Manufacturers Vs Roofer How Often To Replace Roof Material
Theres a difference between what a manufacturer says and what roofers experience.
Manufacturers will typically say the following about roofing material:
- Shingle roof, three-tab, 25-year
- Single Ply Flat Roof, as high as 30-years
- Other flat roofs, 15-years.
When a manufacturer gives a warranty on their product, for example, when shingle manufacturers say they have a 25-year shingle warranty, the unfortunate outcome is that we see them age quicker.
Roofers will tell you if they are being honest, that most 25-year shingles end up being replaced closer to years 18-20. Of course, there are exceptions to the norm. Ive seen a 25-year shingle last up to about 28/30-years but that was only possible because they had a roofer giving them free maintenance every year.
General maintenance is important to perform on any roof. We highly recommend it for prolonging the life of a roof. Especially if you live in a high wind area or under trees.
So the unfortunate reality is, that here in South Florida, you have extreme heat, high winds, and rapid temperature changes that all affect the longevity of your roof. The roofing material will expand and contract when the temperature shifts between extreme heat or cooling rain. These changes come back to back so often that they can negatively affect your roof. This is why there are strict regulations around roofing in Florida
Signs That You Need To Replace Your Asphalt Roof
Is your roof leaking? If so youre probably worried that the entire roof will have to be replaced.
But just because your roof is leaking doesnt mean you need a complete replacement. So, when should you replace your roof? The answer to that question isnt going to be the same for everyone.
Bill Ragan Roofing has been replacing roofs in the Nashville area since 1990. We know what it takes to give you a roof replacement thats going to give you years of peace of mind. Thats why we even offer a lifetime warranty on our workmanship.
Replacing your roof never comes at a convenient time so its important to know when the right time to replace your roof is.
Keep reading to learn the 3 reasons why your roof should be replaced so you know when the time is right for you. By the end of this article, youll know why your roof may need replacing and what to consider before you replace your roof.
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.
Read Also: Cost To Reseal Rv Roof
If You Have A Metal Roof You May Not Need To Replace It For 40 Years And Some People Who Were Meticulous With Their Maintenance Enjoyed 70 Years Of Faithful Service
A properly cared for metal roof in texas can last up to 75 years. However, regular inspection for potential problems is recommended twice a year according to the national roofing contractors association.however, scheduled maintenance is essential to get as many years out of the roof as possible.however, the season you pick to replace your roof in texas also plays a.
Moisture And Water Stains/damage
Other indications of leaks include excess moisture or water stains/damage on the roof decking in the attic or on the ceiling. Often, the moisture leaking in can soak into the insulation in the attic so you may want to check there, too. You might also notice puddles in your attic.
If your ceiling has brown or yellowish, circular stains, you probably have a leak. Thats also true if you have brown or yellowish streaks on your walls. This discoloration is caused by rainwater carrying dirt or other debris that leaks all the way through to the surface of your ceiling or walls.
A sagging ceiling is an even more advanced sign of a leak. In any case, get your roof fixed if you notice these signs.
You May Like: Extending Roof Overhang
When To Replace Your Roof: How To Tell If Its Time
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
Last time you climbed up a ladder and cleaned out your gutters, you got a magnified view of your roof. A few turned up shingles, moss, some rust action are these blemishes normal, or are they signs that you need a new roof?
When you start noticing your roofs age, bring in the experts to determine if its time for a replacement. Roof damage can lead to leaks and cause significant structural damage. Plus, beyond protecting your home, your roof plays a key role in curb appeal when its time to sell.
We want our houses to look as good as possible from the curb and from the photographs. And now that we use a lot of aerial shots and drone shots, the roof is much more visible. So its just that much more important that the roof looks good, shares top real estate agent Andrew Oldham, who, along with his partner Jennifer Oldham, sells 70% more single-family homes in San Jose than the average agent.
Dont let a roof in disrepair bring down your homes value. Follow these six steps to determine if you need to replace your roof.
First Step: Know Your Roofing Materials
The material that your roof is made of plays a large role in how long it will last. Some materials are more durable than others, allowing them to better withstand the rigors of torrential downpours, debris from high winds, and sizzling heatwaves.
Asphalt shingles and composite roofs are the most common materials and tend to also last the least amount of time before requiring a replacement. Fiber cement shingles will last a little longer at about 25 years. Wood shake roofs should last up to 30 years. The most durable roofs tend to be slate roofs, roof tiles, and any sort of metal roofing, like copper. These are estimated to last up to 50 years without requiring replacement.
