right roofing materials and design that’s best suited to your environment.
When it comes to ensuring the longevity of any product, the quality of its assembly is perhaps one of the most critical aspects that come into play. This is especially true in roofing projects where small issues during installation can cause the roof to deteriorate much quicker than it should. To help address this concern, ensure that the people installing your roof are trained professionals. Also, avoid installing roofs when the weather is not conducive to doing so, as this can compromise the construction materials as discussed in the previous point.
5. Proper maintenance
Regular roof maintenance, like removing debris and cleaning gutters, is essential to extend the lifespan of your roof. This also entails thorough inspections to spot signs of mold or water damage, as well as cracks, leaks, and missing roof parts. Remember to perform these checks often as they can help you fix problems before they become more difficult to address.
Follow these tips to effectively future-proof your roof. Also, remember to deal only with contractors and roofing companies that you trust, so that your efforts don’t go to waste.
We are a commercial roofing company in San Diego, get in touch with us to see how we can help maintain your roof.