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Copper roof strips can last for 20 to 30 years or more if properly installed—in many cases, they may outlast your roof. Inspect your roof annually to ensure copper roof strips remain properly adhered and undamaged, and repair any loose or lifted strips. With very little upkeep, copper roof strips can protect your roof for decades to come.

A roof's ability to handle snow depends on its strength and the snow's weight, as wet snow is much heavier than dry, fluffy snow. While designs in snowy regions often allow for 35 to 50 pounds per square foot, a general guideline is that a typical roof can withstand about four feet of fresh snow, two feet of packed snow, or just one inch of ice. Factors like the roof's age, slope, and support structure also affect its capacity; newer, sloped roofs generally hold more weight than older, flat ones. Ice and ice dams add significant, dangerous weight. Because capacity varies, it is best to contact a professional roofing contractor or the original builder to determine the maximum snow load for your specific home.

EPDM roofing is a single-ply roofing material made of rubber, and a professional will install it in a single sheet and seal the seams. Built-up roofing (BUR) consists of multiple layers made from asphalt, adhesives, and roofing felt. A professional will construct the layers of BUR on-site. EPDM is easier to repair and has better resistance to extreme temperatures, while BUR is more fire-resistant and affordable.

Roof underlayment usually lasts as long as the roofing material that covers it, as it’s not directly exposed to the elements. In most cases, roofing companies will replace the underlayment each time they install a new roof. In some cases, particularly with slate, clay, or certain metal roofs that can last 50 to 100 years, your underlayment may require replacement within that timeframe, especially if you start to notice roof leaks.