This can be good to keep in mind when getting a new roof installed. You may want to invest in a slightly more expensive roofing material to forego frequent roofing repairs caused by unexpected weather conditions.
Also Check: Maximum Metal Roof Overhang Without Support
You Can See Sunlight From Your Attic
You don’t need us to tell you that this isn’t a good sign because it’s not! If light can get in, so can rain, cold air, and snow. Check for light and also look for water stains. “If you find any, watch them over a few rainfalls and if they change shape or size, that means you’ve got an active leak,” says McGavic.
How much time you’ve got left: It depends on the extent of the damage, so call a pro. Small leaks can be patched, but larger ones, structural damage, and the age factor might make it wise to replace your roof sooner rather than later
How Often Should You Schedule Roof Inspections
You should have your roof inspected twice a yearonce in the spring and once in the fall. Spring inspections allow you to assess any damage from the winter season. Fall inspections can look into possible damage caused by temperature fluctuations and help you prepare for the winter months ahead.
Roofing issues are often unavoidable. As time passes, unwanted elements naturally alter the structural integrity of your roof. Therefore, its essential to find a trusted local roofing service that can conduct frequent inspections.
Your roof inspector will look for:
Cracked, loose, damaged, or missing shingles. Exposure to natural elements like rain, sun, wind, and snow wears out your roof over time.
Sagging or low spots. Too much weight from snow/ice, wind, and roofing materials can cause your roof to sag.
Mold or decay. If your house is exposed to enough moisture, humidity, and shade, mold and fungi can grow over time. And the longer the mold/fungi hang around, the more likely they can harm your shingles.
Water damage and leaking. Damaged and loose materials on your roof can cause water to leak through them. As time passes, this can threaten the structural integrity of your home.
Dark spots. Notice ugly spots or black streaks on your roof? These are dark spots or algae. Algae spores are airborne and can quickly spread on your rooftop.
Read Also: Roof Replacement Cost California
Holes Drilled On Purpose
Tiny holes in shingles are sneaky because they can cause rot and other damage for years before you notice the obvious signs of a leak. You might find holes left over from satellite dish or antenna mounting brackets or just about anything. And exposed, misplaced roofing nails should be pulled and the holes patched. Small holes are simple to fix, but the fix isnt to inject caulk in the hole. Youll fix this one with flashing and spot replace the roof.
Other Factors That Affect Roof Lifespan
Besides what its made of, the lifespan of your roof is determined by factors like maintenance and weather, too. For example, certain weather may mold and/or crack wood shingles more easily. Even resilient metal roofs may suffer from sealant erosion over time.
Also, asphalt shingles are very light and may come loose more often in locations that get a lot of high winds. Windy areas with a lot of foliage can also knock trees or tree branches into the roof, causing damage.
Furthermore, if such damage isnt dealt with soon enough, it rapidly gets worse. A small crack can let moisture in under the roofing material. There it expands and contracts with temperature changes, causing the crack to widen.
For this reason, annual roof inspections are essential for lengthening the life of your roof, no matter what its made of.
Read Also: Where Do The Screws Go On A Metal Roof
How Much Will Your Asphalt Roof Replacement Cost You
A roof replacement is a major investment. It’s not inexpensive, like every other investment. If your roof is more or less 15 years old, it will need to be replaced in 5-8 years. So start budgeting for it now. Just get an estimate from a contractor, so you’ll know how much you’ll have to put aside when the time comes.
The figures will not be the same because of changes in roofing material costs, but you’ll have a basis on which to start budgeting.
How Long Does A Cedar Shake Roof Last
Unlike asphalt, metal, and synthetic, a cedar shake roof is primarily made of natural wooden materials.
As long as its properly installed and with proper maintenance, you can expect to get 30 years of life out of your cedar shake roof. If you invest in quality materials and live in an area with the right climate, you could possibly stretch that number further with the possibility to get up to around 50 years.
Because cedar shake shingles are naturally made, theres no manufacturer warranty on the materials if they fail prematurely. This leaves you with only your roofing contractors workmanship warranty to protect your investment if theres ever a problem with your cedar shake roof.
Don’t Miss: How Much Does A New Roof Cost In California
Decide Whether To Repair Or Replace Your 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. If youre planning to sell within that window, you might wonder whether its best to replace or repair the roof before you list.
