As a Texan homeowner, it is essential to be aware of the condition of every aspect of your home, especially your roof. Replacing your roof can be a touchy topic, with thoughts of finding the right professional, determining insurance claims, and determining how long the replacement will take. The Texas climate of extreme temperatures, heavy rains, and hailstorms play a driving factor in your roof’s longevity. A roof in a cold, wet climate might last 50 years. A roof in a hot, dry Texas climate might only last 25 or 30 years.
Factors Affecting Roof Longevity in Texas
Roofing Materials
The different roofing materials out there result in varying roof lifespans.
Asphalt Shingles: Shingles are the most used roofing materials in the United States due to their durability and affordability. Asphalt shingle granules allow protection against UV rays, which helps keep your home cool throughout the summer. Shingles also last about 15 to 20 years with the proper maintenance consisting of inspecting them for any signs of damage, especially after hailstorms.
Metal Roofing: Metal roofs have a typical lifespan of 40 to 70 years and have greatly impacted Texas homeowners. Known for their durability in hailstorms, metal roofs are ideal, consisting of stand seam metal roofing, ribbed metal panels, and stone-coated steel tiles.
Slate Tile: A worthwhile investment, slate is a material that lasts for 200 years with the proper installation and maintenance. It is known for its sturdiness against harsh weather conditions and its ability to repel moisture.
Clay Tile: Clay tiles are another highly durable material with resistance to weather, rot, and fires. They can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance, such as cleaning them regularly and roofing inspections, especially after storms.
Weather Conditions
Texas weather is very complex, with extreme temperatures throughout the year causing roofing materials to deteriorate faster. The hail season damages roofs or increases the risk of premature wear and tear. Extended UV ray exposure can cause deterioration to unprotected roofing materials, especially asphalt shingles with bald spots and lack of UV protection.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation performed by a reputable roofing company is critical for the longevity of your roof. Properly installed high-quality roofing materials will save you money and time later. A reputable roofing company should be backed by positive reviews and a roofing license, even though it is not required by Texas. You can keep your roof properly maintained by clearing out any blockages from your gutters and downspouts and cutting branches close to your roof.
How Often Should You Replace Your Roof?
With roof replacements, it’s not as simple as once your roof reaches a certain age, it’s time to replace it. In Texas, a residential roof lasts an average of 15 to 20 years. Even with proper maintenance, your roof may need replacing once it shows these signs to prevent worse damage to your home.
Visible Severe Storm Damage
Texas weather conditions are unique and can be severe, so inspecting your roof for any damage from hail and strong winds is best. Unaddressed damage from severe storms can lead to leaky roofs, high electric bills, and water stains on ceilings. If you see any signs of balding or missing shingles, water damage to the ceiling, or fragments of shingles in gutters and downspouts, it’s time to receive a professional roof inspection.
Age of the Roof
With the limited lifespan of certain roofing materials, it might be time to start considering replacing your roof specifically with shingle roofs that reach the 20 to 30-year mark. Your roof might not have any signs of visible damage, but wear and tear over the years contribute to a limited lifespan. Depending on the type of roofing material, such as metal or tile, the need for a replacement might be around the 70-year mark.
Previous Repairs
Multiple leaks in your ceiling shouldn’t be normal, especially after numerous repairs so that it might be time for a replacement instead. With the constant issue of leaks after several repairs, replacing the whole roof is cheaper and easier. Keeping up with constant repairs to address leaks can lead to severe damage and increase the risk of mold and mildew growth.
HUF Construction
In Texas, where the climate has extreme temperatures and a long hail season, understanding how this can affect your roof’s lifespan and knowing when to replace your roof to protect your home is important. Factors of roofing materials, weather conditions, quality of installation, and maintenance can influence your roof’s lifespan. Regularly scheduled maintenance and inspecting your roof after severe weather conditions to ensure the condition of your roof and maximize its lifespan.
At HUF Construction, we can help maximize your roof’s lifespan with a free roofing estimate to better understand its condition. Contact us today for any repairs or roof replacement that might be needed.