As a responsible homeowner, you always want to ensure all aspects of your home are in top condition. Letting any part of your house fall too far into disrepair can result in many more significant problems. A staple of any quality home is a good roof. If your roof has unaddressed damage, it can wreak havoc across the rest of your home. But how do you know when your roof needs repair or replacement? And how long should your roof last?
How Do I Know When It’s Time to Replace My Roof?
It may not always be evident whether or not your roof has run its course. However, there are some telltale signs every homeowner should look for that can signal it’s time for a new roof. These signs include:
- Water damage
- Holes in the roof
- Loose or curling shingles
- Temperature variations in the home
- Sagging roof
- Moss or plant growth
Your attic is a great place to start looking for signs of a faulty roof. Streaks, water damage, or sunlight beams coming through holes are all signals that it might be time to replace your roof.
How Long Should My Roof Last?
The lifetime of a roof can vary greatly depending on several factors. These include:
- Construction material
- Quality of installation
- Environment
- Type of material
The most important of these factors is the roofing material used in construction.
Asphalt Shingles
Roofs constructed with asphalt shingles are the most common type of roof in the United States. They are a great choice because of their durability and affordable price. The typical asphalt shingle roof will last between 15-30 years. However, this can be further affected by the type of shingles used.
Metal Roof
The lifetime of a metal roof is often longer than that of asphalt shingles because of their robust qualities. Because of the large variety of types of metal used, these roofs vary significantly in their lifespan. A typical metal roof will last you anywhere from 40-70 years. To further break it down:
- Stand seam metal roofing – the most common type of metal roof, typically lasting about 50 years
- Ribbed metal panels – a cheaper option than standing seam metal roofing, typically lasting between 25-50 years
- Stone-coated steel tiles – a popular choice in areas prone to hurricanes, typically lasting between 30-50 years
Slate Tile
Slate tile is an incredible option for your roof, although it comes at a price. This premium material can end up lasting for lengths of even 200 years! It is often worth the initial investment since the material doesn’t retain moisture and is sturdy against harsh weather.
Wood Shingles
Homeowners love wood shingles for their unique aesthetic. They can stand as a durable roof that can last around 30 years with proper care and maintenance.
Clay Tile
Clay tile is another highly durable material known for its long life and resistance to weather. These tiles are weather, rot, and fire-resistant. The trick to extending the life of this material is thoroughly cleaning it regularly. Cleaning helps stop the growth of harmful life such as moss, mold, or algae. You can expect these roofs to last for upwards of 50 years with proper maintenance!
Thinking it’s time for a roof upgrade. or want to have your roof inspected to decide between repair and replacement? Huf Construction is here to answer all your roofing questions. Serving Ellis County, Waxahachie, the greater DFW area and the Permian Basin, we have handled thousands of roofing claims, and will help you through the roof repair or replacement process from beginning to end. Call now to request a free estimate!