How Long Does A Roof Last In Louisiana

Average Cost To Replace A Roof By Shape

While many roofs are treated virtually the same despite visual differences, some types have different needs and costs. The shape can impact more than how your home looks. It can also make it more or less difficult to install material on. Very common and popular roofs, such as the gable and hip, are the easiest to install material on because they have a moderate angle. Any variation on those, such as the bonnet or saltbox, have the same considerations and costs. More complex structures, such as the dormer or mansard, increase your costs because they are more difficult to work on. Some require more material, while others take more careful planning. Below are the average replacement costs per square foot, depending on the type, using the most common materials.

Are You Keeping Up With Maintenance

Just like many other home components, our roofs also need proper maintenance and upkeep. If maintenance tasks are neglected, then a roof replacement might come much sooner than you hoped for. To ensure the proper maintenance steps are followed, it involves more than simply glancing at your roof for a few seconds theres a lot more that goes into it. That being said, its best to call a professional roofing company for an inspection. These experts know exactly what to look for and they can also take care of maintenance tasks and even repairs. Take a look at some of the common areas on your roof that should be inspected regularly:

• Roof vents
• Shingles
• All penetrations

As these areas should all be inspected on a regular basis, its also important to check all areas of your home to see if any leaks are present. Another tip is to check the attic as this area is a common place where leaks can easily be detected.

Factors That Can Affect Roofing Lifespan

To give you a better insight, here are the things that can affect the lifespan of your roof:

• Hurricanes Hurricanes can cause a lot of damage. They create high winds, torrential rain, and hail storms that are tough on your roofs composition and condition.
• Dirt and debris If your roof constantly has debris such as leaves, dust, or dirt thats constantly being blown off your roof and onto it, then this will cause the material to deteriorate over time.
• Humidity If you live in an area with high humidity levels like Florida or Louisiana, there is a greater chance of mold growth on the surface of your roof which can lead to problems down the line if not taken care of promptly.
• Extreme temperatures Roofs typically age faster when exposed to extreme cold for prolonged periods because they dont have enough insulation under them.

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Early Failure Of Asphalt Shingles

Its important to talk about a major issue homeowners are seeing these days with asphalt shingles. A few decades ago, manufactured shingles were much heavier due to the percentage of asphalt contained within them. Nowadays however, a lot of the asphalt in the shingles has been replaced with crushed limestone filler. This makes the shingles much lighter in weight and much less effective, even though the advertised warranty has jumped from around 30 years, to lifetime warranties.

This is a well-documented problem with even Bob Vila speaking out about it. Class action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of many homeowners across the country who have had their asphalt-shingle roof fail in as few as 6 years after installation.

Cost-cutting on the part of the shingle manufacturers has caused a variety of failures, including blistering, buckling, and leaking. These are expensive fixes and when homeowners turned to their warranty, they were shocked to realize the coverage only replaces the shingles themselves and doesnt cover the labor costs of replacing the roof , and it doesnt cover damages caused by the failures either.

If you have an asphalt shingle roof that is showing signs of a defect well before the warranty is up, you may be the victim of shoddy manufacturing. To mitigate the issue and keep your costs down, heres what you can do:

Clay Barrel Roof Tiles Vs Composite Barrel Roof Tiles

A clay tile roof brings to mind a vision of historic Spanish architecture. They are beautiful and have been known to last for more than 100 years if installed properly and have had regular maintenance to keep them in top shape. Part of their appeal is the unique shape of the barrel tile, making it a 3-dimensional element of the exterior of your home. However, as with natural slate tiles, a clay tile roof is extremely heavy and the roof structure must be structurally sound to carry the additional weight.

One of the issues with clay is that it breaks easily. The individuals installing a clay roof and maintaining it need to have considerable experience or they will find they are breaking more tiles than they are working on. Clay tile roofs are also expensive, with costs that can be 2-3 times that of a conventional asphalt roof.

There is a less expensive, easier to install and maintain option that provides the durability of clay without the need for extra support and without sacrificing the elegance of a barrel tile roof: a composite barrel tile roof.

Composite barrel roofing tiles have a life expectancy of about 50 years and require little maintenance to keep them in top shape. They can be installed by most professional roofers and their composition almost eliminates the chance of breaking fragile tiles when walking on them. They are lightweight and recyclable, only needing a trip to the landfill every 50 years instead of every 10-15 as with some asphalt shingles.

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Roof Maintenance Pro Tips

Use these tips from the professionals to keep your roof in good shape for longer.

