Your roof is one of the most important – and most expensive! – components of your home. It’s totally understandable that homeowners would be interested in extending the lifespan of their roof as long as possible. Replacing a roof is always a big investment.
So, how often does your roof really need to be replaced? The experts at Accent Roofing, one of Atlanta’s best roofing companies, weigh in.
Roofing Materials Matter
The number one factor that will determine exactly how long your roof will last is what it’s made of. Certain roofing materials are more durable than others and more likely to hold up in conditions like rain, hail, or strong winds. Here’s a general guide to how long several common roofing materials can be expected to last:
Composition Shingles: 12-22 years
Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years
Wooden (Cedar) Shingles: 15-25 years
Tile Shingles: 40-50 years
Metal Roofs: 50-75 years
Why the Discrepancy?
Because different materials require different levels of maintenance. Composition shingles, for example, are low-cost but also on the low-end of the durability spectrum, depending on the style and brand. A very well-maintained composition shingle roof can last more than two decades! A composition roof that’s never cleaned, inspected, or repaired might only last 12-15 years.
Remember that roof maintenance is compounding. You can’t ignore your roof for ten years then expect to make up for lost time with one big repair job. The more regularly you have your roof inspected the earlier on you’ll catch little issues that can turn into big ones: missing shingles, loose flashing, leaking underlayment, and more.
How Can You Tell When It’s Time to Replace Your Roof?
There are a few tell-tale signs it might be getting close to time to replace your roof. Sagging, especially when obvious from the ground, is a key indicator that the roof’s structural integrity has been compromised. A significant number of missing shingles could also mean it will be less expensive to have your roof replaced than repaired.
The only way to know for sure? Have your roof inspected by a professional roofing company! Some roofing issues, even serious ones, can only be determined through a thorough and comprehensive inspection. Having a roofer walk your roof, use tools to measure the moisture levels in your attic, and test the veracity of the materials used in its construction is the only way to really know its condition.
How Long Does Roofing Replacement Take?
The good news is, roof replacement doesn’t take as long as you might think. Depending on the condition of your roof and your selection of new roofing materials, a full replacement may take only one or two days. Ask your roofer exactly what you can do before the Big Day to make the process easier. By choosing your roofer carefully and scheduling your roof replacement during the right time of year, you may not even have to worry about losing any energy while your house is roofless!
