How Often Do Roofs Need To Be Replaced & Signs You Need a New Roof

From increasing curb appeal to protecting your loved ones from the effects of weather and time, your roof does a lot over the course of its life. But there comes a time when you need to have it replaced. While asphalt shingle roofs last 15-30 years, something like metal doesn’t need to be replaced for around 70 years. Some signs you need a new roof include visible damage and daylight in attics. To learn more about how often you should replace your roof and how to extend its life, read the blog below.

From Asphalt To Slate: Roof Replacement Frequencies

Did you just get a new roofing system installed? How long do you think it will last? We know you don’t want to think about the money and stress that come with getting a new roofing system just yet, but it’s important to understand and prepare yourself to make the right material decision. Some signs you need a new roof can also appear earlier than expected, depending on maintenance and material quality. Here is how many decades each roofing system lasts:

• Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years.
• Architectural Shingles: 25-30 years.
• Wood Shakes: 20-25 years.
• Rubber Roofs: 15-25 years.
• Metal Roof: 40-80+ years.
• Concrete/Clay: 50-100 years.
• Slate Roof: 70-100 years.

Covering The Cues: Signs You Need A New Roof

So, you understand when you’ll need to schedule roof replacement services based on material type, but it’s worthwhile remembering that this is during normal circumstances. Things such as moisture damage and broken-down shingles also indicate that you should have your roof updated. The section below highlights a few more of those signs.

Read along as we explain them all.

Visible Damage

The first clear indicator that you need a new roofing system is when you can see the material damaged clearly. We’re talking rotting wood, cracked ceilings, and sagging roofs that are too expensive to fix and should be replaced instead.

Granules In Gutters

If you have an asphalt shingle roofing system and you begin seeing debris in the gutters, you should have it replaced. Asphalt shingles begin losing granules as they near the end of their lives, so at this point, you need a new one.

High Energy Costs

Have you been receiving increasingly high electricity bills for the past few months? If nothing else changed, it’s probably your roofing system wearing down. Contact a professional roofer to inspect and replace it.

Water Damage

If your roof’s succumbed to the recent snowstorm or hurricane, you need to have it replaced. Look for things like leaks, sagging, and moisture stains to determine if you should start planning for a new one.

Sunlit Attics

Your attic is supposed to be dark and dry. But if you can see tiny shafts of sunlight streaming in through gaps in the decks, it is compromised, and you should drop everything and have the roof replaced.

Frequent Repairs

If you’re having to call the emergency roofer pretty frequently, it means that your roof is too worn and old to be fixed properly. At this point, it’s better to stop wasting money and invest in a new roof instead.

Extensive Damage

Sometimes, all it takes is one blow. Whether it was a tree that crashed into your roof during a storm or heavy rain that caved it in, if the damage is extensive, you should book a quality roof replacement service.

Roof Maintenance 101: Tips For Long Lifespans

Alright; you get it. But, is there anything that you can do to make your roofing system last for as long as possible? We’re glad you asked! From gutter cleaning to immediate repairs, here is a look through some useful roof maintenance tips. To extend its lifespan, you should keep an eye out for signs you need a new roof and address issues early before they turn into costly damage.

• Routine Cleaning: Accumulated dirt, debris, moss, and algae can wear down the material and shorten its lifespan. So, never skip a clean.
• Gutter Maintenance: Clear away dead leaves, shingle granules, and twigs from your downspouts to prevent moisture damage.
• Immediate Fixes: As soon as you notice something is wrong with your roof, contact an expert to keep the damage from spreading.
• Expert Inspections: Never skip a roof inspection and maintenance check from local roofing experts to keep your roof strong and healthy.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the frequency of roof replacements largely depends on your roofing system type. Some signs you need a new roof sooner include things like worn shingles and frequent repairs. Make sure to clean the roof and gutters regularly and book expert inspections to keep your roof standing strong. We hope this blog from Blanchett Roofing & Construction was insightful. For more details about your roofing system, please drop us a line.

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