When is it Time to Renovate Your Roof

Many people examine their roof only if it starts leaking or breaking apart. Sadly, this causes many more issues as problems get postponed and turn into bigger nuisances. However, an annual inspection can increase the life of your roof by fixing problems that are still in their early stage.

Your roof is the protective layer that should last the lifespan of the house. When talking about roof durability, it’s important to consider the type of material it’s made of. Unless your roof is concrete, then it just needs inspections for cracks and minor wear. Tile roofs are also very durable and rarely need a full replacement.

Get to know when and why you should renovate your roof. Don’t leave things to coincidence. Be informed.

Signs that Your Roof Needs to be Renovated

Holes and Leaks

If you consider you might be having a roof problem, the first place to check isn’t your home exterior but your attic. Grab a flashlight and climb up to inspect the inside of your house for any damage. Signs of a leaky roof are stains and streaks or beams of light coming through the top of your house.

As mentioned, unaddressed roof damage will worsen rapidly. If you notice holes big enough to see sunlight shining through, this is an advanced sign of roof damage. It means that your roof will need replacing very soon.

Moisture and Water Damage

Small cracks and holes will still let moisture in. Leak indications also include damage to the roof decking in the attic or on the ceiling. While in the attic, you may want to check if moisture has soaked into the insulation. You might also notice puddles in your attic.

Another sign of leakage in your roof is circular stains of brown and yellow color. That’s also true if you notice streaks of the same color on your walls. This discoloration is caused by rainwater carrying dirt or other waste that leaks through the surface of your ceiling or walls.

Exterior Roof Damage

You can also spot signs of roof damage on the outside of your home. The most noticeable signs include cracked, rotten, missing, or damaged shingles.

Keep an eye out for anything in your roofing that seems weird. Roofs are designed to have a clean and polished look.

If a spot looks strange, it may indicate a bad patch job done by an unreliable roofer. Patch jobs of poor quality can do more harm than good, so pay attention to your home’s exterior.

Average Roof Lifespan

Different types of roofs have different lifespans, so check in with your type of roof to make an educated guess.

Asphalt Shingles

Under normal conditions, 3-tab asphalt shingle roofs should last 15-20 years before replacement. Still, architectural asphalt shingle roofs are more resilient because of their design. They should increase your roof’s life by 10 years longer than 3-tab asphalt shingle roofs. Clay/Cement Tile Roofing

This type of roofing is one of the hardest and heaviest materials out there. The tiles are resilient and installed on top of sturdy roofing, which amounts to even more protection for your home.

The clay/concrete type of roof is extremely durable and last from 50 to 100 years.

Slate Roofing

Slate is the strongest material that will last 100 years or longer in most cases.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles mostly last up 25-30 years but they require maintenance, which makes their lifespan variable.

For example, if you don’t clean your roof of leaves and moss, they start trapping moisture against the roofing and stimulate decay. But if you put in the work, you might get 50 years or so out of your wooden shingle roof.

Wood Shakes

Wood Shakes are thicker than shingles, which makes their lifespan approximately 35-40 years. They are more resistant to outside factors like UV rays and tough weather.

But again, your maintenance plays a big role in the longevity of your wood roofing.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is another very resilient choice for your roof. Common metal roofing materials like steel and aluminum should last you 50 years. Other options like zinc and copper can last more than 100 years.

How Often Should You Renovate Your Roof?

For your roof’s optimal performance, it’s advisable to review your home improvement records. Check to see how long ago the roof was replaced.

The next step would be to check your roofing material’s average lifespan based on the information above. And lastly, check for any visible signs of damage to your roofing space.

Experts recommend getting your roof examined once every one or two years. By doing this, you can prevent serious risks while they are still in development.

It’s better to act early and pay for a small repair than to deal with an urgent leak in your home later. If you’d like to get your roof inspected, YourHomeFix can provide professionals who will attend to your issues.