Thats a discussion that you should have with your agent as a lot of that is going to depend on the state of the market your house is in, Andrew Oldham advises.
So, if the market is a very hot sellers market and you would expect to get multiple offers anyway, you may not need to go the expensive route.
Your agent will measure the return on investment that various roof modifications will yield and determine whether or not your home needs the upgrade to compete in your market.
Contact Local Roof Replacement Contractors
How often should you replace your roof? Theres no a simply answer. When determining if you need a roof replacement it is important to consider all aspects of your roof, such as its age, condition, and how well you maintain it. It is also crucial to pay attention to red flags that could indicate the presence of damage. To learn more about professional roof replacement services or to schedule a free roof consultation, contact the expert roofing contractors at Beyond Exteriors today.
You May Like: Extending A Roof Overhang
Your Asphalt Roof Fails Prematurely
Your roofing materials should live as long as the manufacturer specifies. However, there are cases when your roof fails prematurely and leads to a roof replacement well before you should need one.
Two of the common causes of premature roof failure are improper roof installation and inadequate attic ventilation.
When your roof wasnt installed using correct roofing techniques youre going to find shingles in your yard or even full sections sliding off your roof. If your attic wasnt properly ventilated then the damage from the trapped heat and cold will drastically shorten your roofs life.
Be aware, when your roof isnt properly ventilated or properly installed the manufacturers warranty on your roofing materials will be voided. This leaves you with only your contractors workmanship warranty to fall back on to replace your prematurely failed roof.
Replacing Roofs In The Pacific Northwest
When it comes to the Pacific Northwest and Oregon, specifically, you will need to consider past roof maintenance when determining how often to replace your roof. Here in Oregon, for instance, we have an abundance of moss on our roofs. If theres excessively large amounts of moss on your roof, thats a clear sign of poor maintenance. It is also a sign you may need to replace your roof at a much shorter-than-expected interval.
If you have questions about the state of your roof or the state of a roof on a house you are considering purchasing, who can help.
Read Also: Shed With Overhang Roof
Entire Shingles Are Missing
From a functional standpoint, there should be no problem with just replacing a few shingles here and there. “What you do need to be prepared for is the fact that it’s just about impossible to get a new shingle to match the color of an old one,” says Graham. “Granule colors have changed pretty significantly over the years. Plus, the colors change slightly with weathering.”
How much time you’ve got left: You can keep patching until a bigger issue presents itself, but if a roof starts to look like a checkerboard, people often opt to replace the whole thing.
How Long Does A Slate Roof Last
Like a cedar shake roof, a slate roof is made primarily out of natural materials.
As long as your slate roof is properly installed and flashed properly, itll be the last roof you ever put on your home. Its hard to put an exact number on a slate roofs lifespan, but theres no reason it shouldnt last around 75 years or even close to 100.
We even like to say your grandkids wont have to worry about it. If youre looking for a forever material that wont need to be replaced in your lifetime, a slate roof is a great option.
Just like a cedar shake roof, theres no manufacturer warranty on the slate materials themselves if they fail prematurely.
Read Also: Add Overhang To Side Of House
When Do I Need A New Roof
Here are some of the tell-tale signs that it is time to call Grennan Construction to talk about a new roof:
- Leakage in attic after wind-driven rain
Possible causes: Leaky or inadequate shingle underlayment or deteriorated flashing
- Leakage in attic after ice build-up
Possible causes: Inadequate shingle underlayment or inadequate attic ventilation
- Blistering and peeling of interior or exterior paint
Possible causes: Excessive temperature or high humidity due to inadequate attic ventilation
- Stains on interior ceilings and walls or mold and mildew growth
Possible reasons: Inadequate or faulty shingle underlayment allowing leakage or inadequate attic ventilation
Likely cause: Inadequate attic ventilation
- Missing, cracked, or curled shingles
Possible cause: Shingles have reached the end of their useful life
- Dark, dirty-looking areas on your roof
Possible causes: Environmental pollutants vegetation, fungus, or algae loss of granules due to age of shingles
- High energy costs
Possible cause: Insufficient attic ventilation
In warm weather, inadequate ventilation will trap hot air in the attic, causing air conditioning systems to work harder, or leaving your homes interior hotter and less comfortable. In both hot and cold weather, insufficient attic ventilation may cause moisture in the attic to become trapped and condense on the rafters. This condensed moisture can drip down onto the insulation and reduce its effectiveness. High energy costs can result.
