Different Types Of Roof Shingles You Can Choose To Replace On Your Home
The integrity of your roof is important for a number of different reasons. Without a solid roof, rain and snow can infiltrate your home, causing damage to a level where repairs are too expensive to even consider.
When you choose the right type of roof shingles, you are making a solid investment in your home and, in the spirit of keeping you informed, were going to study the topic in-depth and tell you everything you need to know about roof shingles.
Do You Have Proper Attic Ventilation
Adequate attic ventilation is the most important factor that plays into the life of your roof. If your attic isnt properly ventilated, then the damage from the trapped hot and cold air will drastically shorten your asphalt roofs life.
The trapped heat will literally burn up your roof system, leading to a full roof replacement. And because it wasnt properly ventilated, any warranties you have from the manufacturer on your roofing materials will be voided.
To learn more about attic ventilation, check out this article on why adequate attic ventilation is crucial to your roof.
Will A Roofer Replace The Fascia And Soffit During My Roofing Project
You may or may not need the roof framing repaired and strengthened, sheathing replaced, or soffits, facia, flashing, etc. replaced at the same time as your roof. In most cases, it is unlikely that you will need an entirely new roof with everything replaced, but certain parts of your roofing system might need repairs made to prevent leaks after the new roof has been installed.
Don’t Miss: Cost Of New Roof California
Regular Inspection & Maintenance Helps Ensure Maximum Roof Life Expectancy
Many well-intentioned homeowners simply dont give their roof a second thought until theres a problem and then it may be too late to do anything about it. Unless you dont mind having to replace your roof prematurely, you should perform self-checks of your roof and gutters seasonally, and many experts also recommend an annual professional inspection of your roof. Dont wait 20 years to start paying attention to your shingles! Things you can and should be looking for include curled, damaged, or missing shingles, excessive granule loss, exposed nails, damaged flashing, missing seals, and gutter issues. And its wise to schedule a professional roofer to come out and take a look, too. The eyes of a trained professional may be able to spot something you might otherwise notice, and might be able to steer you towards a viable repair option versus having to shell out big bucks for a total roof replacement.
Is Your Roof Defective
And how can you tell if your roof might be defective?
If your roof is relatively new and you are seeing issues like shingles buckling and curling, granules coming off asphalt shingles, missing shingles, or other similar problems, then your roof might be defective and you should reach out to the roofers in your area or contractor who built or installed it, as well as your insurance company.
This goes doubly so if the insurance company paid for your roof due to damage from a weather event or disaster.
If your roof is only a few years old and you are noticing any of the aforementioned issues, then you might need to get your roof looked at by professionals because it could become a bigger problem, especially if you are considering selling your house in the near future.
Also keep in mind that the value of your house may increase or decrease depending on the age of your roof, so if you are planning on moving in the near future, you may want to get your roof assessed before you put the property on the market.
Moreover, if you are thinking of purchasing a new home or other property, then you should make sure that the roof is relatively new and in good repair if not, youll want to ensure that the property is priced accordingly and be aware that you may need to replace the roof soon.
Read Also: How Much Does A New Shingle Roof Cost
Energy Efficient Fiberglass Roofing
Because fiberglass shingles contain less asphalt than organic mat-based shingles, and are easier to transport, they have a lower overall environmental impact. Fiberglass shingle manufacturers are also adopting energy-saving, cool-roof technology to help reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the roof. Look for shingles with Energy Star ratings and you can significantly reduce the cost of cooling your home in the hotter months.
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.
Read Also: How Much Does Shingle Roof Cost
Lifespan Of Asphalt Shingles
The longevity of asphalt shingles almost totally depends on where they have been installed and if they have been installed properly. Shingles found in cooler places in the United States last longer than those in warmer climates. The average lifespan for shingles, which is normally around 20 years, is determined to be about 14 years for the warmer environments, such as the Southwest whereas, in the North and Northeastern regions of the United States, asphalt shingles last anywhere from 19 to more than 20 years.
How Long Does A New Roof Last Shingle Flat And Metal
The life expectancy of any roofing material depends on the type of material you are choosing. However, how long your roof will last can be lengthened or shortened due to correct or incorrect installation, harsh weather, maintenance, and your promptness to act on the first sign of damage.
