Of Your Toughest Roofing Questions Answered
The TOH pros offer up their best advice for shingling properly, sniffing out leaks, and knowing when its time to reroof an old roof.
Putting a safe roof over your head isn’t necessarily a one-time deal. Shingles stain, condensation collects, and high winds carry roofs wherever they please. That’s where the TOH crew’s knowledge and your sweat equity enter the picture. Here, we cover roof-related scenarios to help prevent future mishaps, like a missing roof.
Average Life Of A Roof
How long your roof lasts will primarily depend on the type of roof you own and how well you maintained it over the years. Common three-tab asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing options. However, this affordability comes at a price a reduced lifespan. Most roofs with asphalt shingles will last an estimated 15 to 20 years. You can expect architectural asphalt shingles to last a bit longer at an average of 25 to 30 years. Galvalume or metal roofing materials have an estimated lifespan of 30 to 45 years, and concrete tile generally lasts between 30 and 50 years.
Other factors can also impact the lifespan of your roof, such as the color, orientation, and slope of your roof. Darker-colored roofs typically absorb more heat than lighter-colored roofs. If the person lives in a warm climate with lots of sun, their roof may need to be replaced more often. If your roof has a slope that faces south, the sun will have a bigger impact which causes a reduction in the lifespan of the roof. Also consider the pitch of the roof. Roofs that have a high pitch will generally last longer as rain and snow are not able to settle as easily.
When To Replace An Asphalt Shingle Roof
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Asphalt shingles roofs can last between 15 and 30 years before they need to be replaced.
To determine if your roof needs replacing, start by inspecting the roof. If you see cracked or curling shingles, the roof needs to be replaced before leaking occurs.
To test your roof to see if the shingles are still flexible:
Its best to perform this test during moderate temperature conditions when youre roof isnt too hot or cold. Asphalt shingles become more brittle when the weather is cold and extremely soft when the temperature is hot. Testing during extreme temperatures can damage a perfectly good roof.
Watch this video to find out more.
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Weather In Calgary Ab
How often should you replace your roof? It depends on your local weather
Calgary AB homeowners face a humid continental climate. Therefore, their properties face some of the harshest rainstorms and snowstorms. Alternatively, they face the hottest summers too.
Due to these factors, their roofs face corrosive or erosive elements. For example, frequent rainstorms in an area will wash off sediments from sloped asphalt shingle roofs. In fact, it will remove the laminate over wood shakes and shingles over time causing the material to dampen and rot.
Even concrete tiles and flat slab roofs are no exception. If moisture enters concrete, then the material softens over time due to consistent exposure. Therefore, an area with frequent rain or snowfall will affect the lifespan of your roof.
High slope roofs guarantee zero ponding. However, theyre prone to windstorm damage.
Look For The Warning Signs
There are signs that indicate that your roof needs to be replaced, most of which are fairly obvious. A regular roof inspection is going to be the key here. Having a professional take a yearly look at your roof will not only give you peace of mind, but their trained eye can inform you of any underlying issues that could amount to potential damages if not addressed quickly.
It can be the opposite, too. If youve inspected the roof yourself and have noticed water damage, a leak, or missing shingles, your mind might automatically jump to a roof replacement when one is not needed. Only a professional, trained inspector can let you know when your home or business is in need of its entire roof to be replaced instead of its shingle repaired.
You also might find pieces of shingles in your gutters, a sure-fire indication that your shingles are just about done with their lifespan, as they are breaking apart. Just a glimpse at your roof might tell you that with the shingles curling and buckling, the whole roof will need to be replaced.
Its a very bad sign if you stand in the attic and notice daylight peeking through, or worse, a leak. If your insulation is retaining moisture, you most definitely need to replace your roof, and right away.
Theres also a call for concern if your roof has been layered over instead of replacedsomething that might require you to have an inspector do some investigating. The layering isnt going to help you if it too is old and needs to be replaced.
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How To Tell When To Replace An Asphalt Shingle Roof
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To determine if you can repair your asphalt shingle roof or should replace it, bend a tab of the roofing on a warm day.
- If the shingle is flexible and doesnt break, the roof has a few years left and you should be able to repair the damage.
- If the shingle breaks easily, then your best bet is to replace the entire roof.
Watch this video to find out more.
How Long Will Your Roof Last
As a general rule, the 25 30 year benchmark works. If your roof is that old, its likely that it wil need replacement soon enough. Some might even need a full roof replacement earlier.
However, that figure doesnt tell the full story. As we said above, there are many variables to consider. One important variable is the materials used on your roof both the actual material and the quality of it.
