Getting Started With This Guide
Repairing or replacing your roof can be a costly proposition at best, so its a good idea that as a homeowner you know when you might need to replace your roof and how long the particular type of roof that you have lasts in general.
Additionally, it is perhaps even more important to look at how long various types of roofing materials and how long do shingles last can matter if you are buying or building a new home, so you can understand how long your investment can last.
Whats more, there is the resale value to consider.
Establishing the current state of the roof, how long your roof is going to last and what can be expected from the type of roofing materials used, the climate in your region, and the other idiosyncrasies of your property and particular location is an important aspect to consider before you buy, even if you plan on staying in that home for a while.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of Premium Shingles
Like architectural shingles or dimensional shingles, premium asphalt shingles can withstand around 110 MPH to 130 MPH of wind uplift depending on how they are installed.
The difference between the two types of shingles is that premium shingles are generally more luxurious in appearance and are usually installed on high-end homes.
Premium shingles last from 20 to 30 years on average.
Adding a desirable roof shingle color can also add to the appeal and value of your property as well.
When To Replace A Roof
If youve experienced a major weather event or a catastrophic disaster like a hurricane, tornado, house fire, or smoke damage then you already know that you need to replace your roof and that it is time to work with your insurance company to make a roof insurance claim and get the necessary work done.
However, if you havent had to deal with a significant disaster, you may still need to replace your roof due to its age, type, or other issues such as overhanging trees or shrubbery causing damage, or extreme humidity.
For instance, a typical residential roof will generally last for around 20 to 25 years, with the caveat that if your roof was installed with one layer over another, you will want to hire a roofing contractor or company who understands this type of roofing job in order to ensure that your current is properly repaired, replaced, or otherwise taken care of.
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Natural Slate Roof Tiles Vs Composite Slate Tiles
Natural slate roof tiles can last up to 100 years if they receive regular maintenance and are installed properly. Slate is brittle and care needs to be taken when walking on the roof, but it is stone and therefore resilient to the elements, fireproof, has great curb appeal, and adds value to any home.
A natural slate roof is extremely heavy and will require adding additional support to the underlying roof structure to ensure the roof doesnt fail. It is expensive and requires professionals familiar with the particular needs of installing slate a skill that is not shared with every roofer as well as special tools to complete the job. Regular maintenance is also required and IT is not a DIY project. An inexperienced person trying to perform maintenance on a slate roof can cause a great deal of damage as well as risking personal safety. This is another important concern to be considered.
However, a composite slate roof gives your home all of the beauty of natural slate without the need for extra bracing or the expense of a specialty roofing contractor. Composite/synthetic slate roofs are eco-friendly, usually manufactured from recycled materials, helping to reduce the congestion in landfills. The composite shingle life expectancy is around 50 years. Maintenance is minimal and can be performed by the average roofer. Composite slate does not break easily and has great fire ratings and impact ratings.
How To Extend The Life Span Of Your Roof
A roofing system tends to last longer if it’s given proper care and attention. Here are steps you can take to extend the life of your roof:
- Keep the gutters clean to prevent blockage and water damage to the boards.
- Remove leaves and debris from the roof. You can use a garden hose or leaf blower, but avoid pressure washing because it can cause damage. You can also trim nearby branches to reduce the number of leaves falling onto your roof and prevent damage from falling tree limbs.
- Ventilate the attic to allow humid air to escape, and prevent the growth of mold.
- Have your roof inspected by professionals annually to catch smaller problems. Address them immediately before they escalate into more serious issues.
If you need a roof inspection or suspect that you need a roof replacement, contact West Orange Roofing in Central Florida. With years of experience, we know how to get the job done right and provide the highest possible service for you and your family.
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Life Expectancy Of Architectural Shingles And Three Tab
Depending on the location of the home in the U.S., the life expectancy of the architectural shingles can vary. Manufacturers project they will last 30 years. However, Florida and the southern half the U.S have high heat and major storms and hurricanes that can damage these shingles easily. Unfortunately, this lowers their lifespan.
On a good note, architectural shingles are made to withstand wind uplift of 110 mph and can stay on in wind uplift of 130 mph with a special roof bracing. Even though the northern climates have snow and ice, the weather in the south has more of an impact on the shingles.
