A roof defends your home from the rain, snow, wind, heat, hail, and various other elements, expected and unexpected. It’s constantly exposed to hazardous conditions, and it’s crucial to keep it solid and vigilant so it can protect your home and everyone in it. Unfortunately, no roof lasts forever. Once it reaches its expected lifespan, you will see red flags showing you it’s time for a roof replacement.
But, what is the expected life span of a roof and how often should you replace it?
Let’s analyze the usual expectations when it comes to the frequency of roof replacement.
Average Roof Life Span
The life span primarily depends on its type and how much maintenance it gets over the years. However, it also depends on various elements, such as weather conditions.
For example, the most affordable options, such as three-tab asphalt shingles, come with a reduced life span. Most asphalt shingle-type roofs last between 15 and 20 years. Meanwhile, some other roof types offer a lifespan of 100 years and longer.
Many other factors impact your roof’s lifespan, like its orientation, color, and slope. Roofs in dark colors absorb more sunlight than those in lighter hues. If you live in a sunny area, the sun will have a significant impact on the durability of your roof, and you will need to replace it more often.
Areas exposed to harsh weather conditions or frequent temperature changes will most likely deal with shorter lifespans of their roofs.
Now, let’s see the expected lifespans of different types of roofs, according to experts from Allstate Roofing.
Average Lifespans of Different Types of Roofs
As mentioned, the lifespan of your roof heavily depends on the type of roof you choose. Let’s list the average lifespans based on the type of roof and material used.
- Asphalt shingles (15-20 years): Usually, asphalt shingles last around 15 to 20 years. However, architectural asphalt shingles are designed to be more element resilient. They may last up to ten years longer than traditional asphalt shingles.
- Clay/concrete tile roofing (50-100 years): This type of roofing is remarkably durable. Tiles made of clay or concrete are incredibly resilient and also very heavy.
- Slate roofing (100+ years): The most resilient, durable option out there is slate roofing. It usually lasts longer than 100 years.
- Wood shingles (25-30 years): Wood shingles require regular maintenance, and it heavily affects their lifespan. You need to keep the roof free of moss and leaves at all times, as they tend to trap and hold moisture.
- Wood shakes (35-40 years): Wood shakes are significantly thicker than shingles, making them more resilient and durable. They’re more resistant to harsh weather conditions. However, wood is particularly sustainable to fire so wooden roofs are forbidden in specific locations because they can easily burn in flames.
- Metal roofs (50-100 years or more): Metal is a very resilient material and an excellent choice for roofing. However, the type of metal used determines the lifespan of the roof. Steel and aluminum last around 50 years before they need replacement. Copper and zinc, on the other hand, can last over 100 years.
Signs You Need Roof Replacement
What are the tell-signs it has reached the end of its lifespan?
Luckily, the signs of a roof that’s reached its end are usually quite obvious:
Damaged Shingles
Probably the most notable red flag for roof inspection is when you see damaged or missing shingles on your roof. Some of them may be significantly damaged or missing due to harsh weather conditions or simply due to old age.
Gutter Health
Did you know your gutter systems can say a whole lot about your roof? Gutters transport rain and debris from your roof to a spot away from your house foundation. While it’s normal to find leaves and other occasional debris in your gutters, it’s not OK to notice granules. It may be a sign your roof needs replacement.
Sagging Roof
A roof should be strong and rigid to protect your home and family and keep everyone and everything safe from damage. Every component needs to be in place, and none of them should be heavily damaged or missing. A sagging roof is usually a red flag that says your roof needs replacement.
Leaks
Leaks are some of the most common signs of roofing problems. A leak can lead to many issues. It usually occurs when shingles fall off and allow water to flow through the cracks. Just because you haven’t seen a leak doesn’t mean there isn’t one. Leaks often occur inside ceilings and walls, so it’s essential to check your attic for wet spots, dark stains, or even mold.
Conclusion
Keeping an eye on your roof is essential. With proper maintenance, it can reach its whole potential lifespan. However, once you notice it’s time for a replacement, don’t hesitate to contact roofing professionals. When it comes to roofs, it’s always better to fix things sooner than later.
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