How Often Do Roofs Need to Be Replaced?

A commonly asked question of homeowners is “how often do roofs need to be replaced?” The truth is, it depends really. There are a number of different factors to consider such as the roof type, the climate of where your home is located, as well as the age of the roof.

While it is a good idea to have your roof assessed at least once every year or two, there are a few signs that can determine whether your roof needs repair or a complete replacement.

Regular roof maintenance is also key to extending the life of your roof to its full potential.

What are some Signs that your Roof Needs to be Replaced?

If your roof is over 20 years old and shows signs of wear and tear, there is a good chance it may need replacement. Having a professional roofing company assess your roof will let you know the exact condition of your roof and whether it truly needs to be replaced.

To determine whether a roof needs to be replaced, here are some signs that it may be time:

• There are holes in your roof
• Shingles are missing from the roof
• The roof deck sags
• Water damage is noticeable or there is significant leaking
• The roof is moldy or is showing signs of rot

While these are the more obvious indicators of a roof that needs to be replaced, there are other factors to consider. However, if you notice any of these signs on your roof, it’s best to get the opinion from a licensed roofing contractor to better assess the damage and help you understand your options.

Naturally, all roofs do have an expected lifespan. However, knowing whether you need a simple repair or complete replacement is the question a roofing contractor can help answer.

How Often do you Need to Replace a Roof?

The key indicator of how often a roof needs to be replaced is based highly on the roofing material of your roof.

For instance, the expected lifespan of a shingle roof is about 20 years. On the other hand, wood shake roofs or slate roofs can last 30 or more years. Another determining factor that affects lifespan is climate and weather. In hotter climates such as South Texas, roofs take a lot more heat and can therefore wear down sooner than in cooler climates.

Roofing material such as slate or metal roofing can last even longer. So it be 50 or more years before those roof types need replacing.

Above all, proper roof maintenance is the main thing you can control to helping your roof last.

What are the Average Lifespans of Different Roof Types?

To give you an idea, here are the estimated lifespans of common roof types. This is for both residential and commercial roofing.

• Asphalt Shingles: About 20 years
• Rubber Shingles: About 30 years
• Wood Shingles: 30-40 years
• Concrete Tiles: About 50 years
• Metal Roofs: 40-70 years

Some Other Considerations When Replacing a Roof

As mentioned, there are a number of different things that ultimately determine the lifespan of your roof. In some cases, it’s obvious that a roof replacement is needed. However, sometimes a simple roof repair is sufficient to get your roof back in good condition. The best thing you can do is get an expert opinion to determine what is necessary for your roof.

Another thing to consider is the builder of your home or business. It’s not uncommon for newer home builds to quickly rush the roofing of the home.  There are many houses that need to be completed in short time, so this could lead to problems later. Because of this, sometimes roofs on newer homes are poorly installed as a result.

When this happens, you may have a roof that is prone to damage easier or cause other damage to your home that may be unforeseen. An example of this would be if caulking around your chimney or sealant around vents is not properly done, this could lead to leaks in your roof sooner than expected.

Does You Roof Need to Be Replaced?

If you suspect your roof may be damaged, beyond its lifespan or needs repair, it’s best to have it checked. At Norwest Roofing we offer free estimates and have helped many homeowners and businesses over the years with their roof replacements in San Antonio. All while saving costs and delivering top quality work.

For a free roofing estimate, please contact us.