Three tab shingles on the other hand in optimal conditions can last up to 30 years. Seven to ten years is the expectancy in severe weather areas, but 18-20 years is the average in milder climates. These work well in temperate climates, but not areas subject to hurricanes. This is because the wind uplift is 60-70 miles per hour. Unfortunately, they fail prematurely when in long-term indirect sunlight and temperature changes that can be seen in the southern part of the U.S. and the desert areas.
How Long Does An Asphalt Roof Last
An asphalt shingle roof can last around 15 to 25 years, if properly maintained and barring any significant weather events or disasters.
However, you will probably want to have your roof checked out by professionals around the 15 year mark, especially if you have dealt with any kind of major weather issues.
Asphalt shingles are made from layers of organic material and cement fibers over a layer of black asphalt that heats up in the sun and forms a watertight layer that offers protection from UV rays and wind as well.
If you think your asphalt shingles might need to be repaired or replaced, look for major cracks, loose or missing granules, or shingles that are curled up at the edges.
A hailstorm, blizzard, tornado, or other catastrophic weather event can also shorten the lifetime of your roof and you may need a full replacement or roof repair.
3 tab asphalt shingle roofs one of the most popular kinds in most temperate climates including the midwestern United States are some of the more common asphalt roofing options, but there are some variations like architectural or dimensional shingles, which can last longer.
Keep in mind that if you have an asphalt shingle roof in places that get serious strong sunlight like southern California, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, or Arizona, then youll want to be aware that your roof might not last as long as it would in other areas like the Midwest or Northeast.
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Early Failure Of Asphalt Shingles
Its important to talk about a major issue homeowners are seeing these days with asphalt shingles. A few decades ago, manufactured shingles were much heavier due to the percentage of asphalt contained within them. Nowadays however, a lot of the asphalt in the shingles has been replaced with crushed limestone filler. This makes the shingles much lighter in weight and much less effective, even though the advertised warranty has jumped from around 30 years, to lifetime warranties.
This is a well-documented problem with even Bob Vila speaking out about it. Class action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of many homeowners across the country who have had their asphalt-shingle roof fail in as few as 6 years after installation.
Cost-cutting on the part of the shingle manufacturers has caused a variety of failures, including blistering, buckling, and leaking. These are expensive fixes and when homeowners turned to their warranty, they were shocked to realize the coverage only replaces the shingles themselves and doesnt cover the labor costs of replacing the roof , and it doesnt cover damages caused by the failures either.
If you have an asphalt shingle roof that is showing signs of a defect well before the warranty is up, you may be the victim of shoddy manufacturing. To mitigate the issue and keep your costs down, heres what you can do:
How Long Does A Metal Roof Last
Metal roofing can last for decades, which is one reason that it is popular in many areas.
In addition, the look of a copper or zinc roof can be aesthetically pleasing and add value to your home due to its appearance and longevity.
After all, what potential buyer wouldnt be interested in a beautiful roof that can last for decades?
More importantly, a metal roof can last for 50 years or even longer if they are well cared for and no major disasters or other problems occur.
In fact, copper and zinc roofing can last for well over five decades and can be fully functional for 100 years or longer, which might make these types of metal roof costs well worth the investment if they are the right style and fit for your home and your style preferences.
Metal roofs have become increasingly common due to their longevity as well as their energy efficiency, since they can often keep your property cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Standing seam roofing systems are the most common types of metal roofing systems that youll see in most residential neighborhoods, and they can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years to over 100 years depending on the material, construction techniques, and the location of the property itself.
Standing seam roofs can be crafted from a variety of materials including stainless steel, copper, titanium, and zinc.
Another affordable option for metal roofing is ribbed metal panels, which offer many of the same benefits but work well on steeper or gabled roofs.
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The Value Of A Long Lasting Roof
Another reason to consider replacing your roof is the value that it adds to your house if you are planning on selling it in the near future and your roof is nearing 15 to 20 years old, depending on the type of material used, the quality of the build, and any damage that may have occurred.
Getting a roof inspection, fixing any problems before they start, and potentially replacing your roof can make a significant difference in the selling price.
In fact, a house with a new roof sells for an average of $12,000 more than a house with an older roof, which means that you may recover the costs of the roof replacement when you sell.
Regardless of whether or not you are planning on selling your property any time soon, the condition and the longevity of the roof over your head is of utmost importance.
While the length of time that your particular roof lasts depends on the type of materials used, the installation techniques involved, and any damage that may need to be fixed during its lifespan, all the aforementioned guidelines can help you determine when to replace your roof as well as to understand the potential lifetime value of your investment in a new roof.
