Your home’s roof plays a very important role in the home’s overall structure as well as keeping your family and possessions safe. Replacing the roof on a home is a big job and one that comes with a sizable price tag. So, how many years can you typically expect a roof to last on a home in Austin, TX before it needs replacing? According to the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), the typical lifetime of an asphalt shingle roof is 20 years. At Driftwood Builders Roofing, we consistently say the average lifetime of a roof on an Austin, TX home is 18 to 20 years.
How Long Does a Roof Last on an Austin, TX Home?
The main reason for the minor difference between the average lifespan of a roof and the lifespan we typically see here in Austin is based on the ventilation of a home. As you know, the temperatures can get pretty hot and humid here in Austin. Improper ventilation or a lack of ventilation can allow the heat and humidity to build up in the attic and lead to faster aging of the shingles.
Different Roof Types, Different Lifespans
Different types of roofs will have different lifespans, too. Standing seam metal roofing, for example, should last 40 years or more with occasional maintenance. Tile roofing should last 40 years or more, although it is typically necessary to replace the underlayment after 25 to 30 years. Underlayment replacement is very labor intensive and therefore quite expensive, so this is something to know if you are going to replace your home’s roof and debating between roofing materials.
Other Factors Impacting your Roof’s Lifespan
Other factors that affect the life of your roof, in addition to the type of roof you have, include:
- Slope of the roof
- If during a previous re-roof, your new shingles were placed on top of old shingles
- Quality of the roof materials selected
- Quality of the installation work performed
- Quality of the ventilation system’s design and installation
- Tree coverage
- Weather/temperature
There are certain steps you can take to extend the life of your roof. Actions like tending to a known problem when it’s small and repairable, keeping your gutters clean, and scheduling roof inspections at regular intervals. But ultimately, even with the greatest of care, a home’s roof will need to be replaced eventually.
Knowing what you can typically expect from your home’s roof helps you avoid unpleasant surprises.
One rule of thumb to remember: If it’s old enough to streak, it’s old enough to leak.
Your Local Austin, TX Roofing Professionals
We strive to bring you the best in roofing for the Austin, Texas area. We deliver decades of roofing experience, training, and knowledge in this area’s needs. We are a prominent roofing company in residential roof repair and roof replacement. We will not ask for a deposit on labor or materials as a dependable way to stand out from the competition while bringing you the best product and service in Austin.
When we inspect, install, or repair your roof, we want to provide you with the best options for your roof design, components, and ventilation. We are Master Elite Contractors bringing you the latest in roofing technology, and a member of our local area Better Business Bureau, so you know we take pride in our work and our community.
Contact us by phone or email to schedule your FREE roofing inspection and quote today.
