With a national average roof replacement cost of around $8,000, knowing how often to replace a roof is an important question.
Many factors affect that number and there are things you can do to inspect and maintain your roof to make sure you get the most out of its life expectancy.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about how often to replace a roof!
Different Materials Last Different Amounts of Time
For a big picture number on when to replace your roof, consider the type of material you want to use. Knowing each material’s life expectancy may affect your choice when weighing roof replacement options.
Here are different roofing materials and their average life span:
- Asphalt shingles: 15-30 years
- Architectural (premium asphalt) shingles: 25-30 years
- Wood shingles: up to 30 years
- Clay tiles: up to 50+ years
- Metal roofs (aluminum, steel, copper): Up to 70 years
- Slate tile roof: a century or more!
Recognize that the longer the lifespan, the higher the initial cost of the roof will be due to increased costs for installation and materials. Know what’s right for you by working with a professional roofing company.
Regularly Inspection Your Roof
Maintaining your roof will help it last for as long as possible. It’s important to regularly inspect your roof to prevent early residential roof replacement. There are key things to look for regularly.
Look for Signs of Water Damage
Part of your roof inspection should be to look from the inside out. Check your attic space for signs of water getting in:
- sunlight, even small pinholes of sunlight
- wet wood
- puddles or water stains
- mold.
These are all signs that somehow water is getting through the roofing material and into your home. Find the source of the leak, the sooner you find and repair small problems, the longer you can maintain your roof.
Look At the Physical Condition of Your Roofing Material
Look for missing or loose shingles or tiles. Replacing small damaged patches before they let the shingles and tiles around them get exposed to the elements from underneath.
Look for signs of warping, curling, or breaking. Particularly with asphalt shingles, if you are seeing a lot of debris from your roofing material, you may need to consider roof replacement.
If you have a metal roof, look for signs of rust. That means that water is getting through the seal over the metal and you will need to repair that section. Be sure to do this properly and clean up the rust, making sure it is resealed and not just painted over.
Look for Structural Issues
Structural issues in your home can cause damage to your roof. If you see signs of sagging you need to make repairs or call for help right away.
Know How Often to Replace a Roof By Paying Attention
Being observant will be key to knowing how often to replace a roof. Know your material’s life expectancy and look for signs of damage or age. Talk to a professional if you have concerns that you can’t figure out yourself.
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