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Did you know that roof replacement can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $12,000?
Those estimates are just for your roof though. If there’s a need to remove your old roofing materials and damage to the interior of your home, you can expect to spend more.
The good news is if your roof is well-maintained, you might be able to avoid costly repairs or replacement. If you’re lucky, you don’t even have to ask how often should you replace a roof.
But what if you’re not quite sure about your roof’s condition? What if you have every reason to be worried about the roof replacement costs?
Let’s talk about the lifespan of common roofing materials, plus some red flags to watch out for.
Is It Every Decade?
Some roofing materials can last more than 50 years. These include slate, copper, and tile roofs.
Wood shake roofs, on the other hand, can last about 30 years, while fiberglass composition roofs have a life expectancy of about 20 years. One of the most common types of roofing material sold today, asphalt shingles can hold up for up to 3 decades, which is about the same with architectural shingles.
As for metal roofs, high-quality options can last up to 70 years. If you went for the cheaper option though, it’s okay. As long as it’s maintained properly and barring extreme weather conditions, it’s good for at least 20 years.
Now, keep in mind that any type of roof will fail if the installation isn’t good or if a heavy object like a tree falls on it. Other factors that affect the lifespan of your roof include poor insulation and ventilation and having the wrong pitch or angle. Sun exposure, as well as the wrong choice of roofing material for the climate in your area, will also affect how often you need to replace your roof.
Roof Replacement Red Flags
So now you know the answer to, “how long do roofs last?” Next, you need to know what red flags to look out for to take the guesswork out of when to replace roofing.
These include damaged shingles, cracks, or breaks in your roof’s flashing, a droopy, sagging roof, etc. You’ll also want to check if there’s moss in your roof. If they’re growing on your roof, it means there’s trapped moisture, which is one of your roof’s worst enemies.
You can use a stiff brush to get rid of these unwanted houseplants, or you can get in touch with a roofing contractor. It’s a good idea to have your roof inspected twice a year because you want to spot problems before they become a huge headache for you later on. Just make sure you don’t entertain any shady contractors and do your best to avoid these roofing scams.
Do You Need to Have Your Roof Replaced?
Now that you know the answer to “how often should you replace a roof?” consider if your roof can be saved with repairs. If it’s unsalvageable, however, don’t delay the process. Call a reliable roofer right away to avoid further damages to your home.
For more roofing tips and advice, feel free to check out our other posts.
