New roofs are inevitable. While it is important to do what you can to extend the life of your current roof, a new installation does improve energy retention, prevent leaks, and increase the value of your house. Whether you’re looking at buying a new home and want to know how much life the current roof has left, or you’ve been living in your house for some time and are not sure as to when a new roof needs to be installed, here is what you need to know about how often to replace a roof on any home.
How Often Does a Roof Need to Be Replaced?
There is a generally expected life span for every kind of material when installing a new roof. Now, if you take care of your roof, it is possible to surpass life expectancy, so it is best to use these numbers as a general guideline.
Composition shingles generally have the shortest life span of any kind of roofing material out there. If you have this kind of shingle, you should expect to replace the roof in 12 to 20 years.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular form of roof installed in the United States. It is an affordable option that is easily installed. At a minimum, you should expect an asphalt shingle roof to last 15 years, although you can surpass 30 years with proper care. There is a large gap between these roofs’ minimum and maximum life, though, and it all comes down to proper care. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, it is highly recommended to have your roof inspected annually to avoid possible damage and necessary repairs.
Wood is a unique kind of shingle that will instantly add an interesting look to your roof. It has been used for thousands of years and, while it is no longer as popular as most other materials, some houses still utilize wood thanks to the aesthetic it offers. If your home has wood shingles, you should expect it to last between 20 and 25 years. Because it is exposed wood, there is a set expiration date, no matter how well you take care of it.
Slate roofs are incredibly durable and, in terms of putting off new roof installation, are one of the best options out there. Of course, it’s also a costly roof, and it is far heavier than most other materials. Slate does offer a unique look, and, if cared for properly, a slate roof can last up to 100 years.
You’re not going to find many clay-tiled houses in this area of the country, although some do exist. Clay tile is heavy, so it’s not great if there is any chance of snow or heavy storms. It is why clay is most commonly found in the American Southwest and California. However, clay is incredibly fire-resistant, easy to customize, and easy to repair; if you do live in the area and have this kind of roof, you can expect to squeeze around 50 years or so out of the material.
One roofing material that has grown in popularity is metal. There are some major advantages to using a metal roof. One of these benefits is the life span you can expect. As long as it is properly cared for (and properly installed), you can easily get at least 50 years out of a metal roof, if not 75.
Signs You May Need to Replace Your Roof
While every roofing material comes with an expected life expectancy, there are signs you need to be on the lookout for. No matter how old your current roof is, these are signs that will indicate the need for a new roof.
First, consider when the roof was installed in the first place. Have you replaced the roof before? If so, when did you have the new roof installed? If not, when was the roof installed prior to you moving in? The age of the roof can be a good starting point. If you’re not sure, you should also schedule annual inspections of your roof, so you can have a better idea as to when the roof might need to be replaced.
It’s always a good idea to inspect your roof from the inside. If you can see streaks of light cutting into the attic, it means there are likely water leaks as well. At the very least, you will need to have your roof repaired, if not replaced, should this happen.
Has your roof started to shed its shingles? Sure, one shingle here or there is nothing to worry about (as long as you have it repaired). However, shingles come off after most storms, or if chunks of shingles start to break free, it’s time to replace your roof.
An obvious sign of needing a new roof is sagging in the roof somewhere. Even if you haven’t noticed any leaks inside your home, it’s just a matter of time. Sagging means the shingles are waterlogged, and moisture is likely getting in somewhere. If you’re spotting sagging, now is the time to have your roof replaced. Putting it off will only lead to further damage. Also, if moss is starting to grow on your roof, it means moisture is present, and it’s another sign you need a new roof.
Help With Your Roof Replacement
The best way to determine whether your roof needs to be replaced or you can simply repair damaged areas of the surface is to contact the professional team at Greensboro Roofing Specialists. Following an at-home inspection, the roofing contractor will go over your options and what they recommend doing. This way, you’ll know exactly what needs to be done, how much it might cost, and when work can begin. So, if you’re curious about your roof and want to know more, the team at Greensboro Roofing Specialists is standing by to assist.