Top Choice Amongst Roofers in Crawley | D Hunt Roofing
Roofs don’t last forever. Even when built to the highest standards by a team like our roofers in Crawley, they typically have a set lifespan. Manufacturers of roofing materials often provide estimates to ensure property owners know what to expect. For example, EPDM typically lasts 20-30 years, while pitched roofs built with concrete or clay tiles can last well in excess of 50 years. Projected lifespan is also considered in the pricing of materials.
In today’s blog post, the team at D Hunt Roofing, your top choice roofers in Crawley, look at the various factors that can influence a roof’s lifespan.
What Influences a Roof’s Lifespan?
The Weather - If it wasn’t for the influence of the elements our roofers in Crawley would be out the job! Standing up to all the weather throws at it all year round, year in and year out, a roof inevitably requires maintenance, repair or replacement at some point. Important factors are prolonged periods of intense sunshine, which can crack certain roof tiles and membranes; strong gusts of wind can also damage or send tiles flying off your roof; rain, especially when the roof is already compromised and a downpour finds its way through gaps, can also damage roof interior and lead to structural timber being exposed to moisture (for example).
Environmental Factors - A roof can be badly damaged by environmental factors like nearby trees. If one were to grow too close, branches might make contact with the roof during a storm, in the kind impacts a roof is not designed to endure! Another situation might see a heavy branch fall on your roof, placing weight and consequently undue stress on it overtime. Do keep an eye on your roof if you have overhanging trees, especially following strong winds. And if you require repairs, contact our roofers in Crawley before the issue worsens and the integrity of your entire roof is put at risk!
Damage to Flashing - Flashing shores up potential problem areas such as where the chimney protrudes from the roof. It acts as a seal, and if damaged or degraded, can let in leaks and cause wider damage to a roof’s interior. If you suspect (e.g via visual inspection) your flashing has seen better days, why not give us a call?
Lack of Maintenance - Neglecting your roof is the most surefire way of ensuring it doesn’t live past its average lifespan. Small problems put-off can become serious issues, and what was once a cheap repair undertaken by our roofers in Crawley becomes an expensive one. With roofs “out of sight, out of mind” is a dangerous philosophy; be sure to give it an inspection from time-to-time (or get someone in to do it for you), especially after extended periods of inclement weather or when you notice symptoms of ill health appearing.
Age - Time ravages us all, and with roofs it’s certainly no different! Even if you’re on the ball and get the right roofers in Crawley to install and maintain a roof, eventually it will require replacement or reinforcement. There is simply no such thing as an immortal roof. If yours is ancient in roof-years, and as a result is constantly causing you grief due to the amount of times you have to call in our roofers in Crawley, consider replacing it and saving money in the mid to long-term.