How long does a roof last in Minnesota

It’s safe to say that the primary function of roofing materials is to protect a house from the elements. Minnesota has a beautiful but varied climate. However, it does for a fact experience harsh winters and high winds which can contribute to a great deal of damage when it comes to it’s homes.  So, how long is roofing in Minnesota supposed to last?

Well, a high-quality, well-maintained roof is meant to at least last up to twenty years. However, there are several deterring factors that tend to influence it’s lifespan considerably. Two major factors affecting the lifespan of your roof are the climate you live in and the type of roof shingles.

In terms of the material, the type of shingle used on your roof plays a big role in how long you can expect it to maintain its useful life. Depending on the type of shingle material, your roof can last anywhere from 10 years up to 100 years. For example, asphalt shingles, are the most common roof shingle used for residential buildings.

Buckling Of Your Roof Decking

They’re typically built to last about 20 years. Wood shingles, on the other hand, are more durable. They usually last about 30 years before roof replacement is necessary; however, they are often prohibited by local codes because they’re a fire hazard.

Clay shingles, which are a common alternative to wood, tend to last for about 50 years. A metal roof will generally last the same amount of time. Additionally, metal roofing can be recycled easily at the end of its lifespan and is manufactured with high recycle content.

The other major contributing factor to consider roof durability, is climate and it’s worth pointing out that Minnesota climate is known to have specific environmental challenges that can affect the longevity of your roof, most especially due to it’s rather harsh winters. For one, Hail Damage is among the most common problems for roof life spans in Minnesota.

What Are Common Signs of Roof Damage?

While some areas experience milder winters due to the lake effect, most areas of Minnesota feel the full brutality of the winter season and all its weather. That includes hail. Often, we think of hail damaging personal property like cars and mailboxes because those dings and dents are especially noticeable. We know not to go out when large hailstones fall.

But some of the most frequently damaged surfaces during hail storms are roofs. Your roof is intended to protect your home from inclement weather, but over time, it takes damage, and hail is a major offender. Additionally, wind damage is also commonplace as winter storms tend to form in Minnesota beginning in October and continuing through the winter.

High winds can remove shingles, unmount gutters, and lodge debris in any open areas of your roof, causing significant problems down the road. This is not even to mention, the huge snowfalls experienced in Minnesota during the winter season that structurally compromise most homeowners’ roofs due to snow compounding. These situations can produce a broad range in the longevity of a roof in Minnesota.

However, it’s worth noting that normally once a roof has hit the ripe age of 15 years or more, chances are you’ll begin to notice a multitude of signs that a roof is nearing the end of it’s life. For instance, if your roof doesn’t look flat then that’s a huge red flag to watch out for as you shouldn’t see dips or areas that appear to be “dented” or “buckled” in.

Also, for homeowners who have shingles, finding shingle granules in your gutters is a sure sign your roof is ending its useful life and needs replacing. As shingles age, the stone granules come loose and wash away, as a result they begin to lose their ability to keep out water.

Another case to watch out for is when moisture intrusion begins to seep in as a result of poor flashing installation by roofing contractors. If you’re not familiar with the term, it’s a roll of thin metal that is highly resistant to moisture and other weather conditions such as high levels of wind. Chimneys, skylights, and bathroom vents are all surrounded by flashing as it is what reinforces your roofing and prevents roof leaks.

How Often Should You Inspect Your Roof for Damage in Minnesota?

In most cases however, homeowners are usually not even aware that their roof is silently leaking, causing water damage to the roof boards and insulation or even creating mold & algae growth which is common on roofs throughout Minnesota. Moreover, what worse are the additional expenses that follow in an attempt to repair the damage?

It is for this reason that inspecting your roof regularly is recommended as it can help prevent these smaller problems from becoming major issues. Plus noting down these observations and details can help your professional roofing inspector figure out precisely where the problem is so repairs can begin quickly.