Installing and maintaining a roof can seem like a daunting process. However, it’s fairly easy when you know what you’re up against. Many new property owners might not know the first thing about roofs, roofing maintenance, who to contact, and other facts about their roof. Fortunately, here is a list of 25 interesting facts about roofs you might not know to help get you started! These facts are not only interesting, but can also help you learn about the history of roofing, popular materials, and even brighten up your day and teach you a bit of knowledge about roofs.
25 Facts About Roofs
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The average lifespan of a roof is between 20-25 years depending on the materials used and proper maintenance.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The oldest known roof was made using the skin of a woolly mammoth and was found in Siberia, dating back 42,000 years ago.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The most popular roofing material in the United States is asphalt shingles, accounting for nearly 80% of all roofs.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>In ancient Rome, rooftops were used as living spaces and gardens due to limited space on the ground.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The average cost to replace a roof is over $9,000.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Professional roofers recommend inspecting your roof at least twice a year, usually in the spring and fall.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The first asphalt shingles were created in 1901 by Henry Reynolds.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The word “roof” comes from the Old English word “hrof” which means “roof or covering”.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>A green roof, also known as a living roof, is a rooftop covered in plants and vegetation.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability and energy efficiency.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The world’s largest green roof is located at The Expo 2023 Doha building covering 4,031 square meters!
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>One of the most expensive roofing material is slate, which can cost up to $30 or more per square foot.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Over 5 million roofs are installed every year in the United States.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Almost a third of roofs are replaced due to leaking.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>While there are many roofing installations, roof replacements on existing homes make up 85% of the roofing market.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>A roof’s pitch is measured in inches per foot, with a 4/12 pitch being a moderate slope.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Wind can cause significant damage to roofs, with gusts over 60 mph being able to lift shingles.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Plastic composite tiles are now common and can last 50 years.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Professional roofers earn a median salary of over $40,000 per year.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The roofing industry is expected to grow in the coming years due to increased construction and renovations.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>It’s important to properly maintain your roof to extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs. This includes regularly cleaning gutters, trimming trees that could damage the roof, and inspecting for any potential issues such as missing shingles or cracks.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>In addition to its functional purpose, roofs also play a significant role in the aesthetics of a building. Different roofing materials and styles can greatly impact the overall look and feel of a structure.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Roofing technology has advanced greatly in recent years, with options such as solar panels, cool roofs, and energy-efficient materials becoming more popular.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Roofing renovations are one of the only home remodeling projects with a 100% return on investment, making it a smart financial decision for homeowners.
- ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Proper ventilation is crucial for a healthy roof, as it helps prevent moisture build-up and reduces the risk of mold or mildew growth.
Get Help for All Your Roofing Needs Now
At Shelby Roofing, we’re passionate about roofs, installation, maintenance, commercial, and residential projects! We’re provide trusted commercial and residential roofing in St. Louis, MO, and are excited to provide our customers with quality roofing services. We can help you choose the right roofing materials and style for your home or business, as well as provide regular maintenance and repairs to ensure your roof is always in top condition. Call us today, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for help with roofing, gutters, siding, soffit and fascia, and more!
