Factors that Impact the Life of Your Roof

For many Americans, home is not just a cozy place to hang their hats. It’s also an investment in the future. On average, homeowners across the United States spend approximately five to seven years in a home before placing it back on the market. When the time arrives, a healthy return is the ultimate goal. 

Of course, an irresistible purchase offer and sizable ROI don’t come without a little effort on the back end. Homeowners must be diligent about home repair and maintenance to have any chance of meeting their financial goals when it’s time to sell. 

A Secret Advantage

When planning for long-term gains, many people overlook one of the home’s greatest assets — the roof! Roof repair in Des Moines can be a little pricey, but it’s worth it. With a little TLC, you can maximize the lifespan of your roof and keep it in top shape while you’re in the house. When it snags top dollar, you’ll thank yourself.

Here are the top factors that affect the life of your roof. Addressing these proactively will help you reap greater rewards in the future.

Material Type and Quality

Any reputable roofing company in Des Moines will tell you that not all roofing supplies are made equally. Most mid-level materials offer greater strength and durability than low-end products. You can expect higher-end roofing materials like metal or slate to last quite a bit longer than standard asphalt shingles. Even within materials categories, there are different grades within the same family. Talk to your roofer about what will work best for your home and what will offer you the longevity you’re looking for.

Installation Craftsmanship

Even with the best roofing material, the installation process can still go awry. If you hire the wrong roofing company in Des Moines, you may find yourself needing premature repairs. Make sure your roofer is qualified, has good reviews, and can answer questions about the manufacturing and installation process with confidence. If they fail to check any of these boxes, you might discover that your roof taps out early!

Roofing Color and Angle

The color of your roof has a bigger impact on longevity than you may realize. Darker colors (like black or deep gray) tend to absorb UV rays and store them for extended periods of time. This creates wear and tear that prematurely warps and curls your shingles. Instead, opt for a “cool roof” or one with a lighter color. This offers natural immunity from sun damage and extends the life of your roof significantly. 

The slope (or angle) of your roof also plays a significant role in how long your roof lasts. Flatter roofs with lower slopes collect water more readily than higher-pitched rooftops. That’s not to say flat roofs can’t last a lifetime; you’ll just need to invest extra time in your maintenance routine.

Ventilation Options

Adequate and strategically placed ventilation systems are a necessary part of a healthy roofing system. Poorly structured ventilation routes allow unwanted moisture and heat to accumulate. This can damage your roof and lead to unanticipated roof repair in Des Moines. Hire a qualified local roofer to assess your current ventilation system and fine-tune it if necessary.

Maintenance Routine

It goes without saying that homeowners who invest in a roof maintenance routine will have a better outcome when it comes to roof longevity. We recommend partnering with a reputable roofing in Des Moines that you trust. Then have them inspect your roof annually at a minimum. This ensures any damages are caught and rectified early, which keeps your roof in peak condition year-round.

Ready to Maximize Your Roof’s Potential? Call Shamrock Roofing!

At Shamrock Roofing and Construction, we take pride in caring for our customers’ roofs. We treat them as if they were our own. Contact us today to learn more about our residential roofing services and how we can help maximize your roof’s lifespan, so you can enjoy a great ROI when the time is right!