Knowing when your house is ready for a roof replacement is not always easy, and the last thing you want to do before exploring Lafayette roof repair or replacement companies is wait until your roof fails. When this happens, you’re not just dealing with the cost of a new roof installation but the costs of repairing/replacing the interior of your home.
The best way to avoid calamity is to understand more about your home’s roof life expectancy. You can budget and plan for the eventual need for new roofing installation without any unfortunate surprises.
Read on to learn more about the different kinds of roofs and the average roof life associated with each one.
What Impacts Average Roof Life?
The most significant factor determining the need for Lafayette roof repairs and installation is the age of your roof. Even the highest-quality roof cannot last forever, meaning every type has a specific roof lifespan expectancy.
Here are some of the most common factors that impact roof lifespan:
● Quality of the roofing installation: Poor workmanship reduces your roof’s life.
● Material quality: cheaper materials might lower the upfront cost, but they will also lessen the roof life of your home.
● Type of roofing materials: Each significant roofing material has different levels of durability.
● Environmental condition: homes in areas with exposure to high winds, extreme temperatures, falling debris, and higher rates of natural disasters tend to have shorter roof lives.
The Roof Life Averages of the 5 Most Common Roof Types
Whether you’re buying a new house or stretching the lifespan of your current home, you can usually get an idea of your roof’s life by knowing from what material it is made.
Asphalt Shingle Roof Lifespan
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material across the U.S.A. They are affordable, durable, and often include up to 25-year warranties. These shingles can handle nearly any kind of weather and can even protect your home from harmful UV rays.
On average, asphalt shingle roofs last between 15 and 30 years, depending on the weather and climate conditions where it is located. You also have to consider the kind of asphalt shingle.
● 3-tab shingles typically last between 15 and 20 years. These are the most budget-friendly shingles.
● Architectural shingles (dimensional shingles) cost more and last between 20 to 30 years.
● Premium shingles have the highest price but can last between 25 and 40 years.
If you start to notice cracked shingles, curling, and mineral granules from the shingles in your gutters, it’s time for a Lafayette roofing company to complete an inspection for a more in-depth look at the roof life remaining on your home.
Metal Roof Life Expectancy
Metal roofing is extremely durable and are often made of premium metals like copper and zinc. The average metal roof life expectancy is between 40 and 70 years, with warranties available for 20 years and more.
There are several common metal roofing materials with different lifespans:
● Stand seam metal roofing: the most common type of residential metal roof can last 50 years and withstand 100 mph winds.
● Ribbed metal panels: ribbed panels are less expensive than standing seam panels and only last between 25 and 50 years.
● Stone-coated steel: these tiles are popular in areas prone to high winds and hurricanes. This kind of roof has a lifespan of 30 to 50 years and can handle 155 mph winds.
It may be time for a new metal roof if you notice widespread rust, leak damage, water staining upstairs, mold, or discoloration.
Wood Shakes and Shingles Roof Life
Wood roofs are beautiful, but they also require regular maintenance like year cleanings and repainting/staining every couple of years. A wooden shingle roof typically lasts about 30 years, with some making it to 40 years with ease.
The most significant factor impacting a wooden roof is the material used. The most durable option is cedar. Not only can cedar shakes handle 245 mph winds, but they are also insect and rot-resistant.
If you notice splitting/rotting shingles, pest damage, mold, or algae growth, your roof needs maintenance immediately.
Clay Tile Roof Lifespan
Clay tile is known as one of the longest-lasting roof materials on the market. They can last from 50 to 100 years on average and last so long because they are weather, rot, and fire-resistant. Some manufacturers even offer a lifetime warranty.
If clay tile is not cleaned correctly, it can accumulate moss, mold, and algae, and these growths can penetrate the tiles and cause roof leaks or other damage to the property. Clay tiles are less prevalent in colder climates because the constant freezing and thawing can damage the tiles over time.
If you notice cracked/chipped tiles, pieces of tile in your gutters, leaks, or water stains in the attic, your clay tile roof needs attention.
Slate Roof Lifespan
Slate is the king of the roof life game, with the longest life expectancies on the market. These roofs can last between 75 and 200 years. They can handle extreme weather, require little maintenance, and do not retain moisture.
The downside of slate roofing is that it is heavy. One hundred square feet of slate weighs close to 1,000 pounds. The house's roofing system must be strong enough to handle the weight.
If you notice missing/cracked shingles or water damage in the attic, you need a roof inspection and repairs.
Extend Your Roof Life with Hibbard Roofing
The primary key to a long-lasting roof is to have roof inspections and regular maintenance on your roof by professional Lafayette roofing and general contractors. When you identify issues early on, you can extend your home’s roof life with minor repairs when needed and before they turn into significant problems.
If you want to know more about the condition of your roof or explore options for a new roof, contact Hubbard Roofing. We are the #1 Rated Roofing Company in the Lafayette, LA, area, and we’d love to answer your questions with a complimentary consultation. Give us a call or contact us online today.