When it comes to the roof of the home, most homeowners do not fully understand how important this aspect is. Do you fit into this category? It is important to learn as much as you can about the roofing system, so you can ensure your home is protected. A roof is a major investment and on average, the roof of a home will last from 20 to 30 years, depending on the materials. Learning more about the features of your roof, including roofing type, can help you make the right decision for your home when it comes to a replacement. 

roof

Roof Coverings

There are several materials that can be used for the roof of your home. The more expensive materials, such as slate and concrete tile, have a higher cost but will save you money in the long term due to their durability features. Slate is the most expensive type, costing from $600 to $1,200 per 100 square feet. However, the roofing material will last for 40 to 175 years. 

Fitting into the 20 to 25 year time frame, concrete tile, clay tile, and metal is an option. The concrete tile will cost around $150 to $250 per 100 square feet while metal has a cost of $100 to $300. Clay tile has a slightly higher cost of $200 to $600. This type of roofing is low maintenance, but the weight of the tile may require additional support for the roof structurally. 

The more inexpensive options; wood shake, asphalt shingle, and architectural shingle, have a lower cost but a smaller life span. The most affordable is asphalt shingle, with a cost of $50 per 100 square feet, lasting from 7 to 15 years. Architectural shingles last from 12 to 17 years and have an installation cost of $60 to $80 per 100 square feet. Wood shake is slightly more expensive with a cost of $100 to $250 per 100 square feet, with a longer life span, of 15 to 20 years. 

Enemies of Your Roofing

“When it comes to the roof of your home, it has its enemies. The elements play a major role in the destruction of the roofing, particularly during heavy storms. Rain, wind, snow, ice, and sun can affect the materials of your roof. Condensation also plays a role in damage to the materials. “ – Jeff Guthrie, Phoenix Roof Repair Contractor

Trees near your home can also harm the roof if storms with high winds cause branches to fall on the home. Tree limbs should always be trimmed away from the home to ensure that when storms occur, branches will not cause damage. Algae and moss can also affect the home, growing on the roofing over time and causing moisture issues. 

Ventilation

The secret to roof success is ventilation. For a roof to be durable, it must be installed with proper ventilation. The airflow of the attic space must provide the right ventilation so that no moisture can occur, which can lead to structural damage. Proper airflow also helps to reduce energy consumption and increases the lifespan of the roof. 

For more information, check out the infographic below provided by Phoenix Roofing Contractors

roof infographic