Even though a good roof is built to last for many years, eventually you will be in a situation where it might be time for a roof replacement. There are things that you can do to extend the roof lifespan, such as staying current with maintenance and inspections. This approach will help your current roof last for 20 – 30 years for asphalt shingles, or 50 years or more if you have a metal or tile roof.
But how do you know when it’s finally time to invest in roof replacement? In this article, we are taking a deep dive into the factors that will influence the timeline for replacing your roof.
Understanding Roof Replacement: How to Know if Repairs Aren’t Enough
Just because your roof is having problems doesn’t necessarily mean that the entire roof needs to be replaced. Often, small issues can be repaired and patched to extend the lifespan of your roof. But if there are major issues or you are often dealing with multiple problems, then it might be time to consider roof replacement instead of repairs. Remember, the goal is to ensure the long-term durability of your roof and home.
One sign that a roof repair is sufficient is if the damage is localized in a specific area. But when you have widespread roof damage, then it probably makes sense to replace the entire roof instead of trying to repair the smaller issues, especially if structural concerns are a problem.
Key Indicators for Roof Replacement: The Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
There are several key factors that indicate you should probably move forward with a roof replacement as soon as possible. First, consider the age of your roof. If you know that the roof is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, then it probably makes sense to take a proactive approach with roof replacement before leaks start occurring. When your roof is over 20 years old, we recommend a professional inspection to see if there are any issues that need to be repaired.
Some of the most common signs of roof damage include:
- Missing shingles
- Damaged shingles
- Shingles are cracked or curling
- Water is leaking into your home
- You can see water stains on the walls or ceiling inside
- The roof is sagging
- Mold or algae growth on the roof
- Problems with the flashing around vents and chimneys
Professional Roof Inspection to Evaluate the Current Condition
As with many other types of home maintenance activities, taking a proactive approach with regular inspections will help you avoid major roofing issues in the future. This preventive approach not only reduces the risk of damage to your home, but you can also save money in the long run.
You can schedule a routine inspection each year. Also, call our team right away if you suspect that your roof has been damaged in a storm. We are always just a phone call away.
The Most Common Roof Problems
There are many ways that your roof might be damaged by weather conditions or normal wear and tear. Here are some of the most common reasons why you need roof repairs or full roof replacement:
- A hail storm dented or cracked the shingles
- High winds lifted some of the shingles off the roof
- Persistent moisture is causing rot and mold that are weakening the roofing structure
- Extreme heat has caused shingles to blister or warm
- Ice buildup during the winter caused expansion cracks in the roof
What is the Expected Lifespan of Various Roofing Materials?
The lifespan of your roof will depend on the type of materials that were used during the installation. These are the general timelines, based on the materials on your home:
- Asphalt Shingles: Even though these materials are the most affordable, they typically only last between 20 – 30 years.
- Metal Roofing: These materials are quite durable, usually lasting between 40 – 70 years.
- Tiles (Clay or Slate): Tiles are expensive, but they have a long lifespan, typically between 50 – 100 years.
- Wood Shingles: This type of roof is high-maintenance and usually lasts between 25 – 40 years.
Not only do the materials impact the longevity of your roof, but the expected lifespan is also impacted by the local climate and how proactive you are with roofing maintenance.
Roof Maintenance Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof
A new roof is a big investment, which is why it makes sense to take a proactive approach to maintenance. When you are consistent with routine maintenance, you can prevent damage and avoid more expensive renovations and restorations in the future.
Our best roof maintenance tips include:
- Ensure proper water runoff by cleaning and repairing gutters regularly.
- Clean off any debris building up on the roof and gutters, such as leaves and branches.
- If shingles are damaged or missing, they should be replaced as soon as possible.
- Complete seasonal checks, such as inspections for ice dams during the winter.
- Make sure that the flashing is secure before storm season starts.
FAQ
How long will it take to complete a roof replacement?
Most residential roof replacement projects can be completed in 1 – 3 days, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the project.
Can a new roof be placed over the old roof?
We don’t recommend this. It’s better to remove the old roof to make room for the new roofing installation.
How often does my roof need to be inspected?
Schedule a roofing inspection at least twice a year (usually in the spring and fall) to ensure there is no seasonal damage that needs to be repaired.
When Should You Call a Roofing Expert?
When it comes to roofing, DIY usually isn’t enough. If you can see any type of damage on your roof, then it’s time to reach out to our experienced roofing team for assistance. We’ll complete an inspection and help you choose between roof repairs and roof replacement.
Call us any time you have questions. We are always here to assist. At Infinite Roofing, we offer much more than basic roofing services. Our team also provides a range of other exterior services, including solar installation, windows, gutters, and more. Contact us today to book a consultation and discuss your upcoming projects.