Review your home improvement records to see how long ago the roof was replaced or changed. Knowing when a roof was installed (and what it's made of) gives an idea of how much life it has left. For example, a typical asphalt tile roof lasts 20 to 25 years, while a roof installed over an existing layer of shingles must be replaced after 20 years. In general, roofs can last between 20 and 100 years, depending on the materials used, the quality of the workmanship, and the climate.
Not surprisingly, more durable materials also cost more. There are a variety of colors and designs available to suit any style of home, but selecting a new roof is much more than choosing a color. It is important to choose a roofing material that suits the climate of your region and the slope of the roof. Keep in mind that it's always a good idea to have a roof installed by a professional roofing crew, but for dedicated and capable DIYers, asphalt roofs are the easiest to install.
An asphalt tile roof can last between 15 and 25 years, if properly maintained and barring any significant weather event or disaster. Under normal circumstances, 3-tab asphalt tile roofs should last 15 to 20 years before needing replacement. However, architectural asphalt tile roofs are a bit more resistant to the elements due to their design. These can last up to 10 years longer than 3-tab asphalt tile roofs.
You can usually expect your roof to last about 30 years. However, the actual lifespan of your roof depends on several things, including the type of roofing materials that were used and the environment. The average lifespan of a roof usually ranges from 25 to 50 years. However, the life expectancy of a roof ultimately depends on the quality, durability and type of material chosen.
Usually, you get what you pay for, and the larger the investment for a new roof, the longer it will provide protection to your home, but there are many options homeowners and commercial property owners should consider when choosing the best type of roofing material. The standard roof structure is not adequate to support these heavy shingles, so roof rafters need to be reinforced before a slate roof can be installed. For example, if you don't keep the roof free of leaves and moss growth, they trap moisture against the roof, encouraging decay. The figures will not be the same due to fluctuating prices for roofing materials, but you will have an idea so you can start budgeting.
Repairing or replacing your roof can be an expensive proposition at best, so it's a good idea for you as a homeowner to know when you might need to replace your roof and how long the particular type of roof you have in general lasts. For these types of properties, a roofing membrane such as EPDM is a common choice due to its low cost and easy repair of flat roofs. On a thatched roof, look for raised nets and obvious ridge fixations, plus ridges and jumps on the roof, as well as moss and lichen growth. Shingles should lie flat against the roof; if you find cracked, damaged, or bent patches, then repairs are in order.
If you're looking for a new roof, you might also hear that roofing companies or contractors describe certain types of roofs as “30-year roofs” or maybe even “50-year roofs” or other time periods. In addition, the look of a copper or zinc roof can be aesthetically pleasing and add value to your home due to its appearance and longevity. While there are several factors that affect the life of the roof, the service life of the roof depends largely on the materials used. For those who live under a tree canopy or in an area that receives a lot of hail, consider using a metal roof made of steel instead of aluminum or copper to help reduce the risk of dents.
The other side of the coin, of course, is that the roof of your house may have already been in place for many years. They have to deal with a lot of snow and ice because of their strength and ability to help snow and ice slide off the roof. Despite knowing the average lifespan of various types of roofs, you should continue to monitor the condition of your roof to know how often you should replace it. An annual roof inspection (think of it as an annual physical exam of your roof) is necessary to check its condition, replace any broken or peeled shingles, and check for leaks.
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