Did you know that the average roof replacement cost is between $5,619 and $22,000? Many people try to save themselves money by opting for roofs that claim to last a certain amount of time such as 30-year roofs. But how long do 30-year shingles really last in Michigan?
Is there anything you can do to make them last longer? Is it worth investing in such a roof or should you save your money and choose differently the next time you need a new roof? Keep reading and learn more about 30-year shingles and if they’re as long-lasting as they say.
A Few Things You Should Know About Long-Term Shingles
The first thing you should know is that the majority of 30-year shingles do not actually last 30 years. Many roofs guarantee that they will last a certain amount of time, but these claims are almost always false. This is especially true if you don’t take care of your roof over the years.
It is only a matter of time before the power of the elements wears down your roof. Eventually, your roof will lose some shingles or sustain some kind of damage which will soon lead to more serious problems such as leaks or water damage. A decaying roof can also make your electricity bill soar through the roof since it won’t be able to keep the heat inside your house as it’s supposed to.
Whatever the case, most 30-year shingles only last around 25 years. Some might even last a meager 15 years or less. It is only possible to make your roof last 30 years if you take very good care of it over the years.
Since most homeowners don’t take care of their roofs at all, the total lifespan of a roof, in reality, is much shorter than what is typically advertised. This is important to think about the next time you’re about to be persuaded by a roof that claims to last a certain number of years. You should especially be wary of roof brands that claim to last as long as 40 or 50 years.
Quality of Shingles and Style
There are very few roofs that last longer than 25 years. Even then, a roof that has lasted for 25 years will show signs of wear and will likely need some repairs of some kind. High-quality shingles will obviously last longer than low-quality shingles due to the difference in materials.
The style of the shingles is also important. Some shapes of shingles withstand the weather better than others. But what about the warranties attached to these roofs?
When it comes to shingles and roofing in general, you will find that roof warranties are actually quite vague and don’t cover as much as you think they would. So, even if roofs in Michigan start to wear down long before they’re supposed to, you might find that your roof warranty won’t cover all that you need. You also shouldn’t trust other roof styles that claim to be water-resistant or algae-resistant.
Does this mean that you are doomed to waste money on roof replacements and repairs after a certain number of years? Not necessarily. If you want to save money and have your roof last as long as possible, you will need to take care of your roof.
Fortunately, there are several ways in which you can do this.
How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Roof With Maintenance Performed
If you leave your roof unattended to for several years at a time, you shouldn’t expect your roof to last very long. This happens to many homeowners who don’t bother to scrape off piles of leaves or branches that pile up on their rooftops among other debris. If you let debris pile up on your roof, the debris will start to weigh down the shingles.
More than that, soggy leaves and other debris will eventually contribute excess moisture to your roof which the roof may then soak up. This may lead to water damage and leaks after a number of years. You could also suffer from more serious roof problems during the winter when a thick layer of snow builds up on your roof.
In some cases, heavy snowfall might even cause your roof to sag or cave in. So, how should you start caring for your roof, you might ask? You should start by keeping it as clean as possible throughout the years.
Even if you don’t see any leaves or branches up on your roof, you should go up and check if any fungus or algae has started to grow. Fungus and algae both can contribute to roof damage and will weaken the strength of the shingles over the years. Fungus and algae can also make your roof fade or change color.
Cleaning, Proper Installation, and Weather Damage
The best way to keep your roof clean is to use a pressure washer. You should stay away from certain cleaning chemicals like bleach to clean your roof. This is because bleach and other chemicals not only damage your roof but also the natural environment around your home.
All you need to do is use a low setting for your power washer and get to work. The force of the water will effortlessly remove any dirt, fungus, and other debris that has piled up on your roof. You should only need to use a power washer once or twice a year.
Throughout the rest of the year, make sure to brush off whatever leaves and branches fall on the roof. Of course, you should also make sure that your roof has been installed properly, to begin with. If not, your shingles will not be secure and they may blow away with harsh gusts of wind or rain.
This is especially true in the Northern Counties of Michigan which tend to have harsher weather. So, be sure that your roofing contractors do their jobs right or you might end up with a lot of weather damage.
All About Roofing
How long do 30-year shingles really last in Michigan? Usually, these roofs last between 15 and 25 years, if not less. If you want your roof to be functional for as long as possible, you will need to take good care of it over the years.
You will also need to make sure that the roof is high-quality and installed properly. To learn more, contact us here.