Your house’s roof is one of its most important components, but like everything else on your property, it will need to be replaced eventually. The useful life of your roof is determined by a number of factors such as its materials, how well it is maintained and the elements it’s exposed to. Let’s take a closer look at how you can tell if it’s time to put a new roof on your house.
How Long Does a Roof Last?
An asphalt shingle roof should last for at least 20 years under normal conditions. In some cases, it can last for up to 30 years if it is properly maintained and it isn’t impacted by hail, lightning or other types of extreme damage.
A metal roof typically lasts for at least 40 years under normal conditions, and it can last for up to 70 years if everything goes well. The most important variable is the type of metal used as a metal such as aluminum tends to have a shorter shelf life than a material such as copper.
When properly cared for, a clay tile roof can last for up to a century. This is because the material is resistant against fire, hail and a number of other outdoor hazards.
When to Consider Repairing Your Roof Instead
In some cases, it may actually make more sense to repair your roof instead of replacing it. This may be true in your case if the roof has a significant amount of useful life left.
In such a scenario, you could still have years or decades until you’ll need to touch it again, assuming the repairs are done properly and in a timely manner. In fact, you may still have a warranty on the roof, which means that repairs might be done at no cost to you.
You may also want to consider repairing your roof if the damage is confined to a small location. If that is true for your roof, it’s likely easier, faster and more economical to simply repair the shingles or tiles that are damaged instead of replacing the entire structure.
Finally, it may make sense to repair your roof to keep the roof stable until you can have a full replacement done. For example, you might choose to make repairs late in the fall and schedule a full replacement for the spring. Making repairs today might also buy you some time to save up the money needed to pay for a full replacement project.
A Roof Can Fail at Any Time
While a roof may last anywhere from 20 to 100 years, that doesn’t mean that yours will have that long a useful life. There are many reasons why a roof might fail before the anticipated end of its lifespan, such as improper installation, severe weather or poor material quality.
Therefore, if you notice stains on your ceiling, don’t dismiss the possibility that the leak could be coming from the roof. In addition, you might need to have your roof replaced if shingles are curling or coming off the roof despite the fact that it was just installed last year.
In some cases, failing to take action in a timely manner could mean that you have to replace the roof instead of settling for an easy repair. For example, if your roof is missing a few shingles, you can probably just put new ones on to take care of the problem.
However, if you wait, water might get into the decking or other components. Water may then get underneath other shingles, causing them to become defective. Over a period of months, you may find that most of the roof is now damaged and can’t be repaired.
Schedule Regular Inspections
One of the easiest ways to get a good idea of your roof’s current condition is to have it inspected by a professional roofer. This is preferable to a visual inspection alone because you might not be able to spot issues just by looking at the roof from your driveway or while grilling in the backyard.
Even if you did take a close look at the roof on your own, you might not be able to spot the signs of a leak or other major issues. A professional will be able to spot clues of a possible problem such as mold growth on shingles or the fact that there is an abnormal amount of granules in the gutter or downspout.
In addition to spotting minor issues before they can escalate, an inspection may also reduce your risk of voiding any warranty you have on your roof. Ideally, you’ll have the roof checked at least once a year, but inspections every spring and fall can add an additional layer of protection against a roof potentially failing.
Other Signs That a Roof Might Need to Be Replaced
There are other obvious signs that your roof might need to be replaced fairly quickly. For instance, if you notice that the roof is sagging, this is a clear indication of a serious moisture issue. If you let the issue linger, your roof could collapse with little or no warning.
It’s also possible that water will flow through the house to the basement and foundation. This is why you need to act quickly if you see stains on ceilings or walls as it could be an indication of a serious roof leak. Even if the leak isn’t coming from the roof, water that flows through your house could cause damage to wires, insulation and drywall. Ultimately, you’ll need to take action quickly to save your home.
A roof may also need to be replaced immediately if you can see daylight in the attic. The same is also likely true if you can see grass or other vegetation growing on or through shingles.
Determining the Scope of Your Project
While your roof may need to be replaced, it doesn’t mean that the job will be a long or expensive one. For instance, if the roof currently has only a single layer of shingles, replacing it may simply mean adding another layer on top of what is already there.
Of course, if you have multiple layers on the roof already, they will need to be torn off. You will also need to ensure that decking and other components are in good condition before shingles can be added or replaced.
A roof replacement project may also be more involved if you want to convert from shingles to metal or tiles. This is because the other materials are heavier than shingles, and your home may not be able to handle the extra weight as it is currently constructed.
At New Paradigm Projects, in addition to roof inspection, repair and replacement, we can install new windows, gutters or doors to ensure that your whole home is efficient and looks its best throughout the year.
If you are in the market for roof repair or replacement services, contact our team at New Paradigm Projects in Rockville, MD.
