How Long Do Roofs Last in the Houston Area?

Here in the Gulf Coast region, our roofs need to withstand hot and humid summers and heavy rains in the stormy season. Without the right maintenance and preventive work, your roof might not last as long as it should. Based on our experience, here is about how long different roofs should last:

• A wood shake roof should last 20-30 years
• A shingle roof should last up to 25-30 years
• Built-up flat roofs should last 10-20 years
• Single-ply flat roofs should last 15-25 years
• Modified bitumen roofs should last 20-30 years
• Metal roofs should last 40-70 years

There are several factors that determine your roof’s lifespan, which we will discuss here. If you are in the area and need a roofing project done, it is especially important to think about roof longevity. The following is a summary of what we tell our clients every time our company is hired for a roof installation or replacement.

How The Texas Climate Affects Your Roof

Water and heat can both wreak havoc on a roof. Unfortunately, we get a lot of both here in the Atascocita and the Houston area. Heat can make your asphalt shingles become brittle and prone to damage. Rain and humidity can cause rust, especially for metal roofs. This doesn’t mean that asphalt shingles or metal roofs are a bad idea. In fact, we have many customers right here in the area who are pleased with our metal roof installations. The key is to make sure that the roofs are well-protected and properly maintained. Whether you choose to work with us for your roof maintenance or not, we urge you to invest in this service. It will be worth it when your roof lasts for decades.

The Importance of Maintenance

If there is one variable that determines how long your roof will last, it’s maintenance. We can’t overstate how important this is. For example, let’s say your roof has a minor leak. Maybe it won’t cause you any real problems for a few months or even a couple years. But that leak can lead to significant damage to the supporting structures of your roof. Or let’s take debris: if you let debris build up on your roof, it can cause mold that will slowly destroy your shingles. If you are serious about making your roof last, regular maintenance is a must.

Selecting The Right Material

Longevity isn’t the only factor that matters when it comes to choosing your roof material, but it’s sure an important one. If you are choosing based on lifespan alone, then metal roofs are the best bet. They tend to last the longest, and they are also great at withstanding heat. We have seen an uptick in clients interested in our metal roofing services recently, and longevity is one of the main reasons.

Asphalt shingles are also a great choice for homes in our area. We typically recommend cool roofing shingles that can reflect heat, which will help maintain your roof and lower your energy bill. In Houston, your asphalt shingles should be made of high-quality material, and be resistant to algae and to damage from debris and falling trees.

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