All good things must come to an end. That includes your roof!
As much as we don’t like to think about it, most people will have to replace their roofs at some point in their homeownership journey. When it comes to such a huge investment, we understand that you want to make sure that your roof:
- Is made of a quality material
- Is properly installed
- Is designed to last
But just how long does a roof last? The answer: it depends! Today, we’ll be helping you understand everything you need to know about your roof’s life expectancy and how you can promote longevity!
Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof
Most of us try to push off major projects like a roof replacement for as long as we can. So, how do we know when we’ve waited too long? Here are some of the most common signs that your roof is ready for a replacement:
- Frequent Leaks – There’s no such thing as a good leak, and any leak should be investigated by a roofing professional. However, if you are frequently getting leaks, or your leaks are reoccurring even after repairs, it is a clear sign that your roof may need replacing.
- Missing and Loose Shingles – If you’ve ever found a loose shingle sitting in your front yard, you aren’t alone. It’s fairly common for a shingle to fall off of your roof every now and then, particularly after severe weather. However, if you are finding shingles falling off with increasing frequency, your roof is likely on its last legs.
- Shingle Damage – Your roof can be damaged in a variety of different ways. Hail, falling branches, and even just age can leave your shingles with cracks and dents. While these bumps and bruises may not look very serious, even small cracks can allow water to seep through to the lower layers of your roof and cause serious damage.
- Granule Loss – If you have an asphalt shingle roof, you can expect some level of granule loss as your roof ages. However, when you are finding gritty black dust in your gutters, you may want to consider investing in new shingles.
- Spongy Feeling – If you’ve ever been walking on your roof but have found that the roof surface feels a little spongy, you want to contact a roofing professional immediately. It is possible that your roof deck has some serious damage and may need immediate replacement.
- Moss Growth – There is nothing that moss loves more than a moist environment to grow in. This means that if you have moss or algae growing on your roof, then your roof may be holding onto more moisture than it should be.
How Long Will My Roof Last?
When it comes to investing in a new roof, you want a product that is designed to last. The good news is that these days you have more options than ever when it comes to roofing materials. Whether you are choosing a roof based on its affordability, longevity, or durability, there is a material that will work for you.
We’ve broken down what you can expect from different types of roofing materials.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the U.S., by far. It’s not hard to see why. You can’t beat asphalt shingles when it comes to affordability and ease of installation. It is also very DIY-friendly, making it great for when you need to replace an occasional shingle.
Asphalt shingles can last for around 15-20 years before needing a replacement.
Cedar Shakes
If you are looking for a natural, rustic look for your home, then you won’t find a better option than cedar shakes. Cedar shakes are made of natural wood and are undoubtedly beautiful. However, they require more maintenance than almost any other roofing materials. Because of this, cedar shakes usually only last for 15-20 years.
However, if you put in the work, they can last much longer than that!
Metal Roofs
More and more homeowners are choosing metal roofs for their homes. There are huge benefits to investing in a metal roof. It is a hugely durable and energy-efficient roofing material. However, the biggest draw for homeowners is the longevity of it. Metal roofs can last for 50+ years, making it one of the longest-lasting roofing materials.
Clay Tiles
Clay tile roofs are a beautiful roofing option but aren’t often seen outside of the southern states. Which is a shame because they can last for a very long time! In fact, the average roof with clay tiles can last for 50-100 years before needing to be replaced.
However, keep in mind that as a high-end roofing material, clay tiles will be more expensive to repair, meaning that you may spend more money maintaining it over time.
Slate Roofing
If longevity is your ultimate goal, there is no better option than slate tiles. In fact, many people refer to slate roofs as “the lifetime roof,” as they have been known to last for 100 years!
That being said, a slate roof is by far the most expensive option on the list and requires specialized installation. This means you can expect to pay more in labor costs as well. Additionally, slate roofing is very heavy, meaning that your home’s foundation may need extra support to accommodate the extra weight.
How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
It’s one thing to pick out your dream roofing material. It’s quite another thing to have to pay for it.
The fact of the matter is that a new roof is expensive, no matter how you cut it. That being said, some roofing materials are more affordable than others. Here is what you can expect to pay, on average, for a new roof:
- Asphalt Shingles – $6000-$17,000
- Cedar Shakes – $13,000-$25,000
- Metal Roofing – $10,000-$30,000
- Clay Tiles – $12,000-$20,000
- Slate Roof – $20,000-$50,000
Keep in mind that these are average prices that will be affected by the size of your roof and the area that you live in.
Can You Replace Your Own Roof?
Many homeowners experience sticker shock when they see the price of a new roof and consider trying to save money by doing a DIY roof installation. Is it possible? Yes. Do we recommend it? Well…
Your roof is an important part of making sure that your home stays protected from the elements. Improper installation can put your home at risk of serious water damage that can damage your interiors and even the structure of your home. In fact, in trying to save money, you might find that you are spending more than ever before to fix your mistakes.
Hiring a professional roofing contractor will ensure that your roof is installed correctly the first time and that your home is protected against whatever comes your way.
Roof Maintenance Tips
The best way to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth out of your roof is to take care of it. Follow these roof maintenance tips to get the most out of your roof:
- Clear Debris – As the seasons change, it is normal for debris to get trapped on your roof and in the gutters. However, if that debris is left, it can prevent water from being able to flow off of your roof. As it pools, it can seep through your roof and damage your roof deck and ceiling. Regularly cleaning your roof will help make sure that it stays healthy and functioning.
- Trim Trees – Roofs often suffer damage when tree branches fall and dent the roof. You can avoid this by making sure to regularly trim any trees around your house.
- Schedule Regular Inspections – The best way to avoid major repairs is to spot problems before they start. That’s why we recommend scheduling a yearly roof inspection with a qualified contractor. A professional roofer will be able to spot any potential dangers and help you come up with an action plan.
Get Help From a Professional Roofer
If you are ready to get a quality roof replacement, look no further than the knowledgeable team at First American Roofing and Siding. As home exterior experts, you can count on us to help you get a roof that is sturdy and designed to last for years to come. Contact us today to get a free estimate on your roofing project!