We will walk through the most common materials and what their typical service life is, along with the manufacturers warranty on the material. These lifespans assume that all roof decking was in good standing, underlayment was laid, and the materials were installed in compliance with best practices.
Read Also: Rv Vinyl Roof Repair
Iko Proformax Integrated Roofing Accessories
A roof is far more than the outer covering of shingles. Its built from the deck up using multiple components that work together to effectively shed rainwater and keep your home protected from natures elements.
IKOs PROFORMAX system is comprised of four integrated roofing accessories designed to provide a multilayered roof protection that starts underneath the shingles, working from the outer edges of the roof deck upward.
IKO recommended accessories are designed to address some of the most vulnerable areas of the roof, such as the edges where the roofs deck and fascia or rake boards meet.
IKO PROFORMAX Integrated Roofing accessories include:
Many areas require a prescribed zone of Ice and Water protection under shingled roofs to prevent water infiltration due to ice dams and wind-driven rain. Check your local building codes to determine what is needed in your region.
IKO recommends Ice & Water protection for the roof deck at the eaves, rakes, hips, valleys, and around protrusions like vents and vent pipes, chimneys, dormers, and skylights.
Fascia and Eaves: Roof Sealing Tape
Synthetic Underlayments
Starter Shingles
What Should You Look For In A Roofing Contractor
Dont focus just on price look at the quality. Look at their track record and how long theyve been in business. Check the Better Business Bureau or the new www.homestars.com, where customers rate their contractors. Look at their truck, how they dress, if they address their customers properly. Read the quote to make sure all the product used is inside the same manufacturer and that they are not using cheaper, non-warranty vents or shingle underlay. And check for insurance, both WCB and liability.
You May Like: Travel Trailer Roof Repair Kits
Am I At Risk For Shingles
Everyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for developing shingles. Researchers do not fully understand what makes the virus become active and cause shingles. But some things make it more likely:
- Older age. The risk of developing shingles increases as you age. About half of all shingles cases are in adults age 60 or older. The chance of getting shingles becomes much greater by age 70.
- Trouble fighting infections. Your immune system is the part of your body that responds to infections. Age can affect your immune system. So can HIV, cancer, cancer treatments, too much sun, and organ transplant drugs. Even stress or a cold can weaken your immune system for a short time. These all can put you at risk for shingles.
Most people only have shingles one time. However, it is possible to have it more than once.
How Long Do Fiberglass Shingle Roofs Last
Fiberglass shingles can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, while traditional asphalt shingles usually last a maximum of 15 years. . If you install fiberglass roofing and go with a more expensive roofing brand you can expect a longer life expectancy, better durability, and longer warranties for your roof.
Read Also: How Much Does It Cost To Recoat An Rv Roof
The Value Of A Long Lasting Roof
Another reason to consider replacing your roof is the value that it adds to your house if you are planning on selling it in the near future and your roof is nearing 15 to 20 years old, depending on the type of material used, the quality of the build, and any damage that may have occurred.
Getting a roof inspection, fixing any problems before they start, and potentially replacing your roof can make a significant difference in the selling price.
In fact, a house with a new roof sells for an average of $12,000 more than a house with an older roof, which means that you may recover the costs of the roof replacement when you sell.
Regardless of whether or not you are planning on selling your property any time soon, the condition and the longevity of the roof over your head is of utmost importance.
While the length of time that your particular roof lasts depends on the type of materials used, the installation techniques involved, and any damage that may need to be fixed during its lifespan, all the aforementioned guidelines can help you determine when to replace your roof as well as to understand the potential lifetime value of your investment in a new roof.
Things That Reduce A Roofs Longevity
Ask long-term residents of northern NJ neighborhoods How long does a roof last? and youll get very different answers. One roof might protect a home for 50 years, while another one might only last ten years. There are many reasons for this disparity. Lets look at some of the things that shorten the lifespan of a residential roof in New Jersey.
Read Also: Hydro Stop Roof Coating Cost
How To Tell If You Need A New Roof
Do you need a new roof?
