How to Get the Longest Life from a New Roof Installation

If this is finally the year that you’re going to get a new roof installed on your home, you’re going to want it to last as long as possible. 

Of course, after the roof is installed, you can practice preventive roofing maintenance and even get regular professional roof inspections, both of which will help to maximize the lifespan of your roof.

But there are steps you can take even before your get a new roof installed that will help extend its life as long as possible  

4 Things To Do Before Installation to Extend the Life of a New Roof

1. Choose Higher Quality Shingles – Yes, this might seem obvious. Of course, better quality asphalt shingles will last longer. But choosing less expensive shingles can seem like an easy way to save money. Except, with the increased risk of roofing problems and a shorter lifespan, cheaper shingles might be your most expensive choice. 
2. Try a Lighter Shingle Colour – Darker coloured shingles absorb more sunlight and get hotter in the summer. The extra heat can deteriorate the shingles sooner than the cooler temperatures that lighter coloured shingles produce. 
3. Get the Right Amount of Ventilation – Proper levels of attic ventilation can be one of the best things you can do to prolong the life of your entire roofing system. This includes the roofing deck and support structure underneath the shingles. But more isn’t always better. Too much ventilation can be just as damaging as too little ventilation.
    
4. Do Not Overlay – This is another low-cost option that can seem really appealing when you are about to make a major investment in a new roof. Except it isn’t. 

Overlaying is the installation of new roofing shingles over the old shingles. For many reasons, including that many shingle manufacturers will not warranty your new shingles if they are installed over old ones, an overlay is not a good idea.

To learn more about prolonging the life of your new roof, check out our post “How Long Does a Roof Last?”.