Are you wondering how often you need to update your roof? This depends on many factors, including:
- The type of roof you have
- How well do you take care of it?
- What kind of weather can you withstand?
- If there is unrepaired damage
Anyway, this guide has all the answers you are looking for. First, I will explain the life expectancy of the roof according to the material of the roof. Next, we’ll discuss the various factors that can affect the life of your roof and what they mean to you.
Are you ready to know the details? Please read next.
The life expectancy of the roof
Different roof types have different life spans. So start by listing the average roof life estimates based on the roofing materials used.
How long does the asphalt roof last?
There are three types of asphalt shingles:
- 3 tabs
- Architecture
- Luxury
All three have different life spans, as specified by the Roofing companies Camarillo.
- The 3-tab single has a lifespan of 25 years, the shortest of the three types.
- Architectural shingles have a lifespan of 30 years.
- Luxurious shingles can last for more than 30 years.
You need to get about 80-85% of your lifespan from asphalt shingles. This means you can expect about 20 years from a 3-strip roofing board and about 25 years from a building roofing board. On the other hand, the shingles are thicker and should last about 30 years. In perfect condition, the years can be further increased.
How long does the metal seam roof last?
This type of roofing system is a series of panels interlocked or mechanically bordered with seams. This allows the plate to expand and contract freely as the metal heats and cools. For this reason, standing seam metal roofs are recommended for residential metal roofs.
They can last about 30 years or up to 50 years, under the right conditions. The reason for its longevity is the lacquered surface of the metal plate.
The new standing seam metal roof comes with a 30-year paint warranty on the metal panels. Even with a 30-year warranty, it does not disappear in 30 years.
How long do you have a composite roof (synthetic)?
Composite shingles (synthetic shingles) are made from recycled materials and are designed to look like slate or cedar roofs. The composite roof can last about 40 to 50 years. The reason that composite shingles are durable and long-lasting is because of their impact resistance.
This high-impact resistance means it can withstand everything that hits shingles, including extreme weather events like hail.
You can also walk like a regular slate or cedar stick without worrying about the composite roof breaking. For this reason, composite roofs are one of the most durable roofing materials on the market.
How long do you have a cedar roof?
Unlike asphalt, metal, and plastic, the cedar roof is mainly made of natural wood.
With proper installation and repair, the cedar roof can last for 30 years. If you invest in high-quality materials and live in areas with a suitable climate, you can potentially grow that number further and live up to 50 years.
Since cedar shingles are manufactured naturally, there is no manufacturer’s warranty for the material in case of premature failure. This leaves only roofing craftsmanship guarantees to protect the investment in the event of a problem with the cedar roof.
How long will the slate roof last?
Like the cedar roof, the slate roof is mainly composed of natural materials. As long as you install the slate roof correctly and properly finish it, it will be the last roof in your home. It’s difficult to know precisely how long a slate roof will last, but there’s no reason why it shouldn’t last for 75 or even 100 years.
I even want to say that your grandchildren don’t have to worry about it. A slate roof is a great option if you are looking for a material that will last a long time and will not need to be replaced in your lifetime.
Other factors affecting roof life
In addition to roof condition, roof life is also determined by factors such as maintenance and weather. For example, under certain weather conditions, wooden shingles are more susceptible to mold and cracking.
Even sturdy metal roofs can suffer from sealant erosion over time. Also, asphalt shingles are very light and can come off more often in strong winds. Even windy areas with lots of leaves, trees, and branches can hit the roof and cause damage.
If you don’t call Roofing contractors Santa Barbara to repair such damage immediately, it will quickly get worse. Small cracks can allow moisture to penetrate under the roofing material. There, it expands and contracts as the temperature changes and cracks spread. For this reason, no matter what the roof is made of, annual roof inspections are essential to extend the life of the roof.
Roof damage signs that can shorten the lifespan of the roof
As mentioned earlier, unrepaired roof damage quickly gets worse. The following is an example of common roof damage that shortens the life of the roof if the roof is not repaired.
1. Holes and leaks
A hole large enough to see the sunshine is a high sign of roof damage. This probably means that your roof needs to be replaced immediately. Small cracks and holes still allow moisture. As explained above, these get worse very quickly. If you notice that sunlight is leaking through a hole in the ceiling, or if it’s raining (especially in the attic), it’s time to check the roof.
2. Moisture and water stains/damage
Other signs of leakage include excessive moisture and water stains/damage to the attic roof and ceiling. In many cases, the infiltrating moisture can penetrate the attic insulation, which should also be checked. You may also notice that there is a puddle in the attic. If there are brown or yellowish circular spots on the ceiling, there is probably a leak.
This is also true if the wall has brown or yellowish streaks. This discoloration is caused by the infiltration of rainwater, including dirt and other debris, into the surface of ceilings and walls. Ceiling sagging is a more advanced sign of a leak. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to repair the roof.
3. Damage to the exterior roof
There is also damage to the roof that can be seen from the outside. Most notable are shingles that have been:
- Cracked
- Rotted
- Missing
- Otherwise damaged
Also, look for a strange-looking place on your roof. The roof is designed to have a beautiful, neat, and unified look. If the spot looks strange, it may indicate sloppy patchwork work by an unreliable roofer.
Bad patch jobs can be more harmful than good, so please report them. If you can’t see the outside of the roof clearly, check the gutters and floor around the house. When your shingles are damaged, you can usually find that debris in the gutters and floor. You should also check chimneys or fades for debris. Such damage exposes the roof to the elements and makes them even more vulnerable to severe damage.
How often do you need to update the roof?
The information in this guide should give you a clear idea of how often the roof needs to be replaced. Find out the life expectancy based on the roofing materials listed above. Then look for signs of roof damage listed.
Of course, for this information to be appropriate, you need to know the age of the roof. Therefore, you may have additional questions. Are you still thinking about how often to redo the roof? Then contact roofing contractors in Santa Clarita to arrange a careful roof inspection.
