Asphalt roofs are a common sight in London, frequently found on both residential and commercial properties. Their durable nature, affordability and versatility mean that they are often a priority when considering a new roof installation. One of the questions we are most often asked before our roofers in London get to work is, “How often should an asphalt roof last?”
The short answer is that an asphalt roof should last around 25 to 30 years, but much depends on the quality of the installation, the type of asphalt roof, the weather and whether you keep up with general maintenance.
In this blog, we’ll dive a little deeper to give you a clearer understanding of how long your asphalt roof should last and what you can do to ensure you get the maximum lifespan out of it.
What is an asphalt roof?
Before we investigate what helps deliver longevity for your asphalt roof, we’ll explain what they are, so those considering a new roof have a clearer idea of whether asphalt roofing is best for them.
Asphalt roofing is a roofing system that uses asphalt as a key material for waterproofing. Often used on flat roofs or those with a low slope, it’s increasingly being found on a host of roof types.
In the UK, we typically have four types of asphalt roofing:
- BUR (Built-up roof): A traditional form of asphalt roof where multiple layers are applied to a roof deck along with a protective layer of gravel or similar. You’ll see BUR roofs most often on flat or low-slope roofs.
- Mastic asphalt: A smooth, thick, durable asphalt that is spread and allowed to harden. Used for commercial and residential buildings.
- Asphalt shingle: Chosen for pitched roofs, they have a shorter lifespan than BUR but are easier to install and generally cost-effective. Individual pieces are layered, rather than spread, to form a barrier.
- Cold-applied asphalt: Made with a specially formulated bitumen, this roof type is applied at lower temperatures than other asphalts, making it safer and easier to install.
What affects how long an asphalt roof lasts?
Several factors determine the lifespan of an asphalt roof. Some you have control over, others you don’t. Let’s have a look.
Poor quality installation
Perhaps one of the most significant factors in why an asphalt roof doesn’t last as long as it should is the quality of the installation.
Trading cost for speed can be damaging. Whilst a company may have low prices and a fast turnaround, it’s not always a sign of excellent craftsmanship. If an asphalt roof is installed badly, it can soon become easy for water to cause damage to the roof structure, leading to issues such as damp.
Furthermore, an insufficient installation could lead to frequent faults developing, and you having to spend time and money on sourcing an asphalt roofing repair company to patch up the faults caused by the roof installers.
Lack of loft ventilation
If your loft doesn’t provide suitable ventilation, you may soon see your asphalt roof start to suffer. Depending on the type of asphalt roofing system you’ve had installed, heat trapped in the loft could cause the roof temperature to increase to a level that results in adhesives failing, or shingles cracking or curling. The thing is, you don’t want the area to be too cold either. If winter brings plenty of snow and ice, a loft that doesn’t get warm enough could see ice dams build up on the roof and damage the asphalt.
Weather
You don’t have control over the climate, but if you live in an area prone to extreme weather, you could see the lifespan of your asphalt roof affected. Heavy snowfall, hail, very low temperatures and extreme hot weather will all reduce the lifespan of your asphalt roof. Luckily, in London, we don’t experience weather like this very often, but it may be worth considering the impact that the weather can have on your property.
Lack of maintenance
Once your roof has been installed or repaired, it’s down to you to look after it and prevent small issues from developing into something much worse. Clearing your roof of debris and ensuring the gutters are unblocked is a good starting point, but you should also consider thorough inspections, once or twice a year, to make sure that the asphalt isn’t showing any signs of cracking or has any holes emerging.
Signs your asphalt roof won’t last much longer
If you aren’t aware of how long the asphalt roof has been on the property, a few key indicators can show you that it might be approaching the end of its life. If you notice any of the following, it’s probably a good time to consider calling a roofing specialist like London Property Services.
Curling or buckling shingles
If you notice the shingles are starting to curl or buckle, they no longer have the flexibility they once did. This means they can no longer protect the roof, and that widespread structural damage could occur.
Granule loss
To protect against UV rays, shingles are coated with granules. If you start to notice an increasing amount of these in the gutter or that the shingles appear with fewer granules than normal, your roof is unable to protect itself from the sun, and this could lead to rapid deterioration of the shingles.
Leaks
If you have started to notice leaks appearing inside the house or water stains on the ceiling, the roof probably isn’t doing its job. It may be best to inspect the roof first, though just to be sure.
Missing shingles
This may sound obvious, but if there are missing shingles – especially large patches where many seem to have vanished – It might be time to consider a new asphalt roof.
How can I extend the life of an asphalt roof?
Even though an asphalt roof can last as long as thirty years, its lifespan can be drastically cut short if it is not maintained, poorly installed or endures regular extreme weather. There are a few things you can do, though, that may give your roof a little longer.
Regular inspections
At least once a year, or every time there is a storm, inspect your roof for signs of damage or debris. In doing so, you’ll spot cracks and other signs of wear and tear that, if addressed quickly enough, won’t extend to becoming major issues.
Clean or repair gutters
Regular cleaning and inspection of your gutters will ensure water flows through them as it should. Failing to do so could lead to blockages, leaks and even structural damage that compromises the integrity of your building. Some gutter repair jobs are best left to professionals due to the potential risk you may put yourself in. If you are unsure, book an inspection with our team for added peace of mind.
Trim overhanging trees
If you have any large trees overhanging and brushing against your roof, they might be causing unnecessary wear to the asphalt. Should you own the tree, feel free to trim it. If a neighbour or the local council own the trees, you would need to seek permission before proceeding.
Address signs of damage quickly
If you spot anything that indicates even the smallest amount of damage to your asphalt roof, address it right away. What may seem irrelevant today could become a much larger problem tomorrow, leading to much more expensive repairs and even the need for a complete overhaul of the roof.
The London Property Services’ asphalt roofing team is on hand to provide round-the-clock emergency roof repair in London. With fully qualified and vastly experienced roofers available, we inspect and repair or install asphalt roofs to ensure maximum safety, compliance and quality. Contact our team today to find out more, or complete an online enquiry to get a free quote.
