How Long Is A Roof Supposed To Last?

The lifespan of your roof isn't what the manufacturer wrote on the packaging. In areas like Calgary, the long winter cuts down your roof's life expectancy.

For 7 months out of the year, Calgary freezes, stressing out roofing materials. During the summer, the damaged materials expand, creating cracks in the roof.

Before you know it, you're awoken by water dripping on your home in the middle of the night. Water damage from roof leaks cost thousands of dollars to repair.

If your roof is nearing its end, it's time to consider roof replacement Calgary residents. Use this guide to see if your roofing materials are too old to keep your home dry.

The Lifespan of Metal Roof Shingles

Metal roofing takes a lot of abuse before it develops any leaks. The durability of the shingles you chose depends on the type of metal and its thickness.

Metal shingles with a gauge between 26 and 29 are thin and easy to damage. Thin metal shingles last 25 years with proper maintenance. 

Calgary residents should consider 22 to 24-gauge shingles. They last up to 70 years despite the freezing winter temperatures.

How Long Do Asphalt Shingles Last?

Newer homes have the traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles. They're cheap and easy to install on sloped roofs.

The downside to asphalt shingles is that they last 15 years before you need a roof replacement. High winds, rain, and hard freezes strip the granules from the shingles. 

An easy way to tell if your asphalt shingles need replacement is to look for fallen granules. A good time to check is after a heavy storm.

Will Laminate Shingles Last Longer?

To avoid frequent roof replacement in Calgary, consider using laminate shingles. Some brands aren't much more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles.

Laminate shingles last up to 30 years if you take care of them. They're so well-built many manufacturers carry a warranty for their entire lifetime. 

What Is the Lifespan of Wood Shingles?

Cedar shingles repel bug and resist mould growth. They also demand a lot of maintenance to keep from warping or splitting. Every 5 years the roof needs treatment and continuous maintenance. 

If you keep up with your annual roof maintenance, that shake roof will last 30 years. Neglect it for too long and the wet wooden roof could end up collapsing. When Century Roofing installs your shingles, schedule a maintenance appointment for the next year.

Will a Flat Roof Last Forever?

A flat roof isn't a slab of concrete that happens to keep your building dry. It still needs some sort of protective membrane to keep away rain and snowmelt.

High-quality membranes don't last forever, but they will survive around 50 years. Other flat roof waterproofing techniques develop leaks and last only 10 years.

Roof Replacement Calgary: Contacting a Trustworthy Roofer

Don't spend the winter worrying if you need a roof replacement Calgary neighbours. If your roof shows signs of wear and tear, it's time to call in a professional. 

At Century Roofing we've proudly served the Calgary area since 1981. The comfort of our neighbours is always our top priority.

Let us help you spend the summer prepping your roof for wintertime. Contact our representatives at Calgary Roofing to schedule an appointment.