Because roofs are something that only some people pay attention to every day, they often go unnoticed. Yes, you see them every day, but that does not necessarily mean that you pay attention to them.
Even though roofs don’t require constant maintenance, you should keep up with them to avoid having to replace them sooner than expected. However, this begs the question, “How long are roofs supposed to last?”
How long will it last? 🏠
Nothing is made to last forever, unfortunately. While that would be nice, that is not the way the world works. The cost of replacing a roof can be high, so it’s helpful to know when to replace it. You want to make sure you have your finances in order when the time comes.
While each roof is different, they generally last between 25 and 50 years. However, there are a few factors to consider when looking at that estimate.
- Quality of Material: One of the largest factors to consider is the quality of the material your roof is made of. The saying “you get what you pay for” rings true in this circumstance. The better the quality of the material, the longer your roof will last.
- Type of Material: Another factor is the type of material. Asphalt, metal, and wood can last between 15 and 50 years, while composite and slate shingles can last between 50 and 100 years.
- Location: The last factor to consider is where you live. Roofs in a dry, warm area like the southwest will most likely last longer than roofs in more intense areas like the northeast.
Knowing and understanding these factors will give you an idea of how long your roof will last. But that knowledge will only help if your roof is brand new. If you have just moved into a new house and have no idea how old your roof is, these factors will not be of much help. That is why you should be aware of the warning signs that your roof requires replacement.
What are the three primary indicators that it is time to replace?
There are three main signs that your home requires a roof replacement.
- Sags in your roof: This is most likely the most obvious sign. The first thing you should do if you notice a curve in your roof is to contact a professional right away. This could be a sign of structural damage. If not handled right away, your roof could cave in, causing more damage.
- Loose or missing shingles: When you notice that your shingles are coming loose or disappearing altogether, it may be time to replace your roof.
- Water damage: Damage from water is usually more noticeable on the interior of your home. If you see water damage on your ceiling or walls, then your roof is not doing its job, and it is most likely time for a replacement.
Additional warning signs ⚠:
Some additional warning signs to be aware of are:
- Heating and cooling problems: This could be a sign that your roof is letting warm air out in the winter and cool air out in the summer.
- Moss on your shingles: While having moss doesn’t necessarily mean you need a whole new roof, you should still watch out for it. If you leave it on your roof, it could cause leaks or mold to grow.
While these signs may only require minor repairs, you should still watch out for them.
In the end, why does this help? 👍
As we said, all roofs are different. The durability of your roof depends on the material, the quality, and the location of your home. Weather also plays a huge role as well. You could have the highest-quality roofing material out there, but if your home gets hit by a wind or hail storm, you may have to replace your roof. Understanding those factors, as well as the signs of damage, will put you on the right track to keeping your roof in good condition for years to come.
To see what damages your roof may have or simply schedule your annual roof maintenance inspection, contact us at Sterling Construction today!
