With summer in full swing in Park City and a record snow year behind us, many Park City homeowners are considering roofing projects for their homes. Not all roofs though are built equally or designed to last the same amount of time, especially in a high mountain climate like Park City.

In this article, we will look at how long Park City homeowners should expect a roof to last on their Park City home.

What Factors Impact A Roof’s Lifespan?

There are a few main factors that impact the lifespan of a roof: local climate, material choice, material quality & the installation quality. Let’s take a look at how each of these factors will impact the lifespan of a roof.

Local Climate

One of the most significant factors on the lifespan of a roof in Park City is the local climate. Averaging over 400 inches per year and sitting at over 6000 feet above sea level, Park City roofs face very harsh winter conditions.

With freeze and thaw cycles, consistent below freezing temperatures, and heavy snow loads; comes accelerated roof wear. Pretty much all roofs will have a reduced lifespan in Park City when compared to the same product being installed in a place with more moderate weather.

Material Choice

The most significant factor that contributes to the lifespan of a roof is the material choice. Different materials are made to have differing lifespans. The cheapest roofing material, for example, single-ply shingles, will usually last 8 to 10 years in some areas but in Park City, these shingles can fail even after just one or two years due to the snowfall. This is why we never recommend them in Park City.

Whether you choose asphalt shingles, metal, clay, or another composite material, it will have an impact on the overall lifespan of your roof. We will look at the lifespan of each material a little later.

Material Quality

There are various material choices, and for each material type, there are many different manufacturers of each product. Like with any other product, some manufacturers make better products than others.

Choosing a high-quality material from within the material choice you made is crucial to the longevity of your roof

Installation Quality

The final factor that will have a significant on the lifespan of your roof in Park City is the installation quality.

Having a roof installed by a high quality contractor makes a huge difference to the lifespan of your roof.

Low-quality installers with little attention to detail will leave vulnerabilities that will get exposed during the winter in Park City.

In places with a temperate climate, the installation quality is important, but not nearly as important as it is in Park City where homes are put to the test against harsh winters.

How Long Should My Type of Roof Last?

Each different type of material is expected to last a different number of years. Let’s take a quick overview of how long the most popular roofing options are meant to last.

Double Laminate Asphalt Shingles

Expected Lifespan: 20 years

Expected Lifespan in Park City: 15 Years

Triple Laminate Asphalt Shingles

Expected Lifespan: 25 to 30 Years

Expected Lifespan in Park City: 20 to 25 Years

Standing Seam Metal Roof With Kynar Coating

Expected Lifespan: 50+ years

Expected Lifespan in Park City: 50+ years

Standard Metal Roof

Expected Lifespan: 30 to 50 Years

Expected Lifespan in Park City: 35 Years

Copper Roof

Expected Lifespan: 50+ years

Expected Lifespan in Park City: 50+ Years

Clay Tiles

Expected Lifespan: 35 to 50 Years

Expected Lifespan in Park City: 35 to 40 Years

TPO/EPDM

Expected Lifespan: 25 to 30 years

Expected Lifespan in Park City: 20 to 25 Years

Conclusion

When getting a roof installed or having your roof inspected, it is essential to remember that all roofing materials have different lifespans, especially in mountainous areas like Park City.

The lifespan of a shingle roof in Park City will usually be shorter than the stated lifespan due to the increased snowfall and wear that they have to withstand in Park City.

Choosing a high-quality material for your roof will ensure that your home is protected and that your roof lasts a long time before having to be replaced again.