How long do shingle roofs last in Dallas and Fort Worth? The range could be anywhere from almost no–time-at-all, on up to 50-75+ years. Why such a vague answer? Because there are so many variables involved. However, we’ll break things down so you can see a much more focused picture.
About Shingles
Roofing shingles are generally flat rectangles that are installed in an overlapping fashion. They are made from a variety of materials, from cedar shakes to quarried slate. You can find slate roofing in Fort Worth and Dallas, but the expense and weight are much greater than the average homeowner can use or afford. For Fort Worth roofing, asphalt shingles and metal shingles are the most popular choices, because they offer the best combinations of durability and affordability. Asphalt provides the least expensive alternative. It is usually the easiest to install and has a useful life of 15-30 years. Metal shingles are more expensive initially, but have a significantly longer life-expectancy, up to 50 years or greater. Next, we’ll explore some of the factors that affect the life of a roof shingle.
The Effect of Climate and Exposure on Fort Worth Roofing
North Central Texas weather can challenge any kind of roofing material. Hot summers and cold winters take their toll, but the conditions that cause the most concern tend to occur in the “shoulder” seasons of spring and fall. This is when the periodic changes from cold to hot and vice versa see warm weather systems from the south banging into colder weather from the north. The results of these collisions often lead to major storms that can produce hurricane force winds, flooding rains and baseball-sized hail.
The positioning of your home and slope of your Dallas roof will affect the rate of material deterioration you can expect. South facing surfaces will see much greater exposure to the sun, noticeably aging a roof more quickly than surfaces facing other directions. Direct exposure to the sun is more damaging than when the rays hit at an angle, so the slope of your roof is another factor in determining how long your roof will last. Even the color of your Fort Worth roofing material can play a role in its longevity.
Material, Installation and Maintenance
Metal shingles tend to last longer than asphalt, but this is another conditional statement. Within each category are differing grades of material. A good asphalt shingle, properly installed, can outlast an inferior grade of metal shingle or one that’s put on in shoddy fashion. This makes it important to choose a reputable Fort Worth roofing company, one that is experienced, licensed and bonded. Whether you decide on asphalt or metal shingles, Old Pro Roofing will be able to show you the best materials for your budget. We will let you know how many squares (100 sq. ft sections) you will need to cover your roof and along with other essential roofing materials needed. We will explain how to maintain your roof for maximum performance. Call us now for a free roof inspection to see if your roofing is due for replacement.
Fort Worth Roofing Office: (817) 929-Roof (7663)
Dallas Roofing Office: (972) 975-ROOF (7663)