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How Often Should You Replace a Roof?

The roof is the most neglected and ignored part of any house. It is very difficult to know what is going on up on the roof until leakages and any other breakages commence to manifest. Sadly, roofs cannot last forever and they need to be replaced after exceeding their expected lifespan. There is a lingering question regarding what you should look out for in order to determine whether it is time to replace your roof. Some of these things may include dark spots, ruined and missing shingles, mold and water damage and leakages.

Regular or constant visual checks are vital in the maintenance of the roof since small repairs are much preferable than bigger repairs emanating from extensive damage. How often you ought to replace your roof is dependent on the specific material used to cover the roof. This article shows you different factors that affect how often you should replace a roof.

  • The Age of Your Roof

What is the age of your current roof and has it ever been removed thus leaving you with just a single layer of shingles? If the roof is older than 20 years and it is not properly ventilated, then you might have to replace it. More so, this can also be the case if the roof has been installed over another layer of shingles.

  • Buckled and Curled Shingles

This is a very clear sign that you might have to replace your roof. Shingles have a life expectancy and sometimes they might deteriorate. This often starts with the shingles curling. Sometimes the roof might be defective thus requiring some immediate replacement.

  • Missing Shingles

You should constantly check whether the shingles are intact, as this could easily tell you whether your roof needs to be replaced.

  • Roof Valleys

Missing and falling roof shingles are a definite sign that you might really have to replace your roof. Valleys are very vital as water flows through them and straight into the gutters. They could result into leaks in case they are compromised hence necessitating immediate replacement if they are not in perfect shape.

  • Roof Installer

You might use a lot of money to buy the best roofing material but a bad installation will always crumble and fall with the advancement of time. The mode of installation is a huge determiner of the longevity of the roofing system. You should therefore spend a lot of time researching to ensure that you find the best roofing company.

You should replace your proof predicated on the kind of the material that has been used. This is also based on how you have maintained your roof over the years. The orientation and the color of the roof can also have a massive impact on the lifespan of the roof.

Different Roof Types and Their Potential Lifespan before Replacement

  • Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a very modern and popular choice for roofing that comes in a variety of colors. It lasts for an average of 50-70 years. This kind of roofing is very energy efficient and durable. It does not entail a lot of maintenance and it is environmentally friendly.

  • Asphalt or Composite Shingles

These shingles are very pocket friendly and they are very aesthetically pleasing. They have a life expectancy of around 20 years, which can be extended by opting for expensive and higher quality shingles. This duration can vary based on the prevailing climate in your area. Areas that have very high levels of humidity often necessitate regular roof replacement due to increased wear and tear of the material used. If you live in an area with a lot of sunlight or other adverse climatic conditions, then you should replace your roof often. You should also check the roof in case there were very intense winds or storms. This ensures that the roof and anything else present is in great and pristine condition.

You should definitely replace your roof in case it is leaking, too old, or has missing shingles. You should always conduct regular checkup at least twice per year as recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association. Roof replacement should therefore not be ignored, especially when the signs start becoming clearly apparent. You should also try to get the best out of your roof through proper maintenance. Roof replacement should not be a problem due to the growth of this industry and the increase of advanced roofing options. In case that roof replacement is long overdue, you should opt for the best and most reputable roofing company.