Understanding Your Home: Breaking Down The
Life Cycle Of The Standard Asphalt Roof
Your Handy Guide To The Average
Lifespan Of A Newton, NJ, Roof
You know your roof is built to last because it has to be. There’s no point in something so vital lasting five or ten years at most. Still, you can’t help but wonder how long it will be before you need a full roof replacement for your Newton home.
You’ve needed a few repairs and are curious whether that affects your roof’s lifespan. There’s a lot about your roof you don’t know and would like answers about.
The RJW Exteriors team knows more about roofing than most people across Northern New Jersey because we’ve been in the industry for over three decades.
We can give you a detailed breakdown of how long you can expect your roof to last and what factors affect its longevity. Keep reading to learn how long the average asphalt roof will last.
What Factors Will Affect Your Roof’s Longevity?
Shingle type is arguably the most significant deciding factor in how long a roof lasts. Asphalt shingle roofs typically last between 20 and 30 years with proper maintenance.
We’ll be upfront – you should strongly consider replacing an asphalt shingle roof approaching or exceeding 30 years old. But material type isn’t the only thing determining your roof’s longevity. Other factors include:
The Local Weather
The thing about any kind of roof is that it can still suffer wear and tear despite being built to last. New Jersey gets plenty of snow, and although it doesn’t compare to Florida or Arizona, it also receives a fair amount of sunshine.
Heavy snow loads and UV light can degrade your roof in different ways. Roofs can gradually or abruptly buckle under snow, weakening their overall structural integrity. The roof then becomes less able to withstand weight.
UV light can degrade and weaken asphalt shingles over time. Their protective effectiveness is lowered, thanks to the sunlight making them brittle.
Hail and heavy impacts (like from heavy branches) are other weather-related instances that can severely damage your roof. Both can dent, break, and knock away shingles, leading to more significant damage.
Installation Quality
Even the best of products can’t withstand poor installation. For example, RJW Exteriors offers CertainTeed asphalt shingles designed to perform well in any climate condition.
We’re a CertainTeed Select Shinglemaster, meaning we’ve demonstrated superb skill in installing this particular brand. However, what would happen if a residential roofing company that didn’t have the proper skill installed these shingles instead?
Not even CertainTeed shingles can protect you from the elements if improperly installed. Good installation quality ensures your roof lasts and keeps you comfortable and safe.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your roof in great shape. Trim away branches so they don’t fall and damage your asphalt roof. Clear your gutters so there’s proper water drainage.
Accumulated water can eventually seep into your roof, causing moisture damage and mold growth. Make sure you schedule a roof inspection at least yearly and after every severe storm.
Inspections are one of the most powerful tools in your maintenance arsenal. These checks can help you spot damage that may have stayed hidden until it caused hundreds of dollars in damage.
When Is It Time To Consider Replacement?
Signs your roof might be reaching the end of its lifespan are its age, damaged shingles, and leaks. Vegetation growth, like molds, moss, and algae, can also indicate that you need a full roof replacement.
However, severity plays a huge factor in whether you need a roof replacement. Cracked and curling shingles or roof leaks could be handled with a few repairs. Consider how damaged your roof is and its age before deciding on a full replacement.
Who Do You Call When It’s
Time For A New Roof?
Hopefully, your roof is doing just fine. But if it isn’t and repairs aren’t enough, then RJW Exteriors has got you covered. We’ve installed new roofs for hundreds of homeowners in Newton and Northwest New Jersey.
Our high-quality roofing materials are durable, beautiful, and warranty-protected to ensure your roof lasts decades. You can depend on us to deliver results you can appreciate for a long, long time.
Do you need a full roof replacement? If so, call us at (973) 810-4449 or visit us online to schedule an in-home consultation today!
