How Often Should My Roof Be Replaced?

Your roof is one of, if not the most, crucial components of your house.

Your roof protects you, your family, and your possessions from the elements.

Many people are unaware of how long their roof will last or how frequently they should replace it.

It all depends on the type of roof you have and how well it's kept.

The type of roofing material you choose has the greatest impact on the lifespan of your roof.

Typically the lower the cost of your roof, the shorter its lifespan and the more maintenance your roof shingles will require.

A more expensive roofing material, on the other hand, should last longer and require less care.

Some roofs can last as long as 20 years, while others can last as long as 50 to 75 years.

As a homeowner, you've put a lot of money into your house; now it's time to put money into your roof so it lasts longer and doesn't need to be replaced as often.

We'll look at how often certain roofs need to be replaced in the article below.

Roof's Average Lifespan

Roofs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each roofing material has a different lifespan.

Depending on the sort of roof you have, you may need to replace it more frequently or less frequently.

Depending on the roofing material used, below are some estimations of how often a roof may need to be changed.


Shingles made of asphalt

When it comes to roofing materials, asphalt shingles are the most popular option.

Composition shingles and 3-tab asphalt shingle roofs should last 15-20 years under normal conditions before needing to be replaced.

Asphalt roofs can last up to 30 years in some cases.


Roofing Made of Metal

Another common option is metal roofing, which is both energy-efficient and durable.

Metal roofs made of common materials like steel and aluminum can last up to 50 years before needing to be replaced.

Other metal roofing materials, such as zinc and copper, can endure up to 100 years.


Roofs made of clay or cement tiles

Clay and cement tile roofing are two of the most durable types of roofing.

These tiles have a lot of tenacity and are quite weighty.

That means they're built on top of long-lasting roofing reinforcement, making your property even safer.

Tile roofing is exceptionally long-lasting, lasting anywhere from 50 to 100 years.

What can cause your roof's lifespan to be shortened?

What Factors Affect the Life Expectancy of Your Roof?

There are a few factors that can reduce the lifespan of a roof.

Here are a few examples:


  • Storm Damage: Your roof's worst nightmare is major storms and heavy rain. Thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds can do serious damage to your roof. You'll notice several types of damage that can cause roof leaks depending on your roofing material. Asphalt and wood shingles, for example, can blow away, while metal roofs can dent or flex before totally disintegrating.

  • Long UV Ray Exposure: Roofing materials are subjected to thermal shocks as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun and excessive heat. This might lead to fractures, splits, or curves in the roof, necessitating roof replacement sooner than intended.

  • Neglecting your roof and failing to undertake routine roof care can exacerbate problems and hasten the deterioration of your roof. Roof leaks and mold can shorten the lifespan of your home's roof by several years. Ignoring particular maintenance procedures can void your warranty and hasten the deterioration of your roofing material.

Insulation and ventilation: Inadequate ventilation and insulation can lead to a build-up of warm, wet air, which can quickly destroy your roof.


Check out a related blog: Do I have to replace my whole roof when its leaking?

Examining a Damaged Roof

If you believe you have a problem with your roof, you should inspect it thoroughly, looking for a few things.

Fortunately, you can inspect your roof without getting on it.

Even if you don't believe your roof is in bad shape, you should do frequent roof inspections to look for the following:

  • Shingles that are curled, fractured, or broken

  • Shingles that are missing

  • shingle grains missing


Shingles that are curled, cracked, or broken

Your roof is certainly nearing the end of its lifespan if you find curled, cracked, or broken shingles. It will need to be replaced soon.

The intense sun frying on your shingles for days is what causes curls, cracks, and brakes.

If you detect any broken shingles, have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Water can flow through the roof and into your home through cracks and holes between the shattered shingles.


Shingles Have Gone Missing

Storm damage or severe winds are likely to be the cause of any missing shingles.

If shingles are missing from an area of your roof, contact a local roofing professional as soon as possible.

Missing shingles need to be replaced before water leaks into your home.

Make sure there are no leaks around your chimney or vents by inspecting the flashing surrounding them.


Shingle Granules Are Missing

Shingle granules are the stone and composite materials bonded to the top of shingles with tar on an asphalt roof.

The weather and the factors can cause roof granules to loosen over time.

They'll be seen in the roof valley or gutters.

A steady accumulation of granules indicates that you'll need a new roof sooner rather than later.

Working with the best roof replacement contractors is a must.

Who did your current roof get installed by?

The quality of the installation is an often-overlooked component that adds to the durability of many types of roofing.

Even if you spend a lot of money on the best roofing materials, a poorly installed roof will eventually fail.

Make sure to conduct your research and select the best roofing company in your region before having your roof rebuilt.

Check to see how long they've been in business and read reviews and testimonials.

Examine your neighbors' roofs to see whether they've recently been replaced and if they've had any problems.

Check to see if both the materials and the installation are covered by a warranty.

Always go with a local roofing company since they are invested in the community and committed to developing long-term connections with their clients.

Contact a Roofing Company in Your Area

Contact your local roofing company if you believe it is time to replace your roof.

Working with local roofing experts ensures that your roofing project is completed by a respectable roofing firm, while also benefiting your neighbors and the local economy.

TK Roofing and Gutters has been serving Northeast Ohio communities for over 15 years and is dedicated to providing high-quality roofing services to their neighbors.

TK Roofing and Gutters' local roofers will make sure your roofing job is done perfectly the first time, whether you need a full roof replacement, significant or minor repairs, or an annual roof inspection.