The roof is one of the most important components of your home, and if your roof has been around for a while, it’s worth bearing in mind that sometimes, a roof can last its natural lifetime without experiencing serious failure. However, the roof will simply be old and worn, and you may have noticed that you are doing more preventative maintenance than usual on your home as a result. However, if replacing a roof that’s old and worn is delayed, this could lead to more serious problems further down the line. Because of this, all homeowners should understand the different warning signs to look out for to ensure that they have plenty of time to get a roof replacement before the job gets even more costly.
How Often Will a Roof Need Replacing?
The age of a roof is usually the main factor to consider when it comes to deciding whether or not your roof will need to be replaced soon. Generally speaking, if your roof is older than fifteen or twenty years, you will probably need to start thinking about a replacement soon. Most roofing specialists in the US such as Rock Solid Exteriors suggest that a typical roof will last for around 20-25 years at most. However, there are some other factors to keep in mind which may have an impact on how long your roof is likely to last before it needs replacing.
Your Roof Materials
The materials that were used in the construction of your roof will play a large part in the length of time that it is likely to last, as some materials are more durable than others. The materials used will impact the ability of your roof to withstand changes in the weather, torrential rain and thunderstorms, and debris blown onto the roof in high winds. Composite roofs with asphalt shingles are the most common materials used, and tend to last for around twenty years on average before a replacement is required. Fiber cement shingles, on the other hand, tend to last around twenty-five years. Wood shake roofs last a little longer, for around three decades. If you want your next roof to be as durable as possible, metal roofing such as copper or slate roofs are the best option to go for since these are estimated to last for up to fifty years before a replacement is required.
Important Signs to Look Out For
Often, the need to replace your roof will not be immediately obvious. And even when you understand the construction and materials used for your roof and how durable they are, bear in mind that your roof’s lifespan can also depend on several other factors, such as the climate in your area. If you live in an area where there are lots of weather changes, or if you get frequent rain and snow, this can impact the longevity of your roof. Instead of only considering the age and material of your roof, it’s a good idea to routinely check the roof to spot any potential signs that a replacement might be something that you will need to start thinking about soon. Some of the most common signs that a roof is nearing the end of its useful lifespan include:
Damaged or Missing Singles
While a few missing or broken shingles here and there might be repairable, if your roof is missing lots of them, or if there are lots of shingles broken, it could be time to think about completely replacing your roof. Keep an eye out for signs of curling, which can appear in two forms, known as cupping and clawing. Clawing occurs when the center of the shingle raises up while the edges and corners remain flat. On the other hand, cupping occurs when the corners of the turn upwards to create a bowl or cup shape. This is usually an indication that the shingle is shrinking at the bottom. Both forms of shingle curling are a sign of weathering, and typically result in further damage, including roof leaking, if they are not repaired.
Light in the Attic
Regularly checking your attic or loft space should be an important part of keeping on top of maintaining your roof. If you see that there are some spots of light shining through into the attic, it’s definitely time to get your roof checked by a professional. Noticeable spots of light in the attic are usually a sign of holes in the roof that are going to let water, cold air, snow, and even pests in. Check any light leaks in the attic carefully during the next few rainfalls – if they change size or warp, your roof is leaking. The good news is that not all holes in the roof mean that it needs to be replaced, as small ones can often be easily patched up.
Roof Sagging
A roof should generally look strong and sturdy, so signs of sagging are often a serious cause for concern that should not be ignored. A roof might sag due to wear and tear over time, and it will usually point to some kind of structural issue including issues with the foundational supports or the attic. While a sagging roof doesn’t mean that it’s about to collapse imminently, you should definitely get a professional to check this issue sooner rather than later, as it will only get worse.
Choosing the Right New Roof
If your roof is in need of a replacement, choosing the right one is an important part of keeping your home safe and well-maintained. While it may cost you more upfront, it’s always better to invest in the best quality roofing materials for your new roof to help you avoid problems later and get a roof that lasts as long as possible. Wherever you can, choose materials that are designed to last up to fifty years; this will likely save you money on the cost of repairs and further replacements in the future.
While the roof is the most important part of the home, there will come a time where every roof needs replacing.
