How Long Does A Tin Roof Last
A tin roof can last over 50 years barring any kind of disaster or emergency, like most other types of metal roofs.
In some locations, tin roofs are preferred due to their ability to withstand most weather events and they can last as long as most metal roofing systems, although they do lack the sheer longevity of copper and zinc roofing.
A tin roofing system might also be the best choice if you want the durability of a metal roof but dont have the budget or inclination for zinc or copper.
Increase Your Roof Lifespan With Regular Roof Maintenance
The key to having a long-lasting roof is to schedule regular roof maintenance and inspections performed by roofing contractors. By identifying issues early and performing roof repairs, you can extend your roofs lifespan with these small home improvements.
If it is time for you to consider a new roof, get in contact with local roofing contractors to receive multiple quotes on the cost of a replacement. With a trusted roofer on your side, youre sure to have a long-lasting roof that will shelter you for years to come.
Signs You Need A New Roof
Have you noticed shingles cracking, buckling, or curling up?
If you witness these signs, you definitely want to look into a new roof or at least contact a roofing contractor for an assessment.
If your shingles are losing granules then you also want to look into replacing your roof.
Roof valleys or if your roof shingles are falling apart and missing in some areas are another sign that you should have your roof assessed by professional roofing contractors and possibly replaced.
Roof valleys or missing shingles in general can also be a sign that you need to replace your roof or at least do some serious repair work.
Can you get up on your roof and walk around and observe?
If the roof is spongy-feeling or if you start feeling like you are bouncing a bit when you are walking on it, then your roof might need to be replaced.
Do you see any granules missing if you have an asphalt shingle roof?
When your shingles are losing granules, then youll notice the loose granules around the base of your home, in your gutters, or scattered in your yard.
The shingles themselves might also appear to be discolored.
This is definitely a time to work with a roofing company to determine any problems with your roof and figure out whether you need repairs or a total roof replacement.
Replacing missing or damaged roof shingles can also be a DIY project if you are somewhat handy, but that depends on your own abilities, the type of roof you have, and your do-it-yourself skills.
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How Long Does A Roof Membrane Last
If your home or property has a flat or low-sloped roof, some of the other types of roofing systems that weve covered wont be suitable.
For these sorts of properties, a roofing membrane like EPDM is a common choice due to its low cost and easier flat roof repair.
However, it only lasts for 5 to 15 years and is prone to leakage due to its taped or glued seams.
PVC and TPO roof membranes are more costly but also more durable roofing membrane options.
These are single ply roofing membranes with hot welded air seams that allow them to last nearly twice as long as EPDM rubber but of course these types of membrane roofs are more expensive to install or purchase.
Keep in mind that if your property is situated in an area where hurricanes are likely, then you will want to invest in a fully-adhered membrane roofing system as opposed to a mechanically attached single ply membrane roof since those will be more likely to withstand the winds and water from a hurricane.
You’re Finding Granules In The Gutter
If you just got a new asphalt shingle roof and you see a bunch of granules in the gutters, there’s nothing to worry about: Those are just loose, extra ones. But if it’s been 10 or 15 years, that’s a sign of a bigger problem. “Granules help keep the sun off the asphalt,” says McGavic. “Once the granules fall off and the shingles start to bake, the quality will deteriorate in a hurry.”
How much time you’ve got left: If you don’t have a new roof and you just started to notice the granules in the gutter, the shingles are probably halfway through their lifespan, McGavic estimates.
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Cons Of Spring Roof Replacement
While you could get on the roofing crews schedule a little sooner, weather does tend to be wetter, especially in south central Pennsylvania. This could cause your project to be pushed back slightly due to rain. However with most companies, this delay only tends to be a day or two depending on if other projects were also moved due to weather.
How Often Does A Roof Need To Be Replaced
Your roof serves the essential role of protecting you and your family from the elements while keeping you warm, comfortable, and dry. Unfortunately, all of that punishment naturally means that your roof will likely need a replacement at some point in your homes life. How often does a roof need to be replaced? If you are going purely by age, most roofing specialists suggest that the typical roof in the United States will last about 20 to 25 years, but not all roofs are designed the same. Read on to learn more about how often you should replace a roof and how you should check.
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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.
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.
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Curling Or Buckling Shingles
Shingles can curl or buckle over time due to heavy sunlight exposure. Take a look at the slopes of your roof that get direct sunlight. Do the shingles there create a flat, even surface, or are there areas where parts of the shingles lift upward? If you notice curling or buckling shingles, your shingles are likely reaching the end of their life.
Worn Out Roof Shingles
Healthy shingles equal a healthy roof. If your shingles are buckling, curling, cracking, or otherwise showing any signs of damage, your shingle roof will likely need some repairs. Entire shingles that have gone missing may also point to a new roof in your future. Curling can appear in two forms. Cupping refers to shingles that have their corners turned upward, creating a cup or bowl shape. Clawing is when the middle of the shingle raises up while the edges and corners remain flat. This usually means that the bottom of the shingle is shrinking compared to the top of the shingle, which may also be a sign of heat escaping from a poorly ventilated attic.
Both forms of curling are caused by weathering and will likely result in further damage and a leaky roof if left untreated. Cracked shingles, especially if they tend to only one side of the house, usually point to wind damage.
While its okay to replace individual shingles, damage or curling in one or a handful of shingles likely points to more shingle damage. Depending on the extent of this damage, you may be anywhere from one year to five years away from a complete roof replacement. It can also be difficult to find individual shingles that are the exact same tone and color as your existing shingles, so you may consider replacing your entire roof to maintain the aesthetics of your roof.
