There aren’t many projects in the home maintenance world that overshadow the scale of a roof replacement. Thankfully, the average roof life is between 30-70 years depending on your roofing material, so most homeowners won’t have to experience a roof replacement often. However, when the time calls, it’s important to take swift action. It doesn’t take long before a leaky or unstable roof causes more damage to other structural parts of your home!
When is it time to replace your roof? The best way to answer that question is by calling a trusted roofing contractor for a free inspection. If you see signs of roof damage on your Pikes Peak area home, give Trout Roofing a call or contact us through our website today!
Leaks, damage, and other common signs saying, “it’s time for a new roof”.
There are different levels of damage that your roof can experience. Some are easy to see with the naked eye and some are not. The best thing you can do to catch problems early is to check your roof seasonally for dings, dents, leaking, and other problem areas.
Leaky roofs lead to further problems.
A waterfall in your living room might be an obvious sign of an issue, but most roof leaks are much, much sneakier than that. Keep an eye out for water stains on the ceiling, drips down interior walls, or even moldy/musty odors coming from a concentrated area.
If you have an attic space, it’s smart to inspect it with a flashlight a couple of times a year to ensure leaks don’t go unnoticed.
Keep an eye out for broken shingles or cracks in the flashing around the chimney or in the seams of your roof. Any opening on the outside will eventually lead to water on the inside, even if it is hard to spot!
Mold, algae, or other fungus or plant growth that takes root on your roof is bad news.
If you catch it early, you may be able to scrub away the problem with the correct supplies (always consult a trusted roofing company on the products you use!) Once something like mold or algae takes hold, it could cause weak spots in your roof that eventually lead to rot. You may be looking at more intense repairs or in some cases, an entire roof replacement.
Permanent damage from hail, fallen trees, or other acts of nature requires attention.
Roofs are built to take a beating from the weather. But, when a hailstorm hits or a large tree branch causes major damage, it’s worth getting a roof inspector out to assess the situation. If the damage is serious enough or affects a large enough area, you may be having a conversation with contractors about whether it’s wiser to repair a portion of the roof or seize the opportunity to replace the roof entirely.
New roof warranties and insurance claims
Roof replacements are a large investment. If you can get your project all or partially covered, it makes the whole process a lot less stressful!
Many roofs will come with one or two warranties attached to them: a manufacturer’s warranty and a contractor’s warranty. Make sure you are very well acquainted with your warranties. These likely have conditions (like keeping up on roof inspections) that the owner has to comply with in order for the warranty to be valid.
Make sure you’re filing insurance claims on the damage that’s done to your roof and keeping track of the date your warranties are about to run out. If your roof is showing any signs of weakness or vulnerability at all, it’s good to use warranties and/or insurance claims in your favor when it comes to a full roof replacement!
Average roof life expectancy based on material
The lifespan of a roof is going to depend on a few different factors including the material used, the weather conditions it is exposed to, how well it’s maintained, and the workmanship of your contractor. Different roofing materials are used in different geographical areas and climates for a reason! Make sure you’re working with your contractor to find materials that will offer strength and longevity within your budget.
Average shingle roof lifespan
The average asphalt roof lifespan ranges from 15-30 years depending mostly on the quality of shingle and the weather it endures. The least expensive shingles are generally 3-tab shingles which last from 10-15 years while higher quality architectural shingles can last 20-30 years. If you’re concerned about the asphalt roof lifespan, wooden shake shingles often last even longer. Keep in mind, that extreme temperatures and weather conditions can always shorten the lifespan of a shingle roof regardless of the material.
Average tile roof lifespan
Tile roofs last an average of 50 years and are typically known to be more durable than shingle roofs. However, they still have their nuances. Tile can stand up against most weather conditions, but it can crack or break in hail. Cracked or broken tiles should be replaced immediately so that water does not get past the tile and cause damage to the materials underneath. Laying a tile roof takes a lot of expertise, so the quality of a tile roof often relies heavily on the skill of the contractors who install it.
Average metal roof life expectancy
Metal roofs typically last 40-70 years, outlasting shingles by a long shot. These roofs stand up better to almost all weather conditions, they don’t absorb UV rays as shingle roofs do, and they’re more environmentally friendly. In Colorado, metal roofs stand up to our mountain storms and hail, and last longer in the direct sunlight than many other roofing materials. However, these roofs are more of an upfront investment and still require maintenance and repairs.
Make roof maintenance, cleaning, and inspections your top priority
The secret to knowing when it’s time to replace your roof is maintenance, cleaning, and regular inspections. The more aware you are of your problem spots, the more you can stay on top of cleaning and repairs that are far less costly than an entire roof replacement. Make sure you’re getting your roof inspected regularly and according to your warranties so that a roof replacement is always a planned project and never a surprise!
Get a free roof inspection
Now that you know the signs of an old roof needing replacement, if you notice these signs on your own roof, give us a call or contact us for a free roof inspection!