Factors Influencing The Longevity Of Shingle Roofs And Other Roofing Materials

ARR 1173Whenever consumers purchase an item for a substantial amount of money, they usually do so with an expectation that the item will last/endure for a considerable length of time. While they realize that the article purchased will probably need to be replaced at some point, there is a strong desire for this inevitable act to happen later rather than sooner.

For homeowners, perhaps one of the prime examples of such a mindset relates to the lifespan of shingle roofs which, although considered the most common and economical type of roofing, still represent a significant financial investment in their homes and are hence expected to last for many years. Essentially, people want value for their money, and it would therefore be understandable should a homeowner become distressed when their roof needs to be replaced sooner than anticipated.

However, like most commodities, roofs have a finite lifespan, regardless of the type of roofing material. While certain materials will naturally weather longer than others, it should be kept in mind that any/all suggested or advertised life cycles are just estimates/averages and are usually based on ideal conditions and maintenance patterns. From a purely best-case-scenario standpoint, homeowners might expect these average lifespans from their roofs:

  • Asphalt shingle: 15 to 20 years
  • Wood shakes/shingles: 25 years
  • Copper or other metal: 40+ years
  • Slate or tile: 50+years

What makes all of these lifespans somewhat unpredictable and difficult to pinpoint is the fact that they can be influenced by a number of diverse variables, some of which are not within the direct control of residential property owners. The foremost influences on the lifespans of any and all types of roofs will include:

  • Quality of the workmanship – construction and installation
  • Quality of the specific material (initial cost may be a factor)
  • Thickness of the material, particularly for a shingle roof
  • Overall design – some roofs are steeper/more elaborate
  • Maintenance patterns (or lack thereof)
  • Adequate ventilation in the attic or crawl space
  • Seasonal weather patterns/conditions

Due to this level of unpredictability, it will be important for residential property owners to protect the investment in their roofs, to the greatest extent possible, through reliable warranties. Although weather conditions and acts of nature are essentially out of one’s control, warranties can and should guard homeowners against issues relating to product defects or matters of workmanship.

Such warranties should be standard practices/offerings when property owners choose to have shingle roofs or other types of residential roofs installed by a reputable roofing company such as Avenue Road Roofing.

A Dedicated Warranty Department To Protect The Lifespan Of Residential Roofs

Whether residential property owners prefer asphalt shingles or roofs comprised of wood shakes, metal, or slate/tile, the choice of roofing contractor should be based on a combination of several factors. The key elements of such a decision should include:

  • Overall cost/affordability
  • The quality of the materials available/used
  • Experience in installing the chosen material
  • Reputation for maintenance and service
  • Reputation for offering/honouring warranties

Avenue Road Roofing has been providing quality roof installation and repair services in Toronto and the GTA for more than 40 years. Our teams have experience and expertise working with all types of materials, from asphalt shingle roofs to specialized products such as copper and clay tile.

Avenue Road Roofing also recognizes the critical importance of warranties to protect residential property owners in the event of any installation concerns or product defects in relation to their new roofs. As such, Avenue Road Roofing maintains a dedicated warranty department staffed by experienced professionals to provide the best possible protection for residential and commercial property owners and their roofs.

Whether your preference lies with shingle roofs or you are considering another of the materials available for residential roofs, a long-lasting roof backed by strong and reputable warranties should be the critically overriding factor. Call the roof installation experts at Avenue Road Roofing today at 416-785-5129 or contact us to schedule a no-obligation consultation at your earliest convenience.