Handy Exterior Remodeling Blog

Midwesterners know all too well the dangers that come with a supercell thunderstorm. High winds, large hail and strong tornadoes are all born out of these massive storms. Once the sirens stop and the storm passes, it’s time to take stock of what’s been damaged. Most homeowners think about their cars first, then turn their attention to the mess that’s left in the yard from trees and shrubs that have been eviscerated by the wind, heavy rain and hail.

Home remodeling projects can range from small to large, and a roofing job is definitely one of the more extensive and costly projects you can undertake. Depending on the severity of the weather in your area, you can generally count on your roof lasting two decades or longer. Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors install roofing systems correctly. When this happens, your roof will not perform as advertised.

When people ask about the average life of a roof, the answer should vary widely because of several factors that make one roof different from the next. While a three-tab asphalt shingled roof will last between 15 and 18 years, that’s not going to be the case with every roof of that material, and this is due to a number of issues, including the quality of the materials being used, weather and the skill level of the contractors who put it on.

We’d like them to last forever, but your roof has a life expectancy, generally no more than 20-25 years (asphalt shingle – other materials, such as slate, which is quite costly, last longer). With some general maintenance, Dupage County residents can prevent leaks, total roof system failure and protect everything under it. However, one day that roof will need a complete replacement, so the big question is – “what will it cost?”