Knowing the difference between needing a roof repair and needing a roof replacement can be tricky, as different roofs require different maintenance and upkeep. Usually, when looking to repair or replace your roof, there are certain indications to look for in order to determine which option would benefit your home.
Know Your Roofs Lifespan: Different roofs have different lifespans, which is important to note when buying a home or simply needing some repairs. Generally, roofs have a lifespan of about 30 years, but this does depend on a few factors such as environmental conditions, the quality of the installation workmanship, and most importantly, the roof's material. Let's take a look at the different roof types and their lifespans:
Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt Shingle is the most common type of roofing material in America because of their affordability, their durability, and most companies offer 25-year warranties on this material. Asphalt Shingles are composed of a mixture of fiberglass and asphalt sealants that are able to withstand extreme wind, rain, snow, and harmful UV rays. Although Asphalt Shingles are known for their durability, certain weather and temperature can have negative effects on the quality and lifespan of this type of roof. For example, Asphalt Shingles would not be recommended on homes in climates such as Arizona as the extreme heat and temperature changes can crack and damage the shingles, causing massive damage to the entirety of the roof. Some signs that indicate it's time for a new Asphalt Shingle roof can be that the shingles are cracked or curling, and/or that there are mineral granules/buildup in your gutters.
Metal Roofing: Not as common as Asphalt Shingles because of its affordability and installation, Metal roofing is still found on many homes throughout America. Although a bit more expensive upfront, Metal roofs can be cost-effective as the likelihood of needing a roof replacement is extremely low. The average lifespan of a Metal roof can be anywhere from approximately 40-70 years depending on what exactly it's made out of, but higher quality materials such as Copper and Zinc have the potential to last 100+ years! Some signs that indicate it's time for a new Metal roof can be widespread rust, discoloration, roof leak damage, water staining found in the attic, and/or mold/mildew.
Wood Shakes & Siding: Wood Shakes and Siding can be an economic and environmentally friendly option depending on how well it is maintained. Usually, Wood Shakes and Siding roofs can last about 30 years, but it is crucial that you are able to upkeep and maintain its condition in order for it to perform its best. Upkeep of Wood Shakes and Siding includes yearly cleanings as well as repainting or re-staining every 5 or so years. It is almost important to note that the type of wood you use will determine how long your roof will last. Woods such as Pine or Cedar are the most common types of wood used for Shakes or Sidings; Pine being a popular choice for its affordability, while Cedar is a popular choice for its rot and insect-resistant qualities. Other wood types commonly used for roofing can be Teak, Wallaba, and Composite, which all offer different qualities which would benefit individual circumstances for different homes. Some ways to detect that you may need to replace your Wooden Roof can be rotting or splitting in the shingles, as well as noticeable pest damage, mold, and/or algae growth.
Clay Tiles: Just like Metal roofing, Clay Tile roofing is one of the most durable types of roofing as it can last anywhere between 50 to 100 years, depending on how well it is maintained, and of course environmental conditions. Clay Tiles are known for their resistance to weather, rot, and even fire! Although extremely durable, this is one type of roof that needs regular cleaning/maintenance as it is susceptible to mold, algae, and moss. Moss is specifically an issue with Clay Tiles as it can penetrate through the tiles and create leaks within the roof. Clay Tiles are not recommended for homes in colder climates as the constant freezing and thawing can easily damage the tiles, but there are tile sealants that will prevent cold weather effects. Signs that indicate it's time for a new Clay Tile roof can be cracked or chipped tiles, small pieces of the tile found in your gutters, roof leaks, and/or staining in the attic which indicates water penetration.
Slate Tiles: If you thought Metal or Clay Tile roofing was the most durable, wait until you hear about Slate Tiles! Slate Tiles are known for their resistance to retaining moisture, which allows Slate Tile roofs to last anywhere from 75 to 200 years. Slate Tiles also have the ability to withstand extreme changes in weather and/or high winds. Slate is also an ideal roofing material for those who are not as hands-on with their roof maintenance, as it requires little to no maintenance, unlike Clay Tiles or Wooden Shake/Siding. It is also very important to keep in mind that Slate Tiles are extremely heavy, as 100 square feet of Slate can weigh around 1,000 pounds. Before installing a Slate Tile roof, you’ll need to get your roof inspected by a professional to make sure your home can withstand that amount of added weight. Some signs to look out for which will indicate its time for a new Slate Tile roof can be missing or broken tiles, and/or water damage to your home.
In the event that you are unsure as to how old your roof is, if you need a replacement, or simply a few repairs, you can always give us a call here at Elite! We offer free estimates for repairs, and if needed we also offer Roof Inspections. Give us a call at (201)436-1011, or shoot us an email at eliteroofinginc@hotmail.com today!
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