Castle Builders And Roofing, LLC

How do you tell it’s time to replace the roof? Different roofing materials offer different lifespans. However, there are several other factors that determine how long a roof lasts, such as the installation method, maintenance, and environmental conditions. Everyone wants a roofing material that gives them value for money, but there may be times that roofs sustain damages prematurely. Check out the following signs and roofing material lifespans. 

What Is the Average Lifespan of Different Roofing Materials?

If you maintain your roof well, it will last longer than a roof that is not well-maintained. When you repair your roof, you enjoy many more years of a problem-free roof. Problems may pop up, but if there are not grave roof damages that can affect the structural integrity of the roof, you will need to repair them. 

Replacing a roof is an expensive project. As such, you will need to repair and service the roof as often as possible to ensure that you get a longer lifespan out of your roof. Here are some of the estimated lifespans of roofs:

• A metal roof can last between 50 and 70 years 

• Asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years, depending on the type, maintenance and weather

• Wood shingles can last between 20 and 25 years 

• Rubber roofs can last between 30 and 50 years  

• Composition shingles last between 12 and 20 years

For all the above materials, the specific type of roofing material you have will determine how long your roof will last. For instance, copper can last for more than 100 years with good care. Talk to the roofing manufacturers and installers for a more accurate estimate of the lifespan of the roofing materials you buy. 

What Factors Determine How Long Your Roof Lasts?

Although the manufacturer and the installer will estimate the lifespan of your roof, there are so many factors that come to play after you install a new roof. 

For starters, you need to inspect and repair your roof at least after every two years, but the recommended duration is a year. If you fail to do that, minor damages on your roof can exacerbate, resulting in major issues. During the annual inspection, you will need to check the ventilation and insulation aspects of the roof to reduce condensation and water damages that might occur. 

High wind events and heavy rains can affect the lifespan of your roof. If you live in areas prone to hurricanes and tornadoes and high wind, your roof will probably last less long.  

High heat dries out shingles damaging them before their estimated lifespan. If you experience Southern climate in your area, your roof might need to be replaced sooner than if you were living in other areas. 

Ensuring that your roof is well installed can enhance its lifespan. An improperly installed roof can develop leaks within a few years. Leaks can further lead to more damages on the roof frames and other components. You need professional roof installation and an installation guarantee that your roof will be without leaks for a long time. 

If you have had your roof repaired and placed a new roof layer over an older roof, the new roof may have a shorter-than-normal lifespan. If your old roof sustains several damages, the best option would be to replace it wholly to ensure effective installation of the new roof. 

Signs That You Need a New Roof

Even if your roof still has some years left on paper, there are signs that indicate the need for a new roof.  Check out for the signs below:

• Missing shingles or tiles 

• Broken shingles or tiles 

• Rusting of metal roofs

• Roof leaks 

• Growth of algae

• Excessive loss of granule 

• Loose and lifting shingles or tiles

• Poor ventilation of the attic

You can replace a missing, broken, or lifting shingle. However, if there are several missing, broken, and lifting shingles, you may have to replace the roof. Talk to a roofing expert and they will tell you whether it is better to repair or replace a roof. 

You can extend the lifespan of your roof by having it inspected by a third-party every year. The inspector will catch any roofing issues before they develop into major damages that will necessitate replacement of a roof. From the report, you can then schedule roof maintenance. Ensure there are no trees and vegetation near your roof and keep the attic well-ventilated to make the roof last long. 

Talk to an Expert

If you suspect your roof is damaged beyond repair, talk to a roofing expert, and they will help you replace a roof.  Replacing a roof is a huge decision and a costly one. You need to take your time picking the roofing materials, the installation method, and the roofing contractor to install the roof.