If your roof is older than 20 to 25 years or if youve recently been subject to a major disaster, then you likely need to look into replacing your roof or at least have it inspected so you can get a good idea of its current condition and when you might be likely to need to get it fixed, repaired, or even completely replaced.
Also, be aware that if your roof was installed over an existing roof the current roof may or may not be properly ventilated, so you will want to look into that as well ensuring the multiple layers are all sound and solid and repaired properly.
If your roof has many layers that have built up over the years, you may want to consider replacing it entirely.
Average Price Of Replacing Your Roof Vs Repairing
The national average cost to repair a roof ranges from $200 to $3,000, with most people paying between $225 and $1,150 depending on the extent of the damage, and the type of roofing materials on the roof that needs repairing. If there is either extensive damage or your roof is about 20 years old, and it needs replacing, the average price to replace your roof is around $7,211.
Roof Repair Cost
| $1,000$3,000 |
You May Like: Shed Eave Overhang
Factors That Affect The Lifespan Of Shingle Roofs In Florida
Maintenance You need to think about how well the roof is ventilated, what type of gutters were installed on it and when they will be cleaned.
You also have a responsibility in maintaining them so they work properly for you!
- Local Weather Floridas weather is hard on roofs because it can be so hot, humid and rainy.
- If you have a shingle roof, then you can extend its lifespan by keeping vents open.
- If the roof is vented properly then the heat will be allowed to flow through it and not be trapped under the shingles which can cause serious damage.
- Weather Resistance A high-quality material will usually be more resistant to extreme elements, so you may want to consider a synthetic roof if youre worried about the lifespan of your shingles.
- Other Roof Damages You can also extend the life of your shingles by avoiding items which protrude from the top of the roof such as antennas, satellite dishes and vents.
- These can damage them when strong winds come around!
- Durability Fiberglass shingles are more durable than asphalt and will last about 20 years, but it also depends on how well they were installed.
- Asphalt shingles and rubber shingles are mostly opted for in Florida because they are more durable in hot, wet climates.
Expert roofing companies can give you good advice on how to extend the lifespan of your roof, but if it seems like its time for a new one then seek out some quotes from reliable sources and compare them.
Cedar Shakes Vs Composite Cedar Shakes
A cedar shake roof is known for its rustic texture and durability. Hand-cut cedar shakes are individually produced and when installed properly, remove the symmetry that can make asphalt shingles plain and unexciting. They are not heavy, but they are fragile and need the expertise of a roofing contractor that has experience with cedar shakes.
Cedar shakes are expensive and have some drawbacks that need to be considered:
- Some regions will not allow wood shingles even if treated for fire protection.
- They can break easily if hit with a tree limb.
- Mold can be a problem if moisture is allowed to build up leading to costly repairs or replacement.
It is generally agreed that the average life of a well-maintained cedar shake roof is about 30 years.
Composite cedar shakes have a life expectancy of approximately 50 years and can be installed by normal roofing professionals. Unlike wood, they are not prohibited in areas of high fire risk, and have the look of individually hand-cut tiles. They wont break easily, maintenance is required less often, and it can be done without the need of a specialist. They are also manufactured from recycled materials and are eco-friendly for the environment.
Also Check: How To Repair A Trailer Roof
How Long Does A Thatched Roof Last And How Much Do They Cost
As archaeologists will know, thatching dates back at least as long as the bronze age. That makes thatching a skill that has been refined and passed down the generations for 10,000 years in Africa, Europe, Asia and beyond. Its a building technique that has been replaced only relatively recently by slates and tiles, and its estimated that there are still more than 20,000 thatched homes and businesses in the UK.
Roofing Cost Per Square Foot
When calculating roofing costs per square, asphalt shingles run from $350 and $500 per square, metal or tin roofs costs $600 to $1,200 per square, and concrete or clay costs between $1,200 and $1,800 per square. If you are replacing your current roof, add $125 to $500 per roofing square for old roof removal.
When looking at roofing materials prices, the term per square is used to describe a 10×10 area . The term Per Square in a bid is used as an all-inclusive phrase that covers all materials and labor.
Also Check: How Often Does The Roof Need To Be Replaced
