A roof is one of the most important parts of a home. It protects your family, pets, and belongings from the elements such as rain, snow, and harsh sun rays. A good roof will last for decades if well maintained; however, it can start to show wear and tear much sooner than that if not properly taken care of. The lifespan of a roof depends on many factors including region (warm vs cold), type (single layer vs three layers), and age (newer roofs last longer). This blog post will give you tips on how to determine when it might be time to replace your current roof with a new one.

How does a roof age and wear out?

Roofs are complex components in buildings, consisting of multiple layers and sections. Due to the environmental conditions they are exposed to, such as heat, rain, wind, and pollution their age mainly depends on how well they have been treated during their service life. The following factors can accelerate this process:

The weather conditions of the respective roof region play a role in the life expectancy of roofs. The more negative standardized climatic data (Munich Re) is taken into consideration, the shorter the service life of roofs will be expected. Another factor to consider is that heat and ultraviolet radiation weaken most materials over time and will lead to natural deterioration.

Why do roofs need to be replaced?

Roofs have a limited lifetime, after which they need to be replaced. In general, the roof replacement market is growing due to two reasons:

• The expected life cycle of roofs is becoming shorter.

• Once the average household has to replace their roof, they will opt for a quality product made of better materials than in the past. Replacement roofs are significantly more energy-efficient than old roofs and contribute to reducing heating costs, thus offsetting higher material costs.
  

What are the signs that your roof needs replacing?

How often should you replace your roof?

The actual life expectancy of roofs is difficult to estimate. The following conditions have to be taken into account:

The climate zone in which the building is located; it plays a crucial role in determining the expected service life. Atmospheric pollution and weather conditions strongly impact on roof quality and material deterioration, especially on gravel roofs.

It also heavily depends on materials. To give an example: slate roofs have a longer life expectancy than asphalt tiles. Metal roofs or roofs that are made of metal and wood (like the Swiss Chalet) last much longer than other roof types because they resist extreme weather conditions much better. This makes it difficult to give general advice as to when a roof needs to be replaced, however, given regular weather conditions and proper installation and maintenance, the following common roof types should last in the below ranges.

1. Asphalt Shingle Roofs: 22-28 years
2. Metal Roofs: 40-70 years
3. Slate Roofs: 75 to 200 years
4. Tile Roofs: 50 to 100 years
5. Rubber Roofs: 40 and 50 years
6. Wood Shakes and Cedar Shingles: 30 years

In addition, the following aspects play a role:

Regular maintenance of your roof from the outset can considerably reduce its service life. This includes sealing of joints and fixing of leaks immediately as well as inspection for damage regularly. In areas with harsh weather conditions, such as the Gulf Coast and hurricanes. Or tornadoes in tornado alley. Harsh weather can cause more damage to roofs of all types. A new roof is only covered by warranty for a limited time after installation, often 20-25 years. This means that you will have to pay the full cost of your roof replacement on any damages or deterioration during this period.

Types of materials used in new roofs

Roofs currently come in a variety of types and materials:

Asphalt shingles: These roofs are generally the most affordable and can last for more than 20 years if properly installed. They require less maintenance than other roof materials, which is generally inexpensive. However, during heavy rains, they can deteriorate more quickly than other common.

1. Metal Roofs: Made from aluminum or steel, metal roofs can be installed in a variety of colors. They last through the years and require little maintenance. However, if your home is located in an area that sees extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, then you may need to opt for an upgraded material that is more wind and water-resistant
2. Slate Roofs: Made of natural stone, these roofs are long-term investments. Installed by hand, they can last for more than 70 years and require little maintenance. The downside is that they are expensive to install and repair due to the impact of weather.
3. Tile Roofs: These roofs come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any home or building design. They are durable, waterproof and require little maintenance aside from regular cleaning. However, they can be expensive to install.
4. Rubber Roofs: These roofs are made of recycled rubber tires that are cut into various geometric shapes. They require minimal maintenance aside from occasional scrubbing with soap and water but do not come in as many colors or design styles as the other types previously mentioned.
5. Wood Shakes and Cedar Shingles: These roof types are often made from cedar and come in a variety of styles. The downside is that they require more upkeep than other materials, including regular cleaning and sealing to protect against damage from the elements. The benefits of wood shakes and cedar shingles are that they add a rustic look to your home and can last for up to 30 years. However, because of their natural material, they are susceptible to rotting if not properly maintained.

How much does a new roof cost?

Replacing your roof is getting to be a very common project for homeowners. There are many reasons why this process has become so popular. When you think about it, some roofs can last up to fifty years, maybe even longer. That's practically half of the average person's life expectancy! With that kind of time on them, it is no wonder that they can be as expensive as they are.

As roofs get older, they can begin to disintegrate and become damaged. The cost of repairing a roof is usually many times more expensive than the cost of replacement. There are several factors that contribute to how often a homeowner should have their roof replaced. The first is the material. This will determine how long a roof lasts during its lifespan. The second factor, weather conditions, does not affect longevity but can contribute to how often you need to replace your roof.

Shingle Roofs

Shingle Roofs cost less than other material roofs but need replacement more often. Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing used in the country. These roofs have an average lifespan ranging from 15 to 20 years depending on which part of the country you live in. One drawback is that they are not very water-resistant. If you live in an area where it rains often, your shingles may need to be replaced more frequently. Another downside to asphalt shingles is that they are not very durable. One big wind gust can cause your shingles to be ripped off of your roof entirely, exposing the naked asphalt to cold winds or scorching sun and causing even more damage. The average cost of a shingle roof in the United States is between $5,000 and $12,000.

Metal Roofs

Metal Roofs are more expensive but need replacement less often. Costing anywhere from three to five times more than a normal asphalt roof, metal roofs are built to last. Metal roofs have a lifespan of 50 to 70 years depending on the quality of the materials used and the weather conditions in which you live. One main benefit is that metal does not hold onto moisture, making them resistant to water damage as well as fungus. Metal roof installation costs average from $9,545 to $43,819 in the United States, but that depends heavily on the specific type of metal roof you choose and the size of the building being roofed.

Slate Roofs

Slate roofs are also expensive material roofs, but need replacement the least. Slate roofs are made of natural stone which makes them very durable and long-lasting. These roofs have an average lifespan of 100 years or more depending on how well the roof is maintained after installation. One disadvantage to slate roofs is that they can be very heavy, causing structural damage if not installed on a building that can safely support and fully hold their tremendous weight. On average, slate roofs can cost between 11,550 to $44,000 but there are requirements in the type of framing to safely support them that increase associated costs as well.

Rubber Roofs

Rubber roofs can be made out of recycled tires and typically last 30 years. Rubber roofs come in a huge variety of colors and different types of rubber form tiles or shingles like asphalt or metal can make them very durable. They are also built to withstand all kinds of weather conditions including snow, rain, sun, etc.

Wood Shakes and Cedar Shingles

These both come in natural wood and typically last 20 to 40 years. This kind of roof is another great choice if you like the rustic, old-fashioned look as it comes in many different shapes and textures to create a beautiful finish. When you put this type of shingle on your house, you're not only improving your home's appearance, but you are also adding more insulation value. This roof is made to last if the materials are high quality, so you can expect at least 20 years of life with proper maintenance. The average cost of wood shakes and cedar shingles roof is about $19,000 in the United States.

Conclusion

Roofs are a big investment and their longevity depends on many factors. A roof's lifespan can be increased with the use of certain materials, proper installation procedures, and regular maintenance. If you're considering replacing your roof or just want to know more about what kind of material is best for your home, we'll help you find out! Give us a call today so we can answer any questions you may have.