How long do roof last is a most common question nowadays. Roofs are a significant investment, and you want to ensure they last as long as possible. This article will discuss the lifespan of different types of roofs and what you can do to ensure they last as long as possible.
Types of Roofs
Roofs are a mainstay of any building’s exterior. They protect the structure from the elements and provide shelter for people and equipment. Different types of roofs can last for various lengths of time. Here’s a look at the three most common types of roofs and their average lifespan.
Gable Roofs: Gable roofs are typically the most popular type because they’re versatile. They can be used on homes, businesses, and other structures. Gable roofs typically have a slanted front that helps deflect rain and snow from the roofing system. A gable roof can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, depending on the conditions under which it is used.
Gambrel Roofs: Gambrel roofs are a variation of the gable roof and are also popular because they’re versatile. Gambrel roofs have two slopes, one on each side of the building. This allows more rain or snow to fall through the roofing system, which helps keep the building cooler in summer or warm in winter. A gambrel roof can last anywhere from 30 to 60 years, depending on the conditions it uses.
Truss Roof
Types of Roofing Materials
Roofing materials come in various thicknesses and types, each designed to meet different needs.
The three most common roofing materials are asphalt, metal, and slate. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Asphalt roofs are the cheapest option and usually have the longest lifespan. They’re also the most durable but can be noisy when it rains.
Metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt roofs, but they can last up to twice as long. They’re also lighter, requiring less structural support, making them more environmentally friendly. However, they can be susceptible to fire damage.
Slate roofs are the most expensive option but have the longest lifespan and the best sound insulation. They require special installation techniques, but they’re worth it because they lack any drawbacks of other roofing materials.
How Roofs are Constructed
Roofs are constructed using a variety of materials and methods. The most common type of roof is a metal or slate deck, but other types include shingles, tiles, and tarps.
A roof’s lifespan is largely determined by its construction and material. A well-constructed roof will last many years, while a poorly constructed roof may only last a few seasons.
Some key factors that affect a roof’s lifespan include:
-The type of material used: Metal roofs tend to last longer than slate or tile roofs because metal is more durable than other materials.
-The techniques used in construction: A well-constructed roof will use sealant and fasteners to protect it from water and wind damage, which can prolong its lifespan.
-The installation process: A poorly installed roof may collapse due to insufficient support or improper installation techniques, leading to leaks and damage.
How Long Do Roof Last?
Roofs can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, but the average lifespan is around 20. A roof’s lifespan depends on various factors, including the type of roofing material, the installation method, and the climate
3 Reasons To Do Preventive Maintenance On Your Flat Roof
Does your home or your commercial or industrial building have a flat roof? Whether it is a white roof made of asphalt and gravel or equipped with an elastomeric membrane, it is essential to carry out regular preventive maintenance. At René Perron Couvreurs, we have been experts in the installation, inspection and repair of roofs in Montreal and Laval since 1924. Flat roofs hold no secrets for the members of our team! Here are 3 reasons why you should not neglect preventive maintenance!
1. Your roof is not immune to damage
Whatever its coating, age and bad weather, in particular, can make life difficult for your roof. It is then possible that certain irregularities, such as folds, wavy sections or scattering of the gravel, appear on its surface. Depending on the type of membrane, this lack of uniformity may be normal and temporary, but certain situations may indicate the need to repair or replace the roof.
2. Your roof may be suffering from a waterproofing problem
This type of problem can be caused by damage to the joints of the flashings or the joints of the brick of the chimney, for example. During bad weather, the water that accumulates in these roof areas can infiltrate and gradually become a major problem (mold, weaknesses in the roof structure, etc.). Therefore, it is essential to spot the warning signs of a leak problem before significant damage occurs.
3. Your roof has a certain lifespan
The overall condition of your roof directly affects its longevity. If it is not correctly and regularly maintained, breakage, defects and deformations can, over time, turn into significant problems, requiring you to replace your entire roof. On the other hand, you can give your roof a few extra years of life with frequent inspection and minor repairs when necessary.
Are you planning the construction or renovation of your commercial building? Questions will then perhaps arise as to the type of roof to be preferred. At René Perron Couvreurs, roofing specialists in Montreal, we present some elements to consider in order to make an informed choice.
Flat or sloping roof?
For a building of modest dimensions such as a single-family home or a duplex, flat and pitched roofs each have their own advantages that are useful to assess. When the building is larger, the sloping model generally becomes a handicap, in particular because it requires more materials for its construction and because of the loss of space caused inside the building.
The benefits of a flat roof
For a business, the flat roof has many advantages. As long as you faithfully take care of its maintenance and snow removal or entrust these tasks to our professionals, it will have a lifespan of up to 30 years. It is easy and safe to access it, whether for a routine inspection, for example, or for the repair of an air vent. It is also renowned for its resistance to extreme weather conditions, making fun of the winds which often cause a lot of damage to models on a slope.
Beyond these practical considerations, the flat roof can also be part of the commercial activities of certain companies and contribute to their brand image. Think, for example, of restaurant owners who transform their roofs into vegetable gardens or hotel chains that turn them into an oasis for relaxation and swimming.
Many material options
Thanks to the evolution of technology, flat roofs today offer many possibilities in terms of the materials used and the appearance obtained. You can choose the classic combination of asphalt and gravel , which offers excellent value for money, or you can explore other options depending on your needs and budget. At René Perron Couvreurs, we master the use of different types of materials such as TPO membranes (thermoplastic polyolefin).
Various problems can affect your roof throughout its lifespan. In most cases, small repairs are enough to keep your roof in good condition for a few more years. When a large leak occurs, however, different actions must be taken.
At René Perron Couvreurs, experts in installation, preventive maintenance and repair of roofs in Montreal , we explain here how to react, step by step, in such an emergency situation.
1. Protect your assets
Water can cause a lot of damage. A large leak can cause damage to the roof structure, walls, furniture and floors that are affected. It also poses a hazard to electronic equipment. Install pails, plastic bins, towels and blankets to protect the floor and objects you cannot move. Move away all the rest of the wet space. If there are water bell(s) on the ceiling, drill a hole in them so they can empty into the buckets.
In any case, try to evacuate as much moisture as possible from the areas affected by the leak by opening windows or using one or more fans. This will limit the risk of mold developing.
2. Call your insurance
Contact your insurance company to notify them of the problem. Take the opportunity to find out what your coverage will reimburse (damage, repairs, etc.). Take multiple photos to prove and document the condition of your property and belongings.
3. Contact a professional
If it is possible for you to investigate the origin of the leak yourself by removing, for example, the gypsum and the insulating materials which separate you from it, it remains essential to entrust the identification of the cause of the problem to an expert. It can be difficult to measure the real impact of the leak, and a large leak makes maneuvers dangerous. Only a qualified professional has the resources and tools necessary to study your problem. Diagnose it and inform you of the repairs to be made. Again, photograph each item that may be relevant to your insurer.
Conclusion
There is no one answer to this question, as it depends on various factors, including the type of roofing material and the construction method used. However, a good rule of thumb is to expect a roof to last around 20 years if properly maintained. Make sure to keep an eye on any signs of wear and tear – if something seems off, contact your contractor immediately to get repairs made before anything serious happens.
