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Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer to this question, but the wind rating of your shingles will give you a good idea of what wind speeds can damage your roof. If you’re concerned about damage, inspect your roof following windy conditions to look for signs of wind damage to your shingles. When in doubt, consider hiring a professional who fixes roofs to carry out an expert inspection. Remember that hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornadoes are likely to cause the most damage, but even severe thunderstorms can bring winds that compromise your roofing system.

On average, a roof lasts 30 years—depending on the material. Metal roofs can last up to 70 years, while zinc, specifically, can last well over 100 years. These roofs can reach their intended life span with maintenance that includes seasonal gutter cleaning, pruning nearby trees to avoid damage, and routine inspections every year.

Rolled roofing averages $1.50 to $3 per square foot, with an average installation price of $7,500. This is less expensive than the normal cost for new roofs—traditional styles run between $4.35 and $11 per square foot, averaging $14,400.

More and more insurance companies are writing torch down applications out of their liability insurance for contractors. If torch down is covered, they generally require a worker to stay on site for two hours after the last flame is extinguished.

For this reason, cold application modified bitumen—also known as “peel and stick”—is becoming more popular, and torch down is decreasing in popularity. Modified bitumen is taking its place, as it uses both hot and cold applications.