Whether you’re buying a new home or you’re planning on staying put in your current house, you probably have an idea of the condition of your roof. But, it can be hard for homeowners to gauge exactly when they should get a roof replacement.

This article discusses 4 different types of roofs, how long each roof type lasts, and what signs to look out for when your roof needs to be replaced.

How Long Does A Roof Last?

One of the key factors that determine if you need a new roof is its age. Now, we all know roofs don’t last forever, but homeowners may be asking themselves: how long does a roof last?

Generally, you can expect your roof to last about 30 years. But, the actual lifespan of your roof depends on a number of things, including the type of roofing materials that were used as well as the environment.

What Factors Impact How Long Your Roof Lasts?

• Quality of the installation workmanship – A poor quality installation will shorten your roof’s lifespan.
• Environmental conditions – Exposure to high winds, extreme temperatures, and falling debris can decrease how long your roof lasts.
• The quality of materials used – Cheaper materials won’t cost as much upfront but will have to be replaced more often than other expensive roofing materials.
• The type of roofing material used – Each roofing material has different durability, making them last longer or shorter in different conditions.

While there are several factors that impact how long your roof lasts, your roof’s lifespan most heavily depends on the materials used. Let’s take a closer look at the various roof types and how long each of them lasts.

Different Roof Types and How Long They Last

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the United States because they are affordable, durable, and include warranties of up to 25 years. Made of fiberglass and asphalt sealant, asphalt shingles can effectively protect your roof structure from snow, wind, rain, and harsh UV rays.

Most asphalt shingle roofs will last between 15 and 30 years. However, this can vary based on the climate and weather conditions of where you live. For example, asphalt shingles won’t last as long in Colorado, because the dramatic temperature changes will cause the shingles to crack.

Metal Roofing

A metal roof can last anywhere between 40 and 70 years with warranties from 20 years to a lifetime, depending on the type of metal and the design of the roof. Metal roofs made of premium metals like copper and zinc can sometimes last for over 100 years!

Signs you need a metal roof replacement: Widespread rust, discoloration, roof leak damage, water staining in the attic, and/or mold.

Wood Shakes And Shingles

Usually, a wooden shingle roof lasts for about 30 years with warranties that run up to 30 years. In order for wood shingles and shake roofs to last, however, you need to perform regular maintenance. Wooden roof upkeep includes yearly cleanings, as well as repainting or staining every 5 years.

The type of wood that you use will also determine how long the roof will last. Cedar shakes, for example, last longer than other types of wooden shingles because cedar is rot and insect-resistant. Cedar shakes are also able to withstand winds up to 245 miles per hour, which makes them a popular type of roofing material for coastal homes.

Signs you need a wooden roof replacement: Splitting shingles, rotting shingles, pest damage, mold, and/or algae growth.

Clay Tile Roof

Clay tile roofs are extremely durable and can last anywhere between 50 to 100 years, and manufacturers offer warranties anywhere from 30 years to a lifetime! The life expectancy of clay tile roofs is so long because tiles are weather, rot, and fire-resistant.

To ensure that your clay tile roof lasts as long as possible, it’s important to properly clean your roof. If a clay tile roof isn’t regularly cleaned, algae, moss, and mold can accumulate. Moss is the most dangerous, as its roots can penetrate the tiles, ultimately causing roof leaks.

Clay tile roofs won’t last as long in colder climates, as constant freezing and thawing can easily damage the tiles. However, you can have your clay tiles sealed to help prevent cold weather impacts.

Signs you need a clay tile roof replacement: Cracked tiles, chipped tiles, pieces of tile in gutters, roof leaks, and/or water staining in the attic.

Schedule Your Roof Inspection In or Around Colorado Springs and BEYOND!

A roof inspection is an absolute must for both residential and commercial buildings. Please contact us today to schedule your inspection. We will get back to you right away.

Most roofs are designed to be replaced every 30 years, on average. In an ideal world, this would happen. However, in the real world, there are countless things that can wreck your roof, requiring extensive repairs or an entire replacement long before the three-decade mark.

