There is nothing worse than finding a leak in a roof that is only a few years old, seeing chipped paint and cracked siding on material that has recently been installed or a leaky and improperly sealed window. Anytime you upgrade your home’s exterior, you are making a major investment. Siding, roofing, and windows are all costly home improvements. However, these items protect your home from all exterior elements, so they remain an investment worth making. But it’s about making the right investment.
How can you be certain that you are investing in quality materials for your home’s exterior? At American Home Contractors, we understand how frustrating this question can be. But because we have helped over 8,000 New Jersey Homeowners maintain their exteriors, we know which products last and which do not.
Creating a Home that Lasts for Years
Your home has three major elements that protect your exterior in different ways: roofing, siding, and windows. Because each element performs a different job and function, you can expect them to have different lifespans. So how long should your exterior home materials last?
Roofing
Many factors play into the lifespan of your roofing material: climate, weather conditions, and ventilation. Climates with continual and severely changing weather cause materials to expand and contract, shortening their lifespan. Even color can potentially affect your roof’s lifespan, as darker shingles absorb more heat, which could affect attic ventilation. However, a typical roof should last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Materials and installation can also have an impact on this number. Typical asphalt roofing has a lifespan of 15 years. And metal roofing lasts 30 to 40 years.
At American Home Contractors, we confidently choose GAF Roofing. Their Timberline brand of shingles is the top-selling shingle brand in America, and 9 out of the last 11 years, the brand has been rated number 1 in shingle quality by home builders. And with industry-leading warranties and their lifetime roofing system for residential houses, you can be sure your roofing will last for years to come.
Siding
With so many siding options on the market, the lifespan of your siding can vary depending on the type of siding you choose. Wood siding options can last for great lengths of years but require sealing, painting, and maintaining at least every five years to do so. (Without proper maintenance, the lifespan of wood shortens.) Vinyl siding can last up to 40 years, but in certain climates, may experience warping and need replacing. Brick siding remains one of the longest-lasting exterior materials, but it is also one of the most expensive siding options. Fiber Cement siding is also one of the most long-lasting siding materials, lasting anywhere from 25 years to a lifetime.
James Hardie Fiber Cement siding remains our siding of choice. It is also the number one siding in America because it is a durable, fire-resistant, insect-resistant product. James Hardie Fiber Cement can last you anywhere from 25 years to a lifetime and does not require extensive maintenance to do so.
Windows
Typical windows have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. However, this number can run as low as 10 years and as high as 40 years, so what type of window will last? Aluminum windows fall within a 20- to 30-year lifespan, while vinyl can stretch that span to 40 years. Wood windows typically last 30 years or longer, but due to wood’s tendency to absorb moisture (leading to rot and other issues), these frames require frequent repainting and resealing. Durable fiberglass frames can also have a lifespan of 40 years.
Hire the Right Contractor
A lasting exterior goes hand in hand with a top-quality contractor. No matter how long your exterior materials should last, you can be sure they won’t be without proper installation. Whether it’s your roofing, siding or window panes, you need someone who can remove, repair and replace your exterior to a top-quality, durable home.
We specialize in New Jersey home exteriors at American Home Contractors. We know what to expect for the area and how to properly protect your exterior. We are a Master Elite GAF Roofing Contractor and a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, meaning you can expect a quality installation that will keep your exterior home materials performing to their highest standards. So, when calculating the life of your exterior, don’t forget to factor in your contractor. We want you to love your home for years to come.
Get Started Today
Make your home’s exterior last for as long as it possibly can. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can have peace of mind knowing your home is safe and protected.