A pro tip for making your roof last longer is to be sure and cut all limbs from surrounding trees that are physically touching your roof, says Rick Abbiati, owner of Colony Property Investments. Even the smallest limb touching your roof can rub a hole right through the shingles and thus cause a water leak. With every gust of wind that branch is working its way through the shingles. Extend the life of your roof by keeping all fauna cut back.

The most common thing that grows on tile roofs is algae, says Mark Soto, professional roofer with Roofing MKE. You will want to continuously clean this from roofs with a combination of water and bleach. While some people use pressure washers, this is not recommended since it can actually damage the tiles. Cleaning them with your solution and then watering it down with a hose is the best way to go about it. Since tiles arent great at dealing with people walking on them, try to do it from the edge while on a ladder.

Independently of your region and roof type, you should also regularly clean gutters and ventilation to prevent clogging.

What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Shingle Roof

The average lifespan of a shingle roof is based on a number of factors. Longevity depends on the climate of an area, the way the original installation was handled, and whether ongoing care and maintenance have been part of a regular routine. More importantly, the lifespan of a shingle roof is greatly affected by the overall materials used. Below youll find the average of each of the most commonly used materials:

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How Much Does A New Roof Cost In Chicago Il

Looking to repair or replace your homes roof? Want to compare prices on new roof installation? Find out how much it costs to replace a roof in Chicago, IL with our guide. Use our free tool to compare prices in your area.

If youre a homeowner, odds are youll have to replace a roof at some point in your life.

An asphalt shingle roof typically lasts for about 20 years. And thats only in the best conditions. If your home is located in an unforgiving climate with extreme heat or snow like Chicago, your roof probably wont make it to 20 years.

Since roof replacement can be very expensive, getting an estimate can help you get your finances in order. If youre wondering how much does a new roof cost in Chicago, keep reading to find out what factors affect the price.

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Will Getting Roof Replacement In Chicago Be Expensive

The cost of Chicago roof replacement services varies depending on the type of roofing you are having installed, the size of your roof and the professionals you hire to do the work. If your roof is still under warranty, you might be able to get all or at least some of the roof replacement in Chicago, IL work done for free. The sooner you get this work done the more money you will end up saving, so it is important to keep that in mind. These services are ultimately worth the money you are going to spend on them.

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How Long Does A Roof Actually Last

The lifespan of your roof might not be top of mind, but its a serious issue for all homeowners and business owners. Just think of all the things your roof protects from the elements, particularly the people most important to you. You need a strong roof overhead.

Of course, all things tend to wear out and weaken over time, and your roof is no exception. So, how long does a roof last? Even the strongest materials have limited lifespans, no matter how much they cost or how well they were installed.

The question of how long a roof is good for depends on several factors. From the materials used, to installation and maintenance, to the climate in which you live. They all affect the lifespan of your roof. Well take a look at each of these factors as well as the timing and process of replacing a roof.

If you bought your home from a previous owner, you inherit years of roof life that include all the wear and tear that come along with a roofs age. When buying a home, you should find out how old the roof is, what it is made of , and when the last maintenance or roof restoration was performed. This will help you get a better estimate of how long you can expect it to last.

A Tile Roof Doesnt Require Much Maintenance

While all roofs require some level of maintenance, tile is a good option if the upkeep is a concern. Typically, maintenance will be minimal if you have concrete tile roof, slate tile, clay tile roofs, etc. Most often, the maintenance required is related to gutters and flashings and not the roof itself. Depending on the local climate and area, we recommend an annual roof inspection to identify any concerns. Algae and the natural accumulation of tree branches, leaves, and more should be removed and cleaned up to avoid unnecessary deterioration.

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Asphalt Shingle Roof Lifespan By Type

Asphalt shingle types range from 3-tab to architectural to luxury shingles. Each product serves a distinct need, from cost-effectiveness with a shorter lifespan and lower wind resistance rating to premium shingles that meet Class 4 impact resistance and the highest wind resistance.

Letâs discuss in more detail the various asphalt shingle roof lifespans.

3-tab shingles lifespan

3-tab shingle life expectancy is the lowest of all shingle types. 3-tab or strip shingles are thin and flat with the lowest durability. So how long do 3-tab shingles last?

Most 3-tab shingles have a 25-year standard shingle warranty. For example, the Owens Corning Supreme and the Malarkey Dura-Seal AR have 25-year warranties and 60 mile per hour wind resistance ratings. But the Malarkey Dura-Seal AR has a Class 4 impact resistance rating to better protect against hail damage. And the GAF Marquis WeatherMax shingles have 80 mile per hour wind resistance. These variables contribute to the 3-tab shingles lifespan, combining the warranty with wind and hail resistance. Weather plays a critical role and 3-tab shingles will likely only last 15 to 25 years.

