HOW OFTEN DOES A ROOF NEED TO BE REPLACED?

No one wants to replace their roof sooner than necessary. Of course, waiting too long can mean dealing with leaks and damage to your roof deck. So, how often should you think about replacing your roof? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. How often your roof needs to be replaced depends on the type of roofing material you have, whether there’s more than one layer of material, whether you take care of your roof, and a few other factors.

The best place to start is to have your roof inspected every spring and fall. You can do this on your own with a flashlight or best to have JW Roofing come out to your home as we provide a FREE Roof Inspection. During this inspection, we check for signs of damage:

• Moisture, wood rot, or mold
• Missing shingles
• Missing granules on the shingles
• Leaking or water damage
• Roof deck sagging
• Dark spots on the roof
• Visible holes in the roof
• Missing or damaged flashing
• and more

While these signs can indicate your roof needs to be replaced, how long should you expect the average roof to last? One of the most important factors in determining the lifespan of your roof is its material. Here’s the expected lifespan for common roof systems:

• Asphalt shingles: 15 to 30 years
• Wood shingles: 20 to 25 years
• Metal roof: 50 to 75 years
• Tile roof: 50+ years

When it comes to asphalt shingle roofs, there is usually the option to “reroof,” which means adding a second layer of asphalt shingles onto the roof. Reroofing has advantages and disadvantages. While it costs less to reroof rather than completely replacing the roof as there are no costs for tear-off, the overlay (or new layer of shingles) has a shorter lifespan than a new roof with the same material. A roof overlay also makes the roof heavier for higher cooling costs and it can allow hidden damage under your new roof to go undetected.

Whether your roof was installed properly is another major factor in its expected lifespan. Mistakes in the installation of your roof can lead to problems down the road, including leaks, damage to the internal structure of your home and roof, and possible premature roof replacement. The single-greatest factor in ensuring your roof reaches its expected lifespan starts with choosing the right licensed roof company, like JW Roofing who have the experience and training necessary to do the job right.

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