The average homeowner tends to neglect his roof, simply because he doesn’t see it. However, a roof is an essential part of your building. In order for it to continue protecting what is inside the building, it must be in an excellent condition.
That said, a roof can typically last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. A roof that is properly maintained can provide many years of excellent service. However, factors such as continuous heavy rainfall and snow can damage the building’s roof and cause it to need replacing sooner than expected.
How do I know I need to replace my roof?
There are a number of signs that point towards replacing a roof.
If you have recently purchased a building, listed as a ‘finer upper’, it is likely that the roof will need to be replaced. The building may have stood empty for years, with no regular maintenance and repairs.
If your building’s roof is starting to sag, this can be an indication that the roof needs replacing.
Other signs
Your roof may need replacing is if there are copious amounts of algae and moss growth. Moss can push its way between the tiles on the roof, pushing them apart and opening up a pathway for rain and snow to enter.
The roof may have a damaged underlay. The underlay is as important as the tile on the roof. It is difficult to spot as it is underneath the tiles and out of site. If the underlay is damaged, or old and worn, it provides no protection to the room below.
Another possible indicator that your roof needs replacing is water damage inside your house. Any water inside your house typically finds its way in through the roof.
The amount of time that a roof should last depends on what it is made of. Different tiles offer different life spans.
If your building’s roof was installed 20 or so years ago, it is likely time for a replacement.
One last consideration – if you are planning on selling your building, it may be necessary to have the roof replaced. A new roof adds significant value to the property, thus enabling you to increase the selling price.
Look at the average lie spans of the different roof materials below:
- Asphalt shingles (3-tab) – 10 – 20 years
- Premium asphalt shingles – 20 – 30 years
- Metal panels – 25 – 40 years.
- Coated steel tiles – 30 – 50 years
- Clay tiles – 50 – 100 years
- Concrete tiles – 40 – 75 years
- Natural slate – up to 150 years
- Composite – up to 80 years
- PVC – up to 50 years.
While these figures are estimates, they do give an indication of how long a roof can last, and when it could be a good time to replace your roof.
How often should I replace my roof?
There is no set time limit on when you should replace your roof. There are indicators of when it is likely that your roof will need replacing. However, it is also dependent on the type of material used, the type of climate the roof is exposed to, as well as the age of the roof.
A quality roof doesn’t need to be replaced on a regular basis. If it is correctly installed, and quality materials are used, you can expect your roof to last for years.
The correct maintenance, adequate ventilation of the attic, and the correct installation procedures of the roof all ensure that your roof will not need replacing for at least 20 years. In some cases, this figure can be pushed up to 50 years.
Maintaining your roof = a long lifespan
Many homeowners don’t give much thought to their roofs – until there is a leak or other problem. However, this is not a sensible plan for maintaining a roof. Regular checks and maintenance are the best way to ensure that your building’s roof is in an excellent condition, and will last for its intended lifespan.
It is also a sensible idea to keep the roof free from debris, cleaning out gutters regularly, attending to minor repairs when and if necessary.
When you do regular inspections of your roof, you’ll be able to pinpoint problems early and have them seen to before they become too large and costly to repair.
What if I do find issues with my roof?
If you do find a problem concerning your roof, it is best to speak to a professional roofer to inspect your roof. He can do a thorough inspection of your roof and, based on his findings, suggest repair work, or a full roof replacement.
If your roof has reached the end of its lifespan, it is as important to choose a reputable roofer to replace your roof. By doing so, you can be sure that the installation is completed to the right standards. You’ll also be sure that the new roof will last for many years.
In summary..
How often a roof should be replaced depends on several factors. These include:
- the type of roofing material used – different materials have different lifespans.
- age of the roof – if it is 20 years or older.
- condition of the roof – whether the flashing, underlay, and tiles are damaged, and whether there is any water damage inside the building. This includes moss and algae growth on the roof.
- Is the roof sagging?
- whether the building is going to be sold in the near future.
The average lifespan of a roof is 20 years. Some roofs have been regularly maintained and repaired as necessary. This, in turn, may extend the lifespan to up to 50 years.
Replacing your building’s roof can be a large, costly project. However, using professional, well-established roofers, along with excellent quality roofing materials, ensures a long life for your building’s new roof.
Excellent quality roofing material is available
If you are searching for top-quality roofing material for maintenance, repairs or even a new roof, we can assist. We proudly stock a huge selection of the best roofing supplies available on the market.
