How Often Should Roof Be Replaced?

The roof is one important home component often ignored by homeowners. You definitely won’t notice what’s happening on your roof until it begins to break apart and leak inside your house. According to industry experts, a thorough roof inspection should be done at least twice a year to detect any potential problem which may come across soon. Let your local professional roofer conduct the inspection if you’re afraid of heights or not technically skilled.

The frequency of roof replacement largely depends on the extent of the damage caused by perils and the number of expenses you can afford. If you’re considering roof replacement, however, make sure to check these factors listed below:

• Type of roofing material installed
• Prevailing weather condition on site
• Roof maintenance efforts 
• Unresolved leaking issues 
• Roof age or service life 
• Provisions under your insurance coverage

Checking the Average Lifespan of a Roof

Every roofing material has its own average lifespan, and this depends on the quality of the material and where the roof has been installed. Find out the average lifespan for each material as listed below:

• 3-tab asphalt shingles: 15 to 20 years under normal circumstances
• Architectural shingles: minimum of 25 years under normal wear and tear
• Cement tiles: 50 to 100 years under regular inspection and maintenance
• Metal roofing: 50 to 80 years under regular inspection and maintenance
• Wood shingles and shakes: 25 to 30 years under proper maintenance and regular resealing
• Slate tiles: 100 years and beyond under normal condition 
• Commercial roof: 15 years (only suitable for flat roofing)

Maintenance is the key factor if you want to reach the full life expectancy of your roof. The amount of effort you put to keep your roof in perfect shape will likely determine how long the roof will last before considering any roof replacement plan. Wood shingles, for instance, can last over 25 years, but they require maintenance like keeping dry leaves or moss growth away from the roof. Otherwise, they will trap moisture against the roofing material, encouraging rot and decay until your wood shingles become irreparable.

Weather Factors

Apart from material composition, your roof’s full-service life is also determined by the existing weather condition in your area. Extreme temperature variations, for instance, may cause mold growth and surface crack on your wood or asphalt shingles easily. A heavy snowstorm can also cause snow build-up resulting in bent metal roofing as well as sealant erosion after decades of installation.

If your roof is made of asphalt, you may expect your shingles to be ripped off by the strong wind. Fallen tree branches and dry leaves accumulated on the roof can also lead to roof damage and decreased service life. If any roof damage isn’t dealt with early enough, water may penetrate the roofing structure through small cracks and broken shingles, aside from frequent temperature changes that often cause material expansion and contraction. This is why conducting annual inspections is critical in an attempt to extend the life of your roof, regardless of installation method and manufacturing quality.

Checking Out The Apparent Signs

Before you consider either partial or full roof replacement, search for all obvious signs of roof damage, which your professional roofer should give proper attention. Hire a credible roofing contractor like TCI Manhattan Roofing Repair services NYC who will correctly inspect your roof for damages and repair them to prevent further deterioration in the future. Common roof damage includes the following: 

Exterior Problems

When you inspect for exterior roof issues, look for those notable damages like broken shingles, cracked tiles, and rotten wood shakes. You can also look up the roof and see if the color is consistent or not. If you spot an area that seems weird, this may indicate a previous patchwork carried out by an unreliable contractor. 

Also, check your roof gutters and ground areas for any damage or missing pieces of shingles. When your shingles are worn out or become damaged, you’ll probably notice some granules or loose particles inside the gutters and downspouts. You’ll even notice debris of defective gutters and flashing components scattering around your house.

Roof Leaks From Holes and Cracks

Roof cracks and holes may result anywhere from strong weather disturbance to wildlife animal bites. If you notice sunlight penetrating through the roof or ceiling, it’s absolutely time to have your roof inspected thoroughly.

Moisture and Water Marks

Excess moisture and water stains you often see on the walls and ceiling are strong indicators of a leaking roof. You may also need to check your insulation as moisture often penetrates it when the roofing material is ripped off. Aside from wall streaks, you should also inspect your roof for sagging wooden structures like frame supports and ceiling boards. In any case, a prompt roof repair New York is essential to have these fixed as soon as possible.

As a whole, the frequency of roof replacement depends on the average lifespan of your roof as well as the extent of the damage it has sustained over the years. After determining the roof age, look for all visible damage that needs an immediate solution.