How Long Do Architectural Shingles Or Dimensional Shingles Last
Architectural or dimensional asphalt shingles are thicker and more durable and therefore more suited to places with more extreme weather conditions.
That said, they are also more expensive but they do last between 15 to 25 years and can withstand wind uplift for up to 110 miles MPH, or even up to 130 MPH with specialized installation techniques and roof bracing.
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How Do I Know If My Roof Needs To Be Replaced
Youll need to replace a roof following a catastrophic event such as a house fire, hurricane or tornado, but even aside from disasters such as these, a roof will need replacing in time.
Signs that a roof with asphalt shingles may need replacing include seeing those that are cracked, buckled or curling. They may also be losing granules, which you might see in gutters.
Wood shakes and shingles may split or rot, show damage or have growth of mold or algae.
If you have a roof with clay tiles, look out for those that are cracked or chipped. You might spot leaks in the attic, too.
Look out for missing shingles from a slate roof along with cracks, and check the attic for water stains.
If yours is a metal roof, problems can reveal themselves in the attic or you could observe discoloration or rust.
On a thatched roof look out for raised netting and obvious fixings on the ridge, plus ridges and dips on the roof, as well as growth of moss and lichen.
Check your roof regularly and call in a professional for advice on whether repairs are sufficient or replacement is due.
When Should You Expect To Replace Shingles
As stated above, shingles have specific life expectancy. Nachi reports roofs last about 15-20 years but it depends on the installation, the weather makers, and climate that affect the roof.
After heavy storms, take a look at the roof and make sure no shingles are missing. Then, check to see that none of the shingles are coming up, buckled, warped or dried. If you see any of this, contact a home inspector to inspect the roof for you.
Check the gutters as well and make sure the granules are not washing into there. This can also be a sign that it is time to replace the roof and/or shingles. A home inspector can come out and check this also and then refer you to a professional.
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The Construction Of A Long Lasting Roof
All of these elements work together to result in a long lasting roof.
When you are choosing a roofing company or contractor to replace your roof or install one on a new house, understand that the choice of various types of shingles, tiles, metal, or any other roofing material is only one aspect of crafting a roof with a long lifespan.
On the contrary, the shingles work with the flashing, underlayment, deck, and ventilation to help prolong the lifetime of your roof.
You should know that most roofing warranties include standards for installation and the types of underlayment, ventilation materials, and more that have to be used and all of this contributes to lengthening the lifespan of the roofing system.
Excessive Loss Of Granules
Granules are the tiny little stones on the surface of shingles that protect the asphalt underneath from damaging UV rays. Once enough of these granules are lost from the shingle, the asphalt will dry out and lose its ability to remain watertight. You might also notice a lot of these granules built up in your gutters.
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Who Should Not Get Shingrix
You should not get Shingrix if you:
- Have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or after a dose of Shingrix.
- Currently have shingles.
- Currently are pregnant. Women who are pregnant should wait to get Shingrix.
If you have a minor illness, such as a cold, you may get Shingrix. But if you have a moderate or severe illness, with or without fever, you should usually wait until you recover before getting the vaccine.
What Can Shorten Your Roofs Lifespan
Here are key factors that determine how often your roof may need to be replaced:
- Weather: Florida faces extreme heat and humidity as well as tropical storms and hurricanes during the rainy season. The roof of your house faces a healthy dose of salt spray in addition to humidity, heat, and high winds. These extreme weather conditions cause roofing materials to loosen or crack, damaging the structural integrity of your roof.
- Exposure to UV Rays: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat creates thermal shocks to the roofing materials, causing expansion and contraction. This causes the material to crack, tear, or curl causing roof replacement to be sooner than expected.
- Poor Maintenance: Neglecting your roof and leaving problems unaddressed can intensify problems and accelerate wear and tear. For instance, leaks and mold can take years off your roof’s service life. What’s more, ignoring specific maintenance duties can cause the warranty to lapse and material to degrade faster.
- Insulation and Ventilation: Bad ventilation and inadequate insulation can cause warm, moist air to build up and cause rotting on your roof.
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What Is The Difference Between 30 Year And 50 Year Shingles
As contractors, sometimes our customers ask us for 30 or 50-year shingles or shingles with a 30 or 50-year lifetime. Who wouldnt want a roof that lasts 30 or 50 years?! Unfortunately, thats not what these terms mean, so were going to set the record straight so that you know exactly what youre getting when you get 50-year shingles.