You will want to make sure that you take care of the key feature of your home that keeps you dry at night, the roof! Like everything, roofs do have expiration dates as the material will need to be renewed but how often does a roof need to be replaced?
How Often Should I Replace My Roof?
If you are considering hiring New Jersey roofing contractors to either attempt work or replace your roof, you first need to consider the conditions of your roof and what will benefit it in the future. If the roof is very old or made of certain materials, then it may need replacing rather than fixing. Here are some of the common factors to take into consideration when you are examining if your roof needs replacing:
- The Roofing Material
- How Maintained The Roof Is
- Climate
- Existing Damage
1. The Roofing Material
The first factor to consider when you are examining your roof is what building material it is made from. Once you know what building material your roof is made from, this will give a clear idea of the roof’s lifespan. We will talk about all the different types of roofing material later in the article.
2. How Maintained The Roof Is
If the house you are looking at has been lived in for many years and been well cared for, it most likely will not have too many faults as the roof will have been regularly checked and maintained. If you are purchasing a new property, it is advised that you contact roofing companies in South Jersey to inspect the condition of the roof, so that you are aware if there are any damages. Even though the house may have been well maintained if the property is very old the roof may have lived its lifespan and may be due for a replacement.
3. Climate
The roof of the property is the first barrier between your warm home and the ever-changing weather. Depending on where you live in the world, your roof will be designed to protect the home from the weather. You may need to choose a specific type of roofing material depending on the climate you live in.
4. Existing Damage
Damage that has been left for an accumulation of years may have worsened the quality of your roofing material. For example, if there is damage that has not been repaired, this could lead to further issues in the structure of the roof and even issues like rusting.
Lifespan Of The Different Types Of Roofing Material
Here is a full list of the different types of roofing material used and what their lifespan is before you should reconsider replacing your roof.
1. Clay
Clay tile roofing is one of the most robust roofing materials on the market. The clay tiles line the roof with sturdy reinforcement and therefore are a good option if you are wanting your roof to be very durable. A clay tile roof can last up to 100 years before needing to be replaced.
2. Metal
Metal roofing material is very similar to clay tile as it is very durable and resilient. Metal roofing is prone to issues such as rust as metals like steel and aluminum are used. A metal roof will last for 50 years before it needs replacing which is half the expected time of clay tile roofing.
3. Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are a roofing material that does require a frequent check-up and possible maintenance as the years go on. A wooden roof can last up to 25 years before it will need replacing. A roof made from wooden shingles is reliant on constant upkeep and maintenance to last the full 25 years. The wooden roof will need to be cleared of leaves and other plants which can trap moisture. This trapped moisture could lead to the wood beginning to rot.
4. Wood Shakes
A roof made from wood shakes rather than wood shingles is thicker and more resistant. The wood shakes are durable and resistant, especially against UV rays and hot weather. Roofing made from wood shakes can last up to 40 years before replacement is needed.
5. Slate
A roof made from slate material is as durable as clay tiles, if not the sturdiest roofing material you could choose. A slate roof will last up to 100 years before it will need replacing.
How Can I Tell If My Roof Is Damaged?
Making sure that you spot if your roof is damaged sooner rather than later will be hugely beneficial as roof damage worsens quickly, leading to more of the roof needing to be replaced. Here is a list of issues to inspect when you are checking if your roof is doing its job correctly:
- Aim To Spot Holes
- Check Under The Roof For Leaks Or Water Marks
- Check To See If The Material Is Moist Internally, Especially If The Roofing Material Is Wood
- Check To See If Anything Has Slipped Externally Such As A Tile
Assess Your Roofs Condition Before You Decide If You Need To Replace Your Roof Or Change Its Material
Studying your roof’s current condition and looking to the future of what the climate may be like is the best thing you can do when making a decision on if you should replace your roof. If you find that you are consistently having issues with your roof, you may want to change to a different roofing material that may work better for the property. At RGB Construction, our dependable team has the knowledge and experience you need to get your roof in tip-top shape. We clean gutters, repair damages, and much more. Plus, if we spot any additional trouble areas, we will let you know and provide solutions. Call us today to schedule your free consultation or an appointment at 856-347-2297.
