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There are few parts of a house that are more important than the roof. It’s your first line of defense against any type of weather, and a solid roof will give your home years of protection. Because of this, one of the most important questions a homeowner can ask about their home is, “How long will my roof last?”

There are many things you need to know about your roof in order to make sure your home is protected. You should know what type of material was used on your roof, when it was installed, and how to spot damage when it occurs. There are many types and styles of roofing available, and they all have different lifespans. In order to know how long your roof will last, the first thing you need to know is the type of roof you have.

Asphalt Shingles

The most common roofing material in the country is asphalt shingle roofing. Its lower price is one of the reasons why it has gained so much popularity, but because of that you should expect it to have a relatively shorter lifespan.

Usually, you can expect an asphalt roof to remain in good shape for about 15 or 20 years, as long as you properly maintain it. That means that you fix minor damages before they become bigger problems and get it regularly inspected. Of course, every time heavy hail rolls through, the lifespan of your asphalt shingles will decrease.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs come with a longer lifespan and a higher price tag. Most people think of metal roofs as being an odd look for a modern home, but the material has come a long way in the roofing industry and can come in many different looks.

Metal roofs are remarkably low maintenance and can come with anywhere from a 20 to 40-year warranty, Many will last even longer than that. It’s a higher-priced roofing option, but it could ultimately last your entire lifetime.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingle and shake roofing is typically chosen as an aesthetic choice and can be very expensive. While all types of roofs require constant maintenance, wood roofs are prone to more problems than other roofing solutions.

One of those issues is moisture, which can be very damaging to any type of wood. That’s why it’s important to clear any debris that may be trapping moisture on your wood roof so it doesn’t warp the shingles and cause more damage. When properly installed and maintained, a wood roof will last about 20 or 30 years.

Tile and Slate Roofing

Tile roofing is especially popular in the south and western parts of the United States and can be extremely durable. Slate roofing isn’t very common due to its high cost, but they can be a great investment if you live in the right parts of the country.

Cold weather is especially harsh on tile roofing, which is why they’re most commonly used in the south and west areas. Most tile roofing can last over 50 years, and if you invest in high-quality material, it could last over 100 years with minimal maintenance.

By knowing what type of roof you have and when it was installed, you can easily figure out how much life it has left. If you aren’t sure when it was installed by previous owners, a roof inspection should tell you how much life your roof has remaining.

Roof Inspections

Most types of roofing require some form of maintenance in order to fulfill a lengthy lifespan protecting your home. One of the best ways to ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible is to get frequent roof inspections from an expert.

In most states where roof damage is common, a roof inspection is a requisite when buying or selling a home. It’s also important to note that snowfall can drastically decrease the lifespan of most roofs. A typical asphalt roof will only last about 5 to 10 years in the far north with lots of snow.

Many storms can cause damage that isn’t noticeable to the untrained eye, so contacting an expert is crucial. By getting regular inspections, you can spot small problems before they become more serious, like a leaky roof that could lead to costly structural damage. Doing so will help give your roof a longer life and help protect your home from the elements.

Exterior Remodel & Design offers free estimates to anyone with roof damage. We provide both roof replacement and roof repair services in Omaha and Lincoln.