Why Roofs Don't Stand the Test of Time

Have you ever wondered why so many roofs fail long before they’re supposed to? The average “30-year shingle” roof in Colorado barely makes it 15.

It’s not because the materials are bad — it’s because of how they’re installed.

Reason number one — poor ventilation. Your roof isn’t just there to keep water out — it’s a breathing system. Without proper intake and exhaust ventilation, heat and moisture get trapped in your attic.

That trapped heat cooks your shingles from underneath, causing them to curl, crack, and age years faster than they should. It also leads to ice dams, higher energy bills, and even mold in your attic.

Reason number two — cheap materials. A lot of contractors use bargain-bin underlayment, nails, sealant, or flashing to cut costs. Homeowners don’t see those parts, but they’re what actually protect your roof from leaks.

When a company saves $300 on cheap materials, you pay the price in five years with a roof that fails prematurely.

Reason number three — corner cutting. Many roofs are installed fast, not right.

Maybe the nails are overdriven by a compressor, maybe the ridge vent is too short, or they skip proper starter strips and ice barrier altogether. Each one of those shortcuts chips away at the life of your roof.

And once it’s installed that way, you won’t see the problems until it’s too late — when the leaks start.

At My Family Roofer, we don’t just install shingles — we install complete roofing systems.

 That means balanced ventilation, premium components, and craftsmanship that meets manufacturer standards so your warranty actually holds up.