Replacing the roof is a highly personal matter. Therefore, you should contact a professional roofing company to replace your roof. Each roof is different and requires special treatment. Some roofs last longer than others, some need more maintenance and others are more vulnerable to UV or freezing temperatures. This is why everything depends on the type of shingles, the climate you live in and the cleaning and maintenance efforts you put in. To help you out, we present the basics of roof replacement:
What is the Average Lifespan of a Roof?
As mentioned before, each roof has a specific age. Remember not to push the boundaries of yours since old roofs barely do any good. In fact, having an old roof is more dangerous than having a leaky one, even though these two things usually go hand in hand. Also remember that roof age also depends on manufacturers and installers. The better company you hire, the longer your roof will last:
- Metal – A highly durable material with a lifespan of approximately 40 years. Only disadvantage is that it dents, contracts and expands due to difference in temperatures.
- Wood– Also highly durable and with a similar average lifespan of 35 years. Provides an amazing look for the home, but is very vulnerable to termites, rot and mold.
- Tile– The strongest roof material is tile with an average life of 60 years (some tiles even reach a 100). It is recyclable thus eco-friendly, but not every home can withstand its weight. Tiles are heavy weight and this is why they aren’t so flexible for renovations and for home size.
- Asphalt– The cheapest and the most commonly used material is asphalt. As the others, it is an amazing insulator, but the lifespan is very short from 15 to 25 years (depending on the type of asphalt shingles).
How do you Know if You Have Roof Damage?
To see how old your roof is, check the warranties. If they are fairly young, but you are still doubting the condition of your roof, here are some signs that can help you out (All of this signs indicate immediate repair or replacement, schedule free consultations to check which one you need):
- Missing or cracked shingles
- Leaky roofs and attics
- Algae, moss and dark spots
- High electrical bills
- Peeled exterior paint
Other Causes of Roof Damage
Besides age, roof durability depends on climate and maintenance. For instance, if you have a wooden roof, don’t expect it to reach 35 if you haven’t been cleaning it regularly. Additionally, we should also ventilate the attic frequently since poor ventilation damages the roof structure as well. Open up the windows once or twice a day to maintain the health of your shingles and roof.
We all know that darker materials absorb more light and the same goes for roofs. Dark colored roofs absorb more UV, resulting in earlier damage and deterioration. Other examples for when difficult weather destroy a roof are frequent ice build ups and high humidity levels.
