Just how long does a roof last?
If you replace your roof – how can you work out how long it will be until you need to replace your roof again?
If you need help with these questions, keep reading.
Because in this post, we’re going to take a look at how you can identify exactly when you need to think about replacing your roof. We’ll also take a look at some of the factors that affect the ‘life’ of your roof, thereby helping you work out how you can make a new roof last a long time.
By the end of this post, you’ll be on par with the experts, when it comes to knowing
How Long Does a Roof Last?
The first question you might be asking yourself is – ‘how long does a roof last?’
This can be a hard question to answer, as it depends on the roof in question and the condition it is in (something we’ll cover later).
As you might’ve guessed, old roofs will naturally be in need of replacement. But what constitutes an old roof? Well, for many houses, a roof that is older than 20 to 25 years, will probably need replacing. If your roof is that old, you might want to consider replacing it.
Keep in mind, though, that your roof can be ‘younger’ than that, and still need replacing. And so if you’d like to know how you can work out when it’s time to replace your roof…Keep reading.
How Do You Know It Is Time to Replace Your Roof?
If you know nothing about roofing, it can be hard to work out when exactly you should go about replacing your roof. Luckily, though, there are some clear signs that you can look out for, that will help you identify whether or not you should replace your roof.
One way you can tell your roof needs replacing is by taking a look at the shingles on your roof. If the shingles on your roof are ‘curling,’ it might be an indication you need to invest in a replacement roof.
You should also look out for sections of your roof that are missing shingles. If there is a part of your roof that is missing shingles, it can cause a lot of problems for the rest of your house. That is because moisture from snow or rain, can seep through your roof and cause water damageinternally within the house.
You can also identify if your roof needs replacing is by taking a look at your roof, from within your house. This means that you go into your attic, and take a look at the roof. If you see that there is any light coming through the roof, it means that there are gaps in the roof.
These gaps can cause problems, and lead to rapid deterioration to the rest of the roof. On top of that, these gaps can also lead to damp occurring within the rest of the house too.
What Factors Affect Roof Life
Suppose you’ve made the decision to replace your roof, and you want your investment to last a long time. How can you do that?
When it comes to the question of ‘how long does a roof last?’ There are a lot of factors involved.
Well, the best way you can protect your roof from problems is by identifying the risk factors that are going to lead to the deterioration of your roof, in the first place.
One such factor, that can affect roof life, is the material your roof is made from. The kinds of shingles you are using can have a big impact on the life of your roof. For example, Asphalt shingles might not last as long as roofs that use metal or tile.
The kind of climate you live in is also going to have an impact on the life of your roof. If you live in a location that experiences a lot of rain, you may have to accept that your roof will not last that long – compared to a roof in an area with less rain. The same applies if you live in a location that experiences a lot of sun. Lots of heat can also lead to faster deterioration roofing.
How well your roof is ventilated, is also related to how long your roof can be expected to last. If your roof is not well ventilated, it is going to be easy for moisture to collect within the layers of the roofing. This moisture can lead to rapid deterioration of the roof, all of which can be further exacerbated, depending on the kind of climate you live in.
If you are asking yourself ‘how long does a roof last?’ – you should hopefully know have a good sense as to what can lead to roof deterioration.
The Importance of Vetting Your Roofing Company
All of the things that we’ve covered in this post can help you make a better decision when it comes to replacing your roof. If you have decided that it is time to replace your roof, you need to make sure you are working with a roofing company that is going to do the job properly.
One way you can find a high-quality roofing company is by speaking to other people you know, who’ve had their roofs recently replaced. In some cases, you might not know anyone who has had a roof replaced. That is okay, as you can still find a good company on your own.
You just need to make sure you ask your prospective roofing company a lot of questions ahead of time, to ensure that they know what they’re doing and that they’re aware of your needs. If you ask them ‘how long does a roof last?’ And they’re unable to provide you with any insight, consider working with another company.
If you can, you should also ask them if they can show you past examples of work that you can take a look at.
Time for a New Roof?
Before you invest in a new roof, you need to put a lot of thought into whether or not you actually need a new roof. After all, it can be expensive to have your roof replaced.
If you think your roof needs replacing, you want to make sure you know the factors that can affect the life of your roof. This will help you figure out what you can do to make your new roof last a long time.
Getting a grip on all of this information can be tough to begin with. But making the effort to educate yourself ahead of time, can save you a lot of trouble, later on down the line.
Want to learn more about picking the right roof for your house? Check out our blog to learn more!
