How Long Do Roofs Last in Texas
How Long Do Roofs Last in Texas
Texas is one of the states that is notorious for its hot and sometimes humid weather. Since most roofs in the United States are designed for a variety of different weather conditions, roofs in Houston Texas also need to be specifically tailored towards warmer climates.
But before we discuss how long do roofs last in Texas on average, we have to first look into what are some of the conditions that we have to weigh in.
Roof Life Expectancy
To place things into perspective, there’s really no definite life expectancy on how long roofs will last in Texas. The lifespan of a roof will entirely depend on the choice of roofing materials that the homeowner installed.
Roofing Materials Used
Each roofing material has its own unique characteristics. Since each material has its own unique composition, each one will also have its own lifespan.
Asphalt Shingles
These types of shingles are some of the most well-known and widely produced roofing materials that you can find in your local builder’s depot. Being well-rounded in terms of durability, it can protect your roof from flowing water, heat, and even strong winds. The only downside to this type of roof is that it will last you 15 – 20 years.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Standing seam metal roofing has been known for being quite versatile and well-rounded. Just like asphalt shingles, metal roofing is especially resistant to high winds and strong rain. The only downside is that it can only be installed in low-pitched roofs. A metal roof is highly sought after for its modern look while having a lifespan of over 35 – 50 years.
Slate Tile Roofs
Naturally-cut stone tile roofs are some of the most resilient roofing materials that you can find in the market. Having a mind-boggling lifespan of 100 years, slate tiles are best for homes that are in the way of high winds, heavy rainfall, and even hailstorms. The downside of having slate tile roofs is that it can weigh more than a ton and can put a lot of stress on your roof. Moreover, slate tile roofs are quite rare to find and will take time to acquire.
Conditions to Consider
Regular Maintenance
All roofing materials in the market have their own unique characteristics and lifespan. If roofs are subjected to harsh weather like long hot summers, heavy rains, high winds, and even hailstorms, this could significantly decrease the lifespan of your roof. Doing regular maintenance on your roof can lengthen your roof’s life expectancy. Not only will you be able to thoroughly inspect your roof for any damages, but you’ll also be able to conduct much-needed repairs.
Climate
Texas is second only to Florida by a few miles in taking the title of the southernmost state in the United States. With that said, it’s one of the warmer and more humid states. Homeowners should be aware and should design their homes accordingly to the searing heat of the weather or even to precipitations which are quite prevalent during the spring seasons. Choosing the wrong set of materials that are not tailored to this type of weather will inadvertently lead to more problems.
Ventilation
Ventilation is one of the most important parts of a home that’s situated in warmer climates. Most people might think that a ventilation system might sometimes be unnecessary on drier climates, but in the long-run, this will help save thousands of dollars that would go towards fixing damages. Ventilation is one of the best ways of taking away excess heat and moisture that might build up inside your home. If moisture is left unchecked, mildews could easily chip away at the health of your home’s foundations in left unchecked.
When to Make Changes
There are certain damages to your roof that we can’t avoid. Sooner or later, the roof that we have once taken care of for decades will eventually succumb to saggings, the constant flow of rainwater, and the warping of your shingles. If the damages to your roof are beyond simple repair and restoration, then it’s highly recommended that you get a roof replacement.
If you’re confused about what are some of the damages that you have to keep a lookout for, contacting your local roofing contractor to conduct extensive inspections can help.
If you’re going to compare the life expectancy of roofing materials from roofs in colder states, you’ll find that the average roof expectancy of roofing materials in Texas tend to have a longer lifespan. On average, the life expectancy on the most common roofing materials in this state is around 20 years. To extend the lifespan of your roofing Houston TX, it’s best to have an efficient ventilation system that will make sure that will keep heat and moisture off your home’s interiors. If there’s too much moisture, mildews might form on your roof’s structure.
Naturally, Texas is a warm and humid state and having air conditioning and a cool ventilation system can definitely preserve your roof’s quality. It’s also imperative that homeowners use the right roofing materials that are tailored towards warmer climates since these materials are designed to deflect off penetrative heat.
