How Long Do Roofs Last? Lifespan of Different Roofing Types

One regular question on online forums is; how long do roofs last on houses? It’s a simple question with a complex answer. The National Roofing Contractors Association says you should ensure your roof is inspected twice a year, that’s once in the spring and during the fall.

Signs That Your Roof Needs To Be Replaced

Using a flashlight while climbing safely to the top of your roof, you should be able to inspect it easily. For you to know whether you need to replace your roof, Durafoam Roofing Inc. suggests you should check out the following signs.

Dark spots

Missing shingles

Leaking/water damage

Visible holes

Mold, moisture, rot

Sagging in the roof deck

If you encounter any of the above signs, you need to replace your roof. During times such as this, it’s important that you have adequate knowledge of your roofing material’s expected lifespan and the average roof cost. You can find more information about commercial and residential roofing material life expectancy. For further details, you can consult your manufacturer or roofing contractor.

How Often To Replace a Roof

The roof lifespan will depend on the type of roofing materials used.

For instance, a cedar roof has an average lifespan of around 20 years. However, if it’s a drier climate, it will require regular repair and replacement since this material experiences splitting.

If it’s a tile roof that’s properly cared for, its lifespan can be 100 years, although the individual tiles are prone to break. Concrete roofs are durable, which means they don’t require replacing through their lifespan.

The Average Lifespan of a Roof

When determining how often you should replace a commercial or residential roof, you should take into consideration the following estimates.

Metal roofs: 50-75 years

Rubber roofs: 30-50 years

Wood shingles: 20-25 years

Asphalt shingles: 15-30 years

Composite shingles: 12-20 years

Things to Consider When Replacing a Roof

As you determine how long to replace roof, you need to keep several factors in mind. That’s because you don’t necessarily need roof replacement just because of a leak in your roof. You can repair these issues without requiring new roof installation.

Several new businesses and homes have been built without following professional standards. They can result in long-term problems, regardless of how old your roof is.

For example, if the chimney happens to be caulked improperly or a vent has been left unsealed, it can result in leaks, which have the potential to cause internal structural damage.

Contact the original builder if there are errors in the roof construction. However, you may have to pay for expensive repairs or total replacement. This may not be covered by your original home warranty. In the case that the contractor is unavailable, you need to make sure you know the average roof cost before hiring another roofer to repair the mistakes.

Maintenance Is Key

Properly maintained roofs can last for longer than their warranties suggest. For you to avoid paying huge roof replacement costs, make sure you carry out annual inspection and maintain it well.

A number of factors, which include environment, climate conditions, proper application, material quality, and roof and building design determine the roof system’s lifespan.

Environmental and climate factors are important for any roof lifespan. Roofs exposed to extreme cold or heat have shorter life spans. In industrial or commercial areas, residues, exhausts and chemicals from the manufacturing process can break down or damage most types of roofing materials faster than wind, sun and weather.