4 Changes In Roofing Since Your Roof Was Installed

The first thing people notice on the house is the exterior, and that includes the roof. As a homeowner, the last thing you are worried about is your roof unless you notice a leak or there’s upcoming bad weather. Chances are, there are at least 4 changes in roofing since your roof was installed that you didn’t know about.

There are many places where you should consider your roof’s condition and make sure it’s up to state standards. The reason being is that some states, like Florida, experience harsh tropical weather, and insurance companies have changed their standards. 

Here are the 4 changes in roofing since your roof was installed.

 

Changes In Shingles

Over the last 20 years, the quality of shingles has changed.

3-tab strip shingles used to be widely used by builders. The average life span for 3-tab shingles is about 15 to 18 years. They are thinner and have less wind tolerance compared to the architectural shingles that are used today. Architectural shingles are thicker, have higher wind tolerance, and are usually designed to hide imperfections in the roof.

 

Changes In Roofing Underlayment

If you’re wondering what roofing underlayment is, we’ll explain.

Roofing underlayment is the material that lies between the shingles and the roof sheathing/deck. It’s installed directly on the roof deck and provides a second layer of protection from various weather elements.

Roofing underlayment used to be constructed with 15-pound felt while better-constructed homes used 30-pound felt. The difference between the two is that the 30-pound felt is thicker, stronger, and less prone to tearing or ripping. The problem with either of them is that they are likely to tear if shingles are blown away.

A move that’s becoming more popular among roofing contractors is synthetic underlayment. A roll of synthetic underlayment is lighter and covers square footage. The good thing about this type of underlayment is that it doesn’t tear when exposed to weather elements. It’s made from durable polymers, which provide added strength and longevity. 

If you’re still curious about the difference between the two, check out the comparisons here.

 

The Use Of Metal Roofing

While asphalt shingles used to be the go-to application for homes that were being constructed, metal roofing seems to be preferred. A large percentage of homes today are being built with metal roofing. 

Metal roofing is a good alternative because it offers hidden fastening systems and many colors to choose from. 

There are various benefits to using metal roofing:

Longevity: Some metal roofing material can last up to 40-70 years.

Durability: Metal roofing can sustain wind gusts up to 140mph. They won’t rust or crack, and they have impact-resistance. 

Safety: Metal roofs are not prone to sparking or igniting into flames during lightning strikes or wildfires.

Energy Efficiency: Because metal roofs can reflect solar radiant heat, it can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%.

Environmentally Friendly: The material for metal roofs comprises 25-95% recycled content depending on the material being used. They end being 100% recycled at the end of their life span. 

Check out State Farm’s article for more information on the pros and cons of metal roofs.

 

Changes In Roofing Nails and Fasteners

At times, roofs have been known to fail because of poor installation, especially in fasteners. Staples were also used in the early 1990s and partly blamed for many roofing failures during Hurricane Andrew. Building codes nowadays require more nails per shingle and longer nails, along with wind mitigation for decking. In most cases, shingles usually fail due to incorrect fasteners. 

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, changes in roofing material have made a significant impact on the lifespan of roofs. Roofs today are made with tougher material that can withstand severe conditions, are energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. Depending on when your home was built, your roof might need replacing or need repair you didn’t know about.

If you need a free inspection done, a roof repair, or a new roof, visit our website at TruGrit Roofing for more information or call our Orlando office at 407-930-9266.