If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t think about the roof until damage occurs. Yet your roof is one of the most essential parts of your home. Without it, your house and everything in it is prone to damage from the elements.
But how do you know when it’s time to replace the roof? Waiting until something goes wrong isn’t the right answer. Continue reading to learn more to find an answer to: how often should you replace your roof?
How Long Do Different Roofing Materials Last?
How often you replace your roof will depend on the materials used in its construction. Composition and asphalt shingles should be replaced every 12 to 30 years. Wood shingles should be replaced every 20 to 25 years.
If you have a rubber roof, expect to replace it every 30 to 50 years. Metal roofs last the longest, by far. Metal roofs will only need to be replaced every 50 to 75 years.
Biannual Roof Inspections
One way to know if your roof needs replacement is to do roof inspections twice a year. You can do these yourself or hire a professional roofer to do them for you.
If doing an inspection yourself, keep an eye out for issues with the shingles. If any shingles are cracked, loose, damaged, or missing, they’ll need to be repaired. Other problems aren’t fixed as easily.
Your roof may need to be replaced if you notice sagging sections or signs of water damage. If there are holes, dark spots, mold, or apparent rot, these are also serious issues.
If possible, it’s best to use a professional roofer for at least one of your biannual inspections. They know better what to keep an eye out for.
If you don’t know anything about roofs, a professional can also help you learn more about what to look for yourself. Most experts are more than happy to share some of their knowledge if you ask them.
Why a Roof May Need Replacement Sooner
In certain situations, a roof may need replacement sooner than it’s average lifespan would indicate. This can happen for a variety of reasons, which include:
- Individual natural disasters
- Areas prone to natural disasters or harsh weather conditions
- Damage from falling tree limbs
- Mistakes made when your roof was initially built
- The use of cheap construction materials when your roof was built
- Not catching small issues with inspections before they become significant issues
- Damage created during a roofing repair project
These are only a few examples. Each situation is unique, but it’s essential to keep in mind roofs don’t always last as long as they should.
Do You Have More Questions About How Often Should You Replace Your Roof?
Your roof’s lifespan depends on what materials were used to build it. Certain factors, like those mentioned above, can cause your roof to need replacing long before its average lifespan is up.
Do you have more questions about how often should you replace your roof?
Check out our other blog posts. You’ll find a wealth of information on related topics.
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