Owning a home in San Diego is generally a wonderful investment for yourself and your family. But, being a homeowner comes with a fair amount of responsibilities, including maintenance, upkeep, and repairs or replacement of parts of your home when needed.
In today’s economy, and especially San Diego, these responsibilities can be financially demanding, so it’s important to work with a certified installer to obtain certain manufacturer warranties, plan any maintenance, and save for any repair and an eventual roof replacement.
Understanding Roof Lifespan in San Diego
As a homeowner in San Diego, it’s essential to know how long a roof lasts and the factors that impact its lifespan. The city’s unique climate, with its sunny and mild weather, can affect the longevity of your roof. In this article, we’ll explore the average lifespan of different roofing materials, the impact of San Diego’s climate, and provide tips on how to extend the life of your roof.
Average Lifespan of Specific Roofing Materials in San Diego
The lifespan of a roof in San Diego varies widely depending on the material used. Here’s a breakdown of common roofing materials and their typical estimated longevity:
Asphalt Shingle Typical Average Lifespan: 15-30+ years
Metal Roofing Typical Average Lifespan: 30-70+ years
Clay or Concrete Tiles Typical Average Lifespan: 20-50+ years
Be cautious with these ranges of lifespan among materials, as the salt air of San Diego coastline can degrade materials faster, and also the intense heat of east county can do similar degradation. Every micro-climate has different interactions with your roof and the materials it is made of.
Important Note About Roof Warranties:
Most of the long term warranties associated with roofing are from Manufacturers, not the roofing companies themselves. For most of these manufacturers of roofing products, the must be installed by a manufacturer-certified roofer for those warranties to be valid, and each have their own terms and conditions. The upside of working with a company like us at Alma Roofing, who is certified contractor/installer of many of the top manufacturers, is that if you do happen to have a warranty claim, it will be us who will be working on the related labor. You won’t have to work with an unknown roofing company on the majority of any warranty claims if it is installed by a local certified roofer.
As an example here is one of the top shingle companies, Owens Corning® Roofing, warranty information:
You can read the full details including important disclaimers and terms on their official website.
Another top shingle manufacturer, Malarkey, have their own set of warranties, including maintenance and repair guidelines. The Emerald Premium and Emerald Pro warranties cannot even be registered by homeowners, they must be installed and registered by certified contractors eligible and experienced enough to have obtained those specific levels. For those top two warranties, your roofing company will also have to install 3-4 Malarkey accessories for a complete Secure Choice™ roof system. This may sound odd, but these strategies allow a manufacturer to make financial estimates and assumptions about specific roof issues associated with those accessories.
You can read Malarkey’s warranty information, disclaimers, and terms on their official website.
Common Factors Affecting Roof Lifespan in San Diego
San Diego’s climate can cause UV damage to some roofing materials, while occasional heavy rains and coastal salt exposure can also impact roof longevity. Other factors that can affect roof lifespan include:
Tree Coverage: Overhanging branches can scrape the roof and cause damage during storms, while leaves and debris can clog gutters and lead to water damage.
Design and Slope: Steep-sloped roofs often have longer-lasting roofs because the slope allows for efficient water drainage, minimizing the risk of water pooling.
Color and Material Coating: Light-colored roofs reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, helping the roof last longer and keeping the home cooler. Ask us about Cool Roof technology and how it can reduce energy usage.
Extending the Life of Your Roof in San Diego
To extend the life of your roof in San Diego, follow these tips:
Regular Maintenance: Clean gutters, inspect for damaged or missing shingles, and address minor repairs promptly.
Annual Inspections: Have your roof inspected at least once a year, and after any significant weather events.
Choose the Right Material: Opt for materials with UV-resistant coatings, such as metal roofing or clay/concrete tiles.
Trim Nearby Trees: Regularly trim trees near your roof to prevent damage from overhanging branches. Be especially weary of certain trees common in San Diego, including eucalyptus trees, and avocado trees.
When to Replace Your Roof in San Diego
Signs that it’s time to replace your roof in San Diego include:
Missing or Cracked Shingles: Visible signs of wear and tear.
Sagging Areas: Areas of the roof that are sagging or showing signs of collapse.
Visible Leaks: Water damage or leaks in the roof.
Significant Wear or Moss Growth: Excessive wear or moss growth on the roof.
By understanding how long a roof lasts in San Diego and the factors that impact its lifespan, you can make informed maintenance and replacement decisions. Remember to choose the right material, perform regular maintenance, and address minor repairs promptly to extend the life of your roof.
If you have any questions about extending the life of your roof, whether it’s reached it’s end of life or will soon, and any repairs needed, then please contact us today for your free inspection and estimate. As a complimentary service to San Diego homeowners, we will send one of our expert roofers to your home, and ensure your home roof is problem-free and if it isn’t, we will provide you with an honest estimate on roof maintenance, repairs or replacement.
