No matter what roofing material you have on your existing home, you will inevitably need a new roof. But how do you know when to replace the old one? And how will you know what material to even decide upon? Stay with us as we answer both of these questions for you.
Generally, shingles will last approximately 10 to 15 years. There are three tab shingles that will last for up to 20 years. And depending upon what kind of metal is used for a roof, it can last up to 100 years.
But it is not just the material that you need to consider when deciding on your new roof. You will also need to look at the slope and pitch of your roof. Some materials may be better than others for what you need; therefore, they may last longer. Color plays a huge difference as well. Some colors on various materials may fade faster.
Your roof may last longer, depending on how much ventilation you have. It also depends upon who installed your last roof. If they did a great job with quality workmanship and followed all rules and codes, the roof should last at least as long as the material lifespan, if not longer.
Your roof will also last longer if proper maintenance is done. Once a year, have a home inspector look at your roof for signs of wear and tear. They can point out small issues before they become large ones.
As a homeowner, you should check the roof over after every storm to make sure there is not any damage. Any limbs that fall onto the roof should be removed immediately. You will want to look for shingles that have blown off, are bent, or have cracked. Cleaning out the gutters is a must, as water will pool if they are full. This should be done at minimum twice a year. If you need to get up on your roof and check it, limit the amount of foot traffic on it. Too much foot traffic will weaken the roof.
Take into consideration things that will weaken your roof. While it is important to keep the roof clean, do not use a power washer on it. This could make the granules on the shingles become dislodged.
If you see dark patches on your roof, it is time to install a new one. Stains on your roof mean that it is leaking, which is causing moisture damage to not only the roof but the internal structure of the home as well.
Have you noticed cracks, or does it look like the roof is sagging? If so, it is time to have a new roof put on.
Any sign of mold or mildew can mean a new roof needs to be installed. Over time your structure will become weak if you allow these two to settle in.
Perhaps you are not sure when your roof needs to be replaced. If the homes in your area were all built around the same time, and several other homes in the area are getting new roofs, it may be time for you to consider having them replaced.
If you are in need of a new roof, contact a professional such as Done Rite Roofing Inc in Tampa, FL. Their crew can help you determine what material is best for your roof and develop a plan to maintain it so it will last you longer.