Replacing your roof is a major undertaking that most homeowners will have to contend with sooner or later. Though it is a large expense, you need to replace your roof if it is reaching the end of its lifespan or shows signs of damage. Proper care will allow you to protect the most important investment in your life—your home. Follow this guide so that you will know when it is time to call on quality roofing experts to service your roof.
How often you should replace your roof depends mostly on the roofing materials used. Let’s have a look at the most common residential roofing options.
Asphalt Shingles: The most common type of roofing in American homes are asphalt shingles, so let’s start there. The general rule of thumb is that you should replace these every 20 years. Lots of shingles manufacturers will state that their asphalt shingles last 25 years, but a sensible homeowner will want to take care of this replacement at about 80% of the suggested lifespan to avoid any roofing calamities. You don’t want the first sign of a worn roof to be a leak in your living room.
Architectural asphalt shingles last ten years longer, on average. Replace those every 30-35 years.
Metal Roofs: Metal roofs are the second-most popular roofing type, and becoming more and more widespread. With a 50-100 year lifespan, it’s easy to see why these are worth the investment.
Clay or Cement Tile Roofs: Tile roofs are built to last. They’re heavy and sturdy and can take a lot of wear before needing replacement. Additionally, tiles can be repaired or replaced if they suffer damage, so you won’t have to replace an entire roof. Your clay or cement tile roof will be good for 50 years, and some will last for 100.
Slate Roofs: Slate roofs, in addition to adding a distinguishing beauty to any home, are the toughest roofs available. With 100 years of durability, a properly installed slate roof will last a lifetime. At Tar Heel Construction Group LLC, we offer GAF’s synthetic slate which is an amazing alternative to traditional slate roofs.
Wood Shingles: Wood shingles are different in that they are not as fire-resistant as the previous roofs and may not be allowed in some fire-prone areas. Additionally, they require care and maintenance in a way that the previous roofs do not, so their lifespans will depend on their upkeep. If you take good care of them and make sure they remain free of mold and debris, they could last 50 years.
The Ins and Outs of a Roof Replacement
It’s a good idea to inspect your roof twice a year. There is no way to prevent your flashing and shingles from taking wear and tear from storm damage, and homes in particularly harsh climates may need shoring up.
A roofing contractor will be able to fix any small leaks or reinforce the flashing in order to protect the areas around the eaves or to waterproof the joints where there is a protrusion like a chimney or a vent pipe. These minor repairs will add life to your roof.
Roof inspections will find signs of damage caused by storms, high winds, falling debris, or other environmental factors. Catch problems before they start and could save you a great deal of money in the process.
You’ll want to be on the lookout for signs of damage that indicate it’s time to replace your roof. Here are some tell-tale hints that it might be time to call a roofer:
Exterior damage. You or a roofer should look for missing, torn, or cracked shingles. Inspect the roof for moss growth, which is often a sign of trapped moisture that could cause serious roof damage. A sagging roofline is also a warning sign that it is time for a roof replacement.
Interior Damage: If your home has an attic, it’s best to start there. You should not be able to see any daylight through cracks or holes in your roof, and you certainly should not see any puddles or leaks. Check the insulation to see if it is wet.
Inside the house, circular stains on your ceilings are signs of leaks that will only get worse without attention. And if your ceiling is sagging, it is definitely time to call a roofer.
Contact Us Today
Is your roof reaching the end of its life? Do you suspect that your roof might be damaged by environmental factors? Don’t wait. Call Tarheel Roofing before the problem becomes larger and more expensive. Our qualified workers will make sure your home remains beautiful, and you and your family keep a roof over your heads.
