How Long Does A Roof Last?

You probably don’t even think about your roof if it’s working correctly, but a problem can quickly become a headache—or worse.  After all, everything else in your home or building depends on the integrity of the roof.

On average shingle roofs, are said to last 20 years, although Greater Purpose Construction LLC has the tools and products to extend the life of your investment. When trying to determine how long your roof will last, there are a few factors to consider: the quality of roofing materials, the climate you live in, and how the roof is being maintained.

A Roof Will Last Longer When Built With Quality Materials

The quality of materials used to build a roof is a significant factor in life expectancy. Shingles wearing out over time is unavoidable, although there are shingles that last longer than others. Weather and maintenance routines will also affect the lifespan of shingles. Asphalt shingles, the most common type, can lose their protective granules over time.

What Type Of Roof Lasts The Longest?

Quality Materials Will Prolong The Life Of Your Roof

Yes, every roof will eventually need to be replaced. Fortunately, using good quality materials can increase the lifespan of a roof exponentially. Many people expect 20 years out of their roof, but at Great Purpose Construction LLC, we can offer the quality components and craftsmanship to guarantee a higher standard.

At Greater Purpose Construction LLC, we have a wide range of shingle options so that no matter your budget you can feel confident about the roof over your head. Not only are our shingles designed to last, but they also look great and come with amazing warranties.

Roof Warranties Matter

Working with seven of the top nationwide manufacturers, we offer a range of shingles that span from 50 years to limited lifetime warranties. Unlike many roofing companies, our warranties cover the full cost of replacing the shingles, labor and disposal included.

Proper Maintenance Will Prolong The Life Of Your Roof

A well-maintained roof will always last longer but hold that there’s also no substitute for starting with quality in the first place.

Different climates require different levels of maintenance, which is why we provide some quick tips for those of you who live in Portland and Vancouver where moss is a leading cause of roof degradation.

How Long Will A Roof Last In Portland Or Vancouver?

Because of our climate, roofs in Portland and Vancouver are susceptible to both moss and storms. These both affect the lifespan of a roof, which makes the quality and maintenance of shingles very important.

A storm can take out individual shingles or even large sections. The Columbus Day Storm of ’62 that hit the Pacific Northwest with wind gusts of 160 miles per hour is an example of how nature plays a role in how long your roof will last. You can imagine how a worn roof would fair against winds of that speed. Strong storms can cause damage to even well-maintained roofs, but a roof that is already worn is likely to see significate damage that warrants replacement.

In Portland and Vancouver, the average roof lasts between 15 and 20 years, assuming no significant storm damage. Fortunately, the materials we use at Great Purpose Construction LLC can help it last even longer than average. 

How To Prolong The Life Of Your Roof

All roofs will wear out eventually, but you can use the following strategies to prolong the life of your shingles. Make sure and check your roof’s warranty to see how long it’s guaranteed, and what maintenance is required to stay in coverage.

How to Remove Moss From Your Roof

Moss growing on your roof doesn’t just look bad, it can actually shorten the lifespan by degrading shingles and causing more moisture to build. It’s an unavoidable problem around here, as the wet and temperate climate of Portland and Vancouver makes for great moss growing conditions.

1. Stop Moss From Growing In The First Place

The first thing everyone should do is try and prevent moss from growing in the first place. If you have trees around your house or building, you might need to consider some careful pruning to eliminate the shade that accelerates moss growth.

  2. Install A Good Gutter System

Having proper gutters also prevents the moisture buildup that harbors moss. At Great Purpose Construction LLC, we can help tackle all types of gutter projects.

Even with your best efforts, you’ll probably have to do some more work to keep the roof clear. Brushing and washing shingles offer a great way to help preserve your investment. Cleaning a roof should be done with care to prevent causing unwanted damage in the process.

How To Safely Clean Roof Shingles

  1. Never Pressure Wash A Shingle Roof

It’s tempting and easy, but never use a pressure washer to remove moss! You will damage the it and reduce its life expectancy. Instead, you can sweep off loose moss with a soft brush and then apply a wash to kill anything that’s left.

  2. Use A Gentle Wash Solution And Rinse Carefully

Look in the store for a roof specific solution or make your own. A 50-50 mix of bleach diluted with water often proves effective—but be careful to never use anything too harsh or acidic, or you risk damaging the shingles. Always make sure to test any solution on a small area before applying it to the whole thing.

You can use a garden sprayer to cover the roof with the anti-moss solution, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse it off with a gentle spray of water. You might need to put down plastic to protect plants or other yard elements down below as you thoroughly rinse the treated area.

  3. Give The Roof Time To Show Improvement

Don’t worry if it doesn’t look completely clean right away. It might take weeks for all the moss to die off, and it’s better to not try and scrub it for risk of damaging the shingles. Remember, the goal is to stretch your roof’s lifespan!

  4. Always Use Safety Equipment When Working On Your Roof

Cleaning shingles also requires the proper safety equipment—an approved harness and tether—to do the job safely. If you’re unable or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to reach out to a reputable roof cleaning service.

When To Replace Your Roof

If you see lots of these shingle granules collecting in gutters, it probably means that the roof is on the way out. As the shingles wear, you might see them curling up along the edges as well. Keep an eye out for missing shingles, and be sure to get them replaced quickly before further damage is caused. If shingles are coming loose easily, that is a sure-tell sign that it needs serious maintenance or even replacement.

We at Greater Purpose Construction LLC offer free estimates for roof replacement. Our team is dedicated to providing a stress-free customer experience – guiding each homeowner throughout the process with complete transparency. Be sure to check out our project gallery to see photos of our work.

Have Questions? Call Our Team!

As homeowners in the Pacific Northwest, we are Great Purpose Construction LLC completely understand the importance of quality roofing material, great warranties, and proper maintenance. As you reflect on the tips in this article, please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions.

Whether you are a private homeowner or own commercial property, we can offer transparent expertise that will give you confidence and peace of mind. Our certified experts are happy to help so that you can make a well-educated decision about your roofing project.