Your roof is one of the most important structural parts of your home. It literally covers and protects the rest of your home. For this reason, the condition of your roof should be carefully attended to. Yet it is usually one of the most neglected parts of a home. Most people don’t even think about their roof until they begin to see leaks or obvious damage on the outside of the house. Ultimately, if the roof becomes damaged, the interior of your home will be next, including the structure of your home as well as your possessions.
The life of your roof depends on several factors, the most important one being the material that your roof is made of. When the roof is cared for properly, the underlying structure of the roof shouldn’t have to be replaced. It is recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association that a careful inspection be performed at least twice a year.
Generally, the materials that the roof is constructed from will determine how often your roof should be replaced, barring natural factors such as storms or wind damage. Following is a good rule of thumb:
Composition shingles: 12-20 years
Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years
Wood Shingles: 20-25 years
Rubber Roofs: 30-50 years
Metal Roofs: 50-75 years
Of course, these are just recommended guidelines. If the roof becomes damaged by weather or other factors the roof should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the inside of the home. Different parts of the country with different climates can affect the condition of the roof as well. Extreme heat, wind, cold, humidity, and other similar factors can cause damage to the roof and could make it necessary to replace your roof sooner than the recommended life span of the materials.
If you have any questions about the condition of your roof or if you’re ready to consider a roof replacement, don’t hesitate to call our professional, licensed roofers to inspect and advise you. Your home is your biggest investment and should be protected properly!
