If you have been wondering whether your roof needs replacement or want to inspect for roof damages before you purchase a new home, you can follow our guide below.
Wondering how often to replace your roof? Let’s dive in and find out!
How Often to Replace Your Roof By Material?
At Roof Troopers, we’re all about roofing projects. That’s why we’re here to confidently provide you with resources so that you know when to replace your roof.
How often you replace your roof will depend mainly on the types of materials used to construct it. In general, you can expect the most common types of roofs to last between 15 and 20 years, while other roofs can last as long as 100 years if well maintained.
However, it’s important to know the types of materials on your roof to make a more accurate assessment of its lifespan. Let’s take a look at those various materials and about how long they each last.
Asphalt Shingles
A standard asphalt shingle roof will last 15 to 20 years and at most 30 years. Asphalt roofs are the most common type of roofs in the United States, so there’s a good chance this is what you’re working with. For a guide to the best Asphalt shingles – Click Here!
The length of time that asphalt shingles last will depend mostly on the quality of the shingles and how well they were installed. If they aren’t properly installed, they’ll most likely become damaged and lead to a leaky roof.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofs are made of slate tiles, which are natural stone materials. Because each tile uses this robust and hardy material, it’s been known to last for a very long time.
If you have a slate roof, you likely won’t need to replace it in your lifetime, depending on its current age and level of maintenance. Slate roofs can last as long as 100 years if they’ve been installed properly.
Timber Shingles or Cedar Shakes
Timber shingles are fairly common materials used on home roofs. As their name suggests, timber shingles are made of wood. With good maintenance and installation, a timber shingle roof can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years.
However, timber roofs can see a lot of damage due to exposure to moisture. It’s crucial to regularly inspect and clean a timber roof, removing leaves, moss growth, and debris.
Wooden shakes are similar to timber shingles, but they’re thicker. You can expect wooden shakes to last up to 40 years with good maintenance.
Clay Tiles
Clay and concrete tiles are typically popular in more expensive homes due to their high costs, but they tend to be worth the price. These tiles are by far some of the more durable and long-last materials on the market today.
With professional installation and regular maintenance, clay or concrete tile roof will last up to 100 years.
Because clay and concrete tiles are heavier than other materials, the structure beneath them is made to be highly sturdy as well. So, overall, a clay tile roof is sure to be structurally sound, sturdy, and long-lasting.
Metal Roofing
As far as resistance to weather and the outdoor elements, metal roofing is one of the top choices. These roofs, which typically use either aluminum or steel, can last as long as 50 years before it’s time for a replacement.
Additionally, some metal roofs use copper or zinc, which can last even longer. Sometimes as long as 100 years before they need to be replaced.
Inspecting a Bad Roof
The best way to maintain your roof is to have it professionally inspected every six months or bi-annually. These inspections serve to catch minor problems before they turn into more significant issues, and they can extend the lifespan of your roof.
If you think you’ve got a bad roof, then there are some things you’ll want to look for. You can inspect your roof from the ground without having to get on the roof, but keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Curled, cracked, or broken shingles
- Missing shingles
- Missing shingle granules
It’s best to address these signs as soon as possible, as they can quickly evolve into more severe damage.
Curled, Crack, or Broken Shingles
Curled, cracked, or broken shingles are a sure sign that your roof is coming of age, and it’s about time to get it replaced. The hot sun baking most often causes these conditions on your shingles for days. If you’re looking for these signs, you might want to check near the roof edge.
If you notice that your shingles are damaged, consider fixing them right away. The cracks and gaps in between the broken shingles can cause water to seep through the roof, which can lead to further, more severe damage in your home.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles are often caused by storm damage or high winds. If you notice that there’s a section in your roof missing some shingles, be sure to contact a roofing contractor right away. You’ll want to get that fixed before water leaks into your home.
Another thing to check is the flashing around the different vents coming out of your home. Look for chimney flashing and other similar areas that are likely to leak.
Missing Shingle Granules
Shingle granules are the stone and composite materials attached to the top of shingles with tar. They come loose over time as the weather wears on them. You’ll notice them in the valleys of the roof or the gutters. Watch for consistent build-up as a sign that you’re going to need a new roof.
Storm Damage
Storm damage is a common sign to look for during a roof inspection, especially if you live in an area that sees robust winds or hail. If you live in N. Virginia and need storm damage restoration services, reach out to Roof Troopers for help.
Significant storms, high winds, and large hail can really take a toll on your roof and cause consequential damage to its structure and shingles.
Different types of materials will exhibit unique signs of damage. Asphalt and wooden shingles are more likely to go missing, curl, or crack, while metal roofing can display dents and scratches.
In momentous storm events, you may even see a clay or concrete shingle break or crack. Slate roofs may also see similar damage if something hard and heavy falls on them during a storm.
It’s critical to get your roof inspected after a large storm. Even if your roof looks alright from the ground, there may be additional damage that you can’t identify.
Storm damage doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to have your whole roof replaced, but it could result in some minor repairs. These repairs are integral in maintaining your roof for a long lifespan.
A New Roof Adds Value
If you’re looking to sell your home or simply want to add value for the future, replacing your roof is a great idea.
A new roof, along with any other repair or replacement to the structure of your house, can increase the value of your home by thousands of dollars.
A new roof can cost up to $10,000 or more, depending on the size of the home. And when you sell your house, a new roof can maintain around 70 percent of its original value. To learn more about Roof Replacement Costs – Click Here.
The roof is a critical inspection point during a home’s appraisal anyway, so it’s always a good idea to at least maintain or repair its current condition. If your roof fails inspection, it can have a significant impact on the sale of the house.
Your Roofing Experts
If you’re looking to get your roof replaced, you’ll need a team of expert roofers to help you with it. In today’s world, it’s not always easy to find reliable contractors.
At Roof Troopers, we have a team of roofing experts that can get the job done right. Better yet, we offer quality craftsmanship for your home.
Reach out to us today for a free estimate on your roofing project. We’d love to hear from you!
