Homeowners put hundreds of thousands of dollars into the perfect family home. Without a doubt, the house as a whole is a major investment, but rarely do homeowners understand each piece that makes up this investment — especially the roof.
From sheathing to shingles and fascia to flashing, there are many things to consider when talking about the roof. It’s importance to the home structure is unrivaled as it protects the house from severe weather conditions. The most common and dangerous threats against the roof include wind, rain, snow and ice, condensation, trees, algae and moss, and yes, even the sun.
So how can you protect your roof so that it can keep protecting you?
The roof for any given home usually needs to be replaced every 20 or 30 years. But depending on the type of materials used in the roofing structure, you can extend the lifespan of your roof — which could save you money in the long run.
If you’re looking for maximum durability, a slate rooftop covering is the best option. Despite its heavy weight — which may require stronger structural support — slate is visually appealing and extremely durable, lasting on average between 40 and 175 years. Its strength does come with a cost though, and a slate style rooftop will cost between $600 and $1,200 per 100 square feet.
For more affordable options which will keep you within the average replacement timeframe of 20 to 30 years, decide between concrete tile, clay tile and metal coverings. Each of these roofing options have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years and don’t require much maintenance. Metal coverings can be the cheapest option, with costs between $100 and $300 per 100 square feet. Concrete tile pricing ranges between $150 and $250 per 100 square feet. Clay tiles are the more expensive of the options costing between $200 and $600 per 100 square feet.
The most frugal homeowner can still find cheaper options, but it could cost more down the road. Wood shake, asphalt shingle and architectural shingle coverings are lower tier roofing options. Each style will cost homeowners less than $300 per 100 square feet; however, the lifespan of these covering styles is generally less than 20 years. While styles like asphalt shingles may be easy to install (and have even become a popular choice), the lower tier coverings can be high maintenance.
No matter what style rooftop you choose, the ultimate secret to roof success is ventilation. Proper ventilation is critical to roof durability as attic airflow prevents structural damage caused by moisture. Ventilation can also reduce energy consumption and overall increase the lifespan of your roof.
In the infographic below, John Anderson of Severe Weather Roofing and Restoration in Loveland CO, helps you easily understand the most important aspects of your roof.
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