Typically, the 25 30 year rule extends to roof with composite or asphalt shingles. These materials are very popular because theyre affordable and come in many different options. However, not everyone uses these materials for their roofs, So the timing for replacement can vary.
As youll see in the chart below, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors gives different life expectancy for chosen materials.
Asphalt shingles, according to this chart, last for about 20 years before replacement. You also have to consider what manufacturer you use and the quality of the shingles. This is one of the many reasons we offer Certainteed Shingles to homeowners. Quality and advanced protection go a long way to save money.
Overall, there are many different answers to how often roofs need to be replaced. If youre wondering about your roof, our best suggestion is to schedule a home inspection.
That said, there are warning signs you need to be aware of. Below, weve listed out ways you can tell if your roof needs to be replaced or repaired in the near future.
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Cost To Install Plywood Sheathing Or Replace Roof Decking
The average cost to replace roof decking in a 2,400 square foot home is between $1,050 and $1,575. It will take approximately 75 sheets of plywood sheathing at an average cost of $14 to $21 per sheet. A smaller 1,100 square foot home will only need around 34 sheets for an average price of $600. For roof sheathing, plywood typically comes in sheets of 4 by 8 that measure either 11/32 or 3/8 thick.
Cost to Replace Roof Decking
| Home Size |
|---|
| $1,122 $2,414 |
What You Can Do To Fix It
The easiest way to extend the life of your roof is to stay on top of routine maintenance. Get your roof inspected once each year, and make sure youre monitoring for any minor damage before it has a chance to get worse. Then, start looking for ways to breathe new life into your older shingles to get the most out of them.
Adding a protective and rejuvenating roof treatment to your shingles, like Roof Maxxs natural formula, will extend roof life for years to come. The treatment reconditions the naturally occurring oils in your asphalt shingles, making them more durable, impact-resistant, and less prone to damage even in severe weather. Roof Maxxs roof rejuvenation treatment combined with routine repairs and maintenance will help you get the most out of your roof.
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What To Consider When You Are Replacing A Roof
One important thing to consider when you are choosing a roofing system or purchasing a new property is the resistance of the roof to wind uplift, which is the suction effect created by wind forces as the air flows parallel to the surface of the roof.
When a gust of wind hits the side of a house or other building, some of that air moves upwards across the roof, creating a pressure differential that can blow off or damage shingles or tiles, or even entire sections of the roof altogether.
Roofing systems are rated based on the amount of wind uplift they can withstand measured in miles per hour.
If you live in a particularly windy area or one that is prone to tornadoes or hurricanes, youll want to ensure that you go for a higher rating for wind uplift to avoid a wind damage roof.
Youll also want to consider other factors before replacing your roof or purchasing a property the age of the roof, how many layers of shingles there are, and whether the roof is properly braced and ventilated.
A roof inspection performed by a professional can help you answer these questions and more, and you can also visually examine the roof yourself for curling or buckling shingles, missing shingles, damaged shingles, damage to the flashing or seals around the chimneys, skylights, or dormers, granules or debris in the gutters or around the ground near your home, and other signs of future problems.
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 |
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How Long Does A Composite Roof Last
Composite shingles are made of recycled materials and designed to look exactly like a slate or cedar shake roof.
You can expect a composite roof to last around 40-50 years. The reason composite shingles are durable with a long lifespan is because of their impact rating.
For example, DaVinci Roofscapes shingles have a Class 4 impact rating, which is the highest rating possible. This high impact rating means they stand up well to anything that hits the shingles, including extreme weather, such as hail.
You can also walk on a composite roof without worrying about breaking them like you would with normal slate or cedar shakes. Because of this a composite roof is one of the most durable roofing materials on the market.
The Guide With All The Information You Need For A Roof Replacement
Now you know how often the 5 most popular roofing materials need to be replaced. After reading this article, you should know if it’s near the time or the right time to replace your roof.
If it is, there’s a lot you need to learn about going through the roof replacement process. You need to choose the right roofing material, know how much your replacement will cost, how to hire a great roofing contractor, and so much more.
Wouldn’t it be great if all this information was in one place? If you answered yes, then we have the guide for you.
With The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof, you’ll become one of the most informed homeowners in the roofing industry. Don’t go into the roof replacement blind, get your free guide now.
Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been proud to offer Nashville and surrounding areas high-quality roofing services. We strive to give you and everyone we work with an experience rare in the roofing industry based on honesty, education, and strong workmanship.
Heres Your Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof to learn what you need to know about your upcoming roof replacement and to make all the right decisions.
