Once you purchase a home, you’ll have to keep up with maintenance and renovation in the years to come.
One of the most important, if not the most important, aspects of your home is the roof. It protects everything inside, and you have to keep it solid and sealed.
So, how often should you replace your roof to ensure that it is up to standard? We’ll give you a general timeline based on the materials used to construct the roof.
How Often Should you Replace your Roof?
Roof Replacement Timeline
If you’re looking at your home and wondering how often should you replace your roof, here’s what to consider:
- The kind of weather it has to endure
- What material is your roof made of
- How well have you kept your roof
- Can the damage be repaired
We have all of the answers despite what unique circumstances you may have. Continue reading this guide to find out how often you should replace your roof as it pertains to your particular situation.
Average Roof Life Span
As previously mentioned, different kinds of roofs will have their own respective lifespans. With that said, let’s begin by listing off the estimates of an average roof lifespan based on material.
Asphalt
If there is no added factor to cause the roof to deteriorate faster, the 3-tab asphalt shingle roof should last anywhere from 15 to 20 years before needing to be replaced. On the other hand, when it comes to architectural shingle roofs, they can prove to be more resilient to the elements as a result of their design.
Consequently, these roofs can last up to 10 years longer than 3-tab asphalt shingle roofs.
Cement/Clay Tiles
Opting for clay/concrete roofing is one of the hardest roofing materials to choose. These tiles are very heavy but resilient as well. This material is installed on very sturdy roofing reinforcement, which provides more protection for your home. Tile roofing is very durable and can last from 50 to an astounding 100 years.
Slate
This is by far in a way more durable than any other roofing material. In most cases, it is likely to last 100 years or even longer.
Wood
Wood shingles will last you from 25 to 35 years. This material needs maintenance which can affect its lifespan.
Take, for instance, if you were to neglect to keep the roof clear of moss growth and leaves, moisture would be trapped against the roofing, accelerating decay. However, if you were to keep up with all necessary maintenance, you could get 50 years out of your would shingle roof.
Wood Roofing
This roofing material is very susceptible to damage by fire. As a result, it is illegal to install this material in specified locations because it can easily catch fire.
Wood Shakes
Wood shakes happen to be thicker than shingles, and as such, they’re more resistant to harsh weather and UV rays. This kind of roof should last for 35-40 years.
Maintenance is a factor here also, and maintaining a wood shake roof has everything to do with how long it will last.
Metal
Metal is another extremely resilient roofing choice. Common metals used for roofing, such as aluminum and steel, should last for 50 years. Zinc and copper metal roofing can last for 100 years or more.
Common Problems That Will Decrease The Lifespan of Your Roof
Below are a few of the most common examples of roof damage that shorten the lifespan of your roof if not treated immediately:
Leaks and Holes
Advanced roof damage would pertain to any holes that are large enough to allow visible sunlight into your home. That is an indication that you need to replace your roof as soon as possible.
Even if the holes and cracks are smaller, they will still let moisture in, and that goes from bad to worse quickly.
Water Stains, Damage, and Moisture
Additional signs of roof leaks are excess water damage such as stains, moisture accumulating on the decking or in your attic, or obvious damage to the ceiling. More often than not, the moisture that’s coming in soaks into your attic insulation.
If you see yellow or brown stains on your ceiling, that’s an indication that you have a small to medium leak in your roof. The same is true for discolored streaks on the walls. That usually occurs because of rainwater that has debris and dirt that has traveled through the surface.
If you see that your ceiling is sagging, that’s an advanced level of water damage that needs to get addressed right away.
External Damage on the Roof
You can also notice indications of roof damage externally. How often to replace the roof will also depend on if the shingles are rotten, cracked, damaged, or missing shingles are a key sign that you have to replace your roof.
Shingles that get damaged from wind, water, or other weather elements, you might find pieces on the ground or in the gutters. Check your chimney and flashing as well.
If you find that you want a professional to do your roof replacement, Red Canyon is here to help! Contact us today to get your free estimate!
