How Often Do You Replace a Roof?

The roof is one of the most important features within your home (or commercial property) This is because it protects both your property and your family from the elements, whether you’re experiencing some light rain or severe storms. Furthemore, your roof can also make your home more energy efficient and sustainable – meaning it can help keep your energy bills low and your home as green as can be.

As a result, it’s a fixture that is worth investing in through regular maintenance and upkeep. However, no roof can last forever, meaning there comes a time when you will have to have your roof replaced.

How often do you replace a roof?

The roof of your home must sustain a lot of wear and tear, especially as it is consistently exposed to the elements, such as wind and rain. This means it can sustain a lot of damage over the years, especially if contractors did an excellent job when installing your roof.

However, it’s often recommended that you replace your roof every 15-25 years, though this can vary on a case-by-case basis with some roofs standing the test of time for upwards of 50 years. Of course, many factors could prematurely age your roof, such as the quality of roofing materials used, which may mean you need to replace your roof more frequently.

Roofing Materials

As mentioned above, different roof types have different lifespans, and this generally comes down to the roofing material used. This complete guide will talk you through the different types of roof materials so that you can better understand the lifespan of your roof.

How often should you replace asphalt shingles?

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roofing material in the US. In fact, a recent study found that the demand for asphalt shingles has “risen sharply over the past decade, fueled by increased interest in roofing materials engineered to resist high winds, impact and degradation caused by exposure to the elements“. However, their popularity as a roofing material can also be attributed to the fact that they are relatively cheap to source and install.

Despite this, they are not the most durable form of roofing material, which means you should expect to replace asphalt shingles every 15-20 years.

How often should you replace slate roof tiles?

Slate roofs, while less common, are known for being highly durable. This is due to the fact that slate is formed under extreme pressure and heat, making it a durable roofing material that can sustain a lot of pressure. As a result, it’s often predicted that a well-maintained slate roof can last upwards of 75 years.

How often should you replace a composite roof?

Composite roofing, also known as synthetic roofing, consists of roofing material made from fibreglass, asphalt and recycled materials such as plastic. Composite shingles are designed to be highly sustainable, which gives them an impressive life span of 40-50 years.

How often should you replace wood shingles?

Wooden shingles are once again rather durable, typically lasting 20-25 years. However, wood shingles or wood shake roofs require more consistent maintenance on behalf of the homeowner. This is because moss, leaves and other debris can trap moisture on the surface of a wooden shingle, causing it to rot or decay. When wood begins to rot, it loses a lot of its strength and integrity, which could lead to roof collapse. Failing to carry out this maintenance will therefore lower the lifespan of your wood shake roof.

How often should you replace metal roofing?

The life span of your metal roofing depends on which metal roofing material you select, though the majority of them are considered to be highly durable and long-lasting. For example, aluminium metal roofing can last 50 years before it needs to be replaced. However, recent studies have suggested that copper roofing has the most impressive lifespan, as it can last upwards of 200 years (which means you’d never have to worry about it getting replaced). This is because they can sustain a lot of impact from the elements, including strong gusts of wind.

Signs of damage

A sagging roof

The most common reason why you will notice a sagging roof is due to the age of the roofing materials in question. However, it could also be signs of a structural issue within your home or attic. For example, it could mean that the internal bracing is damaged. If not attended to quickly, this could lower your roof’s lifespan and potentially lead to a roof collapse due to water damage. As a result, if your roof is sagging, you may want to reach out to a licensed roofing contractor who can resolve this issue for you quickly and efficiently.

Missing shingles or tiles

A few missing shingles here and there do not necessarily call for a roof replacement, but it is definitely something to look out for, especially if you have experienced adverse weather such as high winds. Missing shingles can cause significant damage to your property and roof if left unattended. For example, gaps in the surface of your roof could lead to water damage or even flooding. If your home has recently sustained severe weather damage, such as in the wake of a storm, and you’ve noticed that several tiles are missing, it may be time to replace your roof.

Cracked shingles

Cracked shingles are another common form of roof damage that you should not ignore. Again, this is because cracked or broken shingles can allow water to enter your home. Remember, the longer damaged shingles go unaddressed, the more difficult the problem will be to resolve, despite the fact that it is a rather simple repair.

Moss growth

The presence of moss, mold or algae on your roof is another key indicator that you need a roof replacement. This is because it indicates a wider damp or mold problem. Leaving moss and mold unattended, whether in your gutters or the surface of your roof, will cause more moisture and water to build up there, as moss is super absorbent. This could result in water-damaged shingles, which are more prone to breaking.

What should I do if I need a roof replacement?

Whether your home features architectural asphalt shingles or metal roofing, you should carry out regular roof inspections. This will draw your attention to any issues before they can cause further damage to your home’s roof, ceiling or more.

Following a simple inspection, you must reach out to a qualified roofing contractor, such as a member of the team at TradersCrafts SFC. While this process can be a little stressful, the sooner you address it, the better. Furthemore, the right professionals will always be able to ensure you take the next best step to protect your home. This is because a roofing contractor will have all of the necessary skills and insight to assess your roof and figure out what method of replacement or response is best.

For example, if the issue is relatively minor, they may suggest that you resolve the roof damage by replacing a few tiles instead of conducting a full roof replacement. However, if the latter is necessary, they will carry out the work quickly and efficiently to ensure your new roof is properly installed and can be enjoyed for years to come.

Roofing contractors will also be able to suggest the most cost-effective approach to having your roof replaced. For example, they may suggest that you switch from a shingle roof to a metal roof if you’re looking to have a more durable and lasting roof installed. The team at TradersCrafts SFC also has training and experience with over 124 nationally recognized home insurance companies that you can utilize to cut down the costs and ease the process considerably.

Whatsmore, you should also be aware of how different roof types have different lifespans, depending on which materials have been used. By being aware of the lifespan of your roof, you’ll know when it’s time to pick up the phone and bring in a roofing contractor to assess your roofing needs.

Contact us today

If you have any further questions or would like to get your roof checked, we’re always happy to help. There are many benefits of working alongside TradersCrafts SFC to replace or repair your old roof. For example:

• We work with some of the best companies out there to ensure we source excellent, durable materials for your new roof.
• We will offer a free professional evaluation of your home ahead of time, before making you pay for any repairs.
• We provide our expert quality services for a fair and reasonable price, whether we are carrying out a few simple repairs or replacing your roof.
• We pride ourselves on always doing an excellent job, ensuring that your house remains in the best possible condition.

Get in touch or contact us today to find out more.