It’s difficult to say how often you should replace your roof, as it depends upon many factors. Most people wait as long as possible to replace their roof because it’s so expensive. It’s also common to replace an aging roof before selling one’s home, as this increases the chances of selling their home for their asking price, and quickly.
What Determines When You Should Replace Your Roof
Excessive damage and an aging roof are the primary two reasons that determine when you replace your roof. An example of excessive damage is if your roof has been damaged by large hail stones and isn’t repairable. Small hail stones typically don’t damage a roof. Large hail stones, however, often loosen granules from asphalt shingles. The result is black spots on your roof. These black spots are exposed asphalt.
Another example of excessive roof damage is roof-wide curling or cracked shingles. Cracked shingles, commonly called ‘thermal splitting’, is when shingles tear from constant expanding and contracting from extreme temperature changes. This is more commonly found in low-quality asphalt shingles. Shingles curl as the result of low ventilitation. Heat and moisture from a poorly ventilated attic cause shingles to loosen and curl.
An aging roof is one that’s reached the end of its life expectancy. 3-tab shingles are the least expensive, and therefore only last around 15 years. If you have 3-tab shingles and your roof is approaching 15 years of age, it’s probably time to replace your roof. Most homeowners have mid-grade architectural asphalt shingles. These usually last around 25 years. If you have mid-grade asphalt shingles and your roof is about 20 years old, you should have your roof inspected, as it might be time to have your roof replaced.
How Often Should You Inspect Your Roof
We recommend you inspect your roof, or have your roof inspected, every year. Look for loose material, such as loose asphalt shingles. If you notice any, reseal it with a little construction sealant. Also look for nails coming-up. Push or hammer those back down. If you notice any exposed nail heads, seal them with construction sealant. Look for excessive granules loss, if you have an asphalt shingle roof. Also look for excessive black spots, as this indicate excessive hail damage. We offer free roof inspections, so you have nothing to loose. We’ll let you know if your roof has more life in it yet, or if it needs repair or replacing.
How Often Should You Repair Your Roof
You should repair your roof when it needs it. How often you should repair your roof depends upon if your roof was professionally installed, which roof covering was installed, if it was installed correctly, and many other factors. Roofs should be inspected annually to determine if any repairs are needed. A wood shake is more delicate than an asphalt shingle roof. Therefore requires more attention and more frequent inspections. A metal roof is more durable than as asphalt shingle roof. As a result, they require less frequent inspections and last much longer.
What is the Average Life Expectancy of a Roof
The life expectancy of a roof depends upon the roof that was installed, if it was installed correctly, if it was abused by weather, etc. Wood shake roofs only last between 15 and 25 years. The average life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof is between 20 and 30 years, if installed professionally. The average life expectancy of clay and concrete tile roofs is between 50 and 75 years. Most metal roofs last 70 years or more.
What Are the Signs a Roof Needs Replacing
The most common sign you need a new roof is excessive granule loss on an asphalt shingle roof. Granule loss is normal. As your asphalt shingle roof ages, the granules slowly loosen and fall off. They commonly collect in rain gutters at the end of your downspout extension. Here in Colorado, another common sign your roof needs replacing is excessive black spots. This is a sign of hail damage. When large hail stones strike your roof, the impact vibrates those granules loose, leaving the black asphalt beneath exposed.
When is the Best Time of Year to Replace a Roof
The best time of the year to replace your roof in Colorado is during non-hail season in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Hail season in Colorado is mid-April to mid-September. We get very busy during hail season, for obvious reasons. That said, if you a new roof but aren’t in a hurry, March, September, October, and November are good months to have your roof replaced. In addition, we can’t replace a roof when it’s windy, snowing, or raining. If it’s windy, there’s too great a danger from roofing material becoming airborne and damaging property or injuring someone. If it’s raining or snowing, walking on wet, sloped roof decks or roofing material is also dangerous. We also do not roof when the temperature is 40º or falling. We only roof when the temperatur is 40º and rising.