Architectural/dimensional shingles lifespan

Designer shingles lifespan

All asphalt roof shingles have lifespans ranging from 25 to 50 years, but many factors shorten the lifespan.

Fix Missing Or Damaged Shingles

Loose, damaged, or missing shingles will likely cause expensive damage inside your home if left alone. Professional roofers will look for these issues during regular maintenance and recommend an action plan. Often, a roofing contractor can reattach loose shingles or tiles and install new shingles where missing. Most of the time, a quality roofer will be able to find an exact or close match.

Of note, natural wood shake shingles will crack, curl, or cup with time. Thats normal, and roof repairs are unnecessary.

Hire a licensed roofing expert to replace and repair any needed shingles before they create much more significant issues inside your home.

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How Long Does A Metal Roof Last

Metal roofing doesnt describe a specific product but rather a range of products across various styles, colors, and materials, including copper, aluminum, and steel. For metal roofing used on homes and businesses, steel has become the industry standard and can mimic more expensive materials with color application to match a natural patina.

Steel metal roofing can be installed anywhere, working well in hail-prone markets and where high winds are frequent. Steel is also among the hardest metals and can withstand heavy snow loads, so it is common in mountain regions.

But how long does a metal roof last? The typical metal roof life expectancy is 25 to 45 years. Manufacturers establish different warranty criteria like fading, cracking, chipping, and overall structural failure.

The metal roof lifespan on your selected product may differ, depending on where you live.

The thickness of metal roofing is determined by the gauge, where the lower measurement is thicker. For example, a 22-gauge metal panel is thicker than a 24-gauge panel. The thicker the metal, the more durable, which means greater protection for your home or building.

Standing seam metal roof lifespan

Manufacturers like Drexel Metals and Metal Sales offer standing seam metal panels seen on commercial buildings and residential homes, offering architectural appeal. Standing seam panels are installed as full-length panels that provide excellent watertight protection.

Ribbed metal panels average lifespan

A Tile Roofing System Has A Long Lifespan

As weve already mentioned, the lifespan of these roofs is a significant feature of this material. With proper roof installation, underlayment, and roof upkeep, tile roofs can easily last 50 years and some as much as a century. This means that homeowners who choose to use these roof materials for their roof replacement will likely not need to replace them again for as long as they own the home. The lifespan is one of the most common reasons people choose this type of roof when considering a roof replacement. Even a metal roof, which is known to last between 40 and 70 years, is behind the tile roof option. And the asphalt shingle option doesnt come close, with a lifespan of approximately 25 years.

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Average Price Of Replacing Your Roof Vs Repairing

“Most homeowners replace their roof because it’s old and unattractive. If you like the look of your existing roof but have a leak or other isolated issue, you’re better off making a spot repair vs. a full replacement.”

Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor Smart Home Strategist and Home Expert.

A new roof costs $8,500 on average, versus an average of $550 for repairs. Just because you have a leak doesn’t mean you need to right away. Here are some cases where you dont need a full replacement.

Consider replacing your roof when:

Certain products cost more to repair than others. Slate roof repairs cost$700 to $2,500, for example. This is versus asphalt repair costs of $300 to $1,000.

For more information, see this material-based look at when to repair or replace roofing.

Roof Replacement Cost By Pitch

Your roofs pitch also impacts the replacement cost. Pitch refers to how fast the surface rises from the edge to the top. This measures height gains for every 12 inches. Most people have a conventional pitch, which includes styles like gable, cross gable, hip, Dutch, dormer, shed, butterfly, and M. It also includes the top portions of gambrels and mansards. A pitch falling between 4/12 and 6/12 is considered conventional. Pitches falling between 0/12 and 2/12 are considered flat, while 2/12 to 4/12 is considered low. Most low-slope roofs are treated like flats in material and cost. High or are 7/12 and greater. These are seen on A-frame homes and the sides of a mansard and gambrel.

Below are the average cost ranges for the most common materials used on these roofs. Only conventional and steep roofs can use the most common materials, while flat and low-pitch areas need different materials. It is also important to remember there are other less-common materials available with higher costs.

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Roofing Labor Cost Per Square

Roofing is installed by the square or 100 sq.ft. The labor costs for each square range from $400 to $600 per square. Roofs with a very steep pitch cost more than those with a moderate pitch. Some materials are more labor-intensive to install, increasing costs. The below costs are for varying numbers of squares for a standard gable roof with a full architectural shingle replacement.