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Learn Everything You Need To Know About Replacing Your Asphalt Roof
Now you know why and when you should replace your roof. Like I stated earlier, every roof replacement has to be done at the right time.
That right time isnt going to be the same for any two people. Maybe the right time is because youre getting close to that 20-year mark or you have to replace it to sell your home.
Now that you know the signs that it’s time for an asphalt roof replacement, what’s next?
The next step is to learn everything you can about replacing your roof. There’s a lot of information out there, though. Wouldn’t it be great if the most crucial information was in one place?
Luckily, we thought about this and wrote an article to educate homeowners like you on the most important things you need to know about an asphalt roof replacement.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been providing the residents of Nashville with high-quality roof replacements since 1990. We offer a no-pressure sales process that focuses on educating you.If you’re local to Nashville, don’t hesitate to contact us to begin the roof replacement process.
What Type Of Shingles Are Best
Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Relatively lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to install, asphalt shingles are the best choice for most houses. They come in sheets that are layered on a roof to give the illusion of more expensive single shingles, such as cedar and slate, that are installed one shingle at a time.
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What Is The Average Lifespan Of Premium Shingles
Like architectural shingles or dimensional shingles, premium asphalt shingles can withstand around 110 MPH to 130 MPH of wind uplift depending on how they are installed.
The difference between the two types of shingles is that premium shingles are generally more luxurious in appearance and are usually installed on high-end homes.
Premium shingles last from 20 to 30 years on average.
Adding a desirable roof shingle color can also add to the appeal and value of your property as well.
Signs That You Must Not Ignore To Extend Your Roofs Life
To make your roof lasts as long as it should, you must never ignore the first signs of damage. Ignoring them will make them take a turn for the worse, reducing the longevity of your roof. Humidity and precipitation can severely damage roofs. In colder climates, the freeze-thaw cycles during winter can leave the roofs damaged. When you inspect the roof, look for the following signs of damage and get them repaired at the earliest.
- Holes
When you notice sunlight entering through holes in the ceiling or attic, its a sign of an advanced stage of damage. You may have already missed smaller holes and cracks, which have aggravated over time, making them big enough for light to enter. Go for an immediate repair to stop these holes from causing deeper cracks. Holes and cracks can turn worse faster than you can imagine. Also, look for leaky holes in the rainy season to get them repaired.
- Broken Shingles
When the shingles look cracked, broken, or show any sign of damage, they need immediate repair. Missing shingles need replacement as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to the roof. Missing shingles on one side of the house point to damage by storms or heavy winds. Sometimes, the shingles may suffer curling, where the edges may turn upwards like a cup, or the middle rises and bends. Its a sign of weathering, causing damage to the shingles. Your roof may start leaking and need elaborate repair if you leave the shingles cracked, curled, or broken.
- Water Stains
- Mold and Rot
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General Lifespan Of Asphalt Shingles
Depending on the type of asphalt shingles you have installed on your roof, the life expectancy is going to change. All asphalt shingles have the same materials, such as asphalt and crushed fiberglass, but some have more layers. The manufacturers formula will also change the durability and the longevity of the shingles on your roof.
Most often, 3-tab shingles will last up to 20 years . Dimensional shinglesalso known as architectural or laminate shinglesare rated to last anywhere between 30-50 years. If you do enough upkeep on dimensional shingles, they should hold up for at least 20-40 years.
When To Replace A Roof
If youve experienced a major weather event or a catastrophic disaster like a hurricane, tornado, house fire, or smoke damage then you already know that you need to replace your roof and that it is time to work with your insurance company to make a roof insurance claim and get the necessary work done.
However, if you havent had to deal with a significant disaster, you may still need to replace your roof due to its age, type, or other issues such as overhanging trees or shrubbery causing damage, or extreme humidity.
For instance, a typical residential roof will generally last for around 20 to 25 years, with the caveat that if your roof was installed with one layer over another, you will want to hire a roofing contractor or company who understands this type of roofing job in order to ensure that your current is properly repaired, replaced, or otherwise taken care of.
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How To Clean Roof Stains
Your roof is the crown of your home – it serves to protect your familyand all your possessions and shows the world that you take pride in the houseyou have built. With the elements impacting your home from above, it is easyfor your roof to get dirty and damaged. It isnt quite as easy getting up thereto keep it clean, but it is extremely important to do so. Streaks that looklike mold on your roof are actually algae colonies that form on shingles. Algaeis a living organism that will only grow and get worse if you dont addressit. To keepthese from forming, you can use algicide-treated shingles. However, after ten yearsor so, these shingles could start to see dark streaks as well. Keep yourshingled roof looking its best by removing stains and streaks. Here is what youshould do:
Safetyand Supplies
Safety is paramount when working on your roof. Invest in a full-body safetyharness to prevent falls as a homeowner, you will find that you use thismore often than you think. Before you begin this rather daunting project, stockup on supplies. Go to your local hardware store and get a garden hose, spray nozzle, lye,noncorrosive roof cleaner, and supplemental water pump. Finally, in aneffort to be prepared, choose a cool or overcast day with little wind to allow the cleaningsolution to soak into shingles without evaporating too fast. Then thereal work can begin!
The Process
How Often Should My Roof Be Replaced
Despite knowing the average lifespan of your roofing material of choice, most roofs need to be replaced after about two decades of good use. Of course, if there are major issues, it might have to be done a lot sooner. Look for signs of severe damage, such as large water stains on your ceilings. Mold and other discolorations will also tip you off about excess moisture. A persistent leak can make for a seriously dangerous roof with structural problems, and may even put you at risk of a respiratory illness.
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