Storm damage is a common reason Americans have to spend on roof repair or replacement. Regardless of where you live in the country, it’s likely that you’ve encountered your fair share of violent storms at some point. But even if you haven’t, it helps to prepare for this rough weather.

In this comprehensive checklist, we give you all the information you need to deal with roof damage from storms.

Types of Roof Storm Damage

During a storm, there are various weather events that can cause roof damage. Here we look at some of them.

Wind

Hurricane-force winds traveling at high speeds can cause severe damage to your home’s roof. These winds can tear or remove shingles, exposing the roof deck, and underlayment for waterproofing material to the elements.

Gale-force winds, which are slower than hurricane-force winds, can also cause visible dents to your roof. Sharp, sudden gusts of wind lift up or curl the shingles, leaving the roof vulnerable to wind-driven rain.

Hail

Hail storms rarely last longer than a quarter of an hour. During that time, however, hailstones can cause visible dents and pockmarks on your roof. They can knock your shingle granules loose, requiring immediate roof repair.

Standing Water

The issue of standing water after a rainstorm is common in roofs that do not have proper drainage. It’s one of the top signs of a damaged roof, and you need to take action urgently.

Sometimes, the issue is caused by clogged gutters. Rainwater backs up under the shingles, allowing moisture to seep into the roof deck or the underlayment.

Debris

During a severe storm, debris can be hurled onto your roof. Anything from small tree branches to much larger tree limbs can impact your roof’s surface and dent it, leaving your roof vulnerable to intrusion by moisture.

What to Check After a Storm

Once the storm has passed, it’s time to examine your roof to determine the type and extent of damage you’re looking at. Here’s a checklist for you to follow.

Start With the Protruding Roof Parts

Check the chimneys, skylights, and other protruding roof parts for damage. Typically, such parts are covered with flashing and are sealed to avert water leaks into the seams.

If the flashing or seals seem damaged or compromised, you’ll need to take action. Leaving the problem unattended can lead to water leaks.

Inspect the Exterior Shingles

Roof damage after a storm is most evident on the shingles, as they serve as your home’s first line of defense against harsh weather. Check for granule loss, curling, and cracking of shingles. Some shingles might also be missing.

When checking the damage, avoid setting foot on the roof to do so. The best way to go about it is to use a pair of binoculars and inspect the roof from the ground. Alternatively, hire a roofing contractor to inspect the roof for you.

Examine the Roof Vents

Some homeowners think that storm damage to the roof’s soffit and fascia is superficial and nothing to be concerned about. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Damage to these two parts can interfere with your home’s ventilation system. Once your vents are warped or otherwise damaged, the air they draw into your indoors is compromised. That’s why vents should be part of your roof storm damage checklist.

Inspect the Gutters

The gutter system of your roof diverts rainwater away from your house during a storm. When gutters get clogged, water backs up under your shingles and can start to leak to areas where it shouldn’t, including the attic.

Gutters can become clogged during a storm that hurls leaves, twigs, and other debris on your roof and directs the debris to the gutters. Forceful storms can even cause the gutter system to detach from the roof.

Inspect these gutters following the storm to see whether they’re still in good shape or need repair.

Check the Attic and Ceilings

If your roof seems relatively undamaged on the exterior, check the attic and ceiling for signs of water spots. Hail and wind can cause invisible leaks that cause more significant issues later. Use a flashlight to check for any leaks, and take appropriate action if you see them.

Reliable Roof Inspections Across Eastern Colorado

Whether you’re just buying a house or looking for a new homeowners insurance policy, you may need a roof inspection. To most people, a roof inspection doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, but to an insurance company, the difference between a healthy roof and an older roof is often the difference between approving a policy or denying one. For a high-quality roof inspection, contact Pine Breeze Inspections today. Our team has the experience and knowledge to give you a thorough inspection, and accurate estimate, and take care of the repairs or replacement the first time.