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When To Replace A Roof In Tennessee
You should replace the roof on your Tennessee home roughly every 10 to 30 years depending on the type of roof installed on your home and its level of wear and tear. Roofs in Tennessee must stand up to harsh weather conditions.
If you arent sure when to replace your roof, first consider the roofs age before making note of any warning signs. A roofing contractor can inspect your roof further and determine if repairs are needed or a full replacement is necessary.
Getting Started With This Guide
Repairing or replacing your roof can be a costly proposition at best, so its a good idea that as a homeowner you know when you might need to replace your roof and how long the particular type of roof that you have lasts in general.
Additionally, it is perhaps even more important to look at how long various types of roofing materials and how long do shingles last can matter if you are buying or building a new home, so you can understand how long your investment can last.
Whats more, there is the resale value to consider.
Establishing the current state of the roof, how long your roof is going to last and what can be expected from the type of roofing materials used, the climate in your region, and the other idiosyncrasies of your property and particular location is an important aspect to consider before you buy, even if you plan on staying in that home for a while.
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Old Concrete Roof Tile Replacements
Q: My house is a 97-year-old Victorian with a concrete-tile roof. It was installed in 1929 to replace the original cedar shakes and has weathered hurricanes like a champ. How can I find matching replacements for some of the missing and damaged tiles?
Patricia, Beaumont, Texas
A:Kevin O’ Connor replies: A roof more than 75 years old? No wonder you want to keep it. To find an answer for you, I called Rick Olson, technical director at the Tile Roofing Institute. He says that you should look on the back of one of your tiles to see if there’s a manufacturer’s name cast into it. If so, then you can check the list of U.S. roof-tile manufacturers on the Institute’s website, tileroofing.org.
If there’s no name on the tile, or the company isn’t listed, perhaps you’ll find similar tile patterns by going to each company’s website. If not, you may be able to find a company that will custom-make the ones you need. You can also check with companies that sell salvaged roofing tiles, or search the Web for overseas suppliers many tile profiles in this country were inspired by European designs. Importing tiles might seem expensive, but it probably will cost less than having new tiles custom made or installing a new roof.
Signs Of Roof Damage That Can Shorten The Life Of Your Roof
o Holes and Leaks
Leaks on a roof are sometimes difficult to spot because they may originate from small hidden cracks. However, the longer the cracks go unnoticed or ignored, the bigger they become. The situation can escalate quickly, with moisture accumulating under the roofing shingles.
Small holes can also be difficult to identify, unlike bigger ones. If you can see the sun shining through the roof, you will have to work on repairing the hole as soon as possible. In some cases, you could end up changing the entire roof.
Inspect the roof through the attic and determine whether there are cracks or holes by checking for leaks when it rains and sun rays when it is shining. If you notice any sign, call a professional roofer immediately.
o Moisture and water stains/damage
If the attic has excess moisture, the roof is probably damaged. The same applies to stains on the ceiling or deck. These are indications that the roof is leaking and should be repaired soon. The insulation is another place that can show signs of water leaks. Check for pooling water or signs of soaking around the insulation.
The stains on surfaces can be yellowish, brown, or circular. They may also appear as streaks, especially on the walls. They are usually caused when debris mixes with rainwater.
Another sign of roof damage is sagging ceilings. If there is unevenness, call DAngelo and Sons roofers immediately. Sagging is usually a sign that the problem has become too advanced.
o Exterior roof damage
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According To The National Roofing Contractors Association A Roof Should Be Inspected Twice A Year:
How often do roofs need to be replaced. Other metal roofing, like zinc and copper, can last 100 years or more. How often does a composition roof need to be replaced? Signs that you need a flat roof repair.
The age and quality of the materials used. A new roof means hundreds of hours of labor and tons of material removed and replaced. Whether or not you maintain the roof each year.
Many other factors impact your roofs lifespan, like its orientation, color, and slope. The seemingly simple question of how often a roof should be replaced has a complex answer. After a severe storm or high winds, it is good to get on the roof.
Say your roof inspection report estimates you should replace your roof in the next five years, detailing several problems with the shingles and flashings. This is not a do or die mission you have to get done. Signs that your roof needs to be replaced
Severe winters and humidity may wear out the materials more quickly. If you want to learn more about how often. However, any type of roof will need to be replaced after a few decades of work.
Wondering how often roofs need to be replaced? Flat roofs are known for their stability. A roof should last a lot longer than 50 years really.
Some factors that may affect how long your roof lasts include: We all know that no roof will last forever, but there are ways to estimate how often a roof will need to be replaced. These suggested time frames will vary depending on the climate that the roof is exposed to.
