How long does a roof last and when do you have to change it?

admin October 23, 2020 Decoration 573 Views

When you are buying a new house or considering renovating your current house, one of the most important questions you need to ask yourself is what condition the roof is in.

You need to know this one factor when buying a new house, as changing or repairing the roof can mean a lot of new costs to add to the cost of the house. But how long does a roof last?

t3-30 How long does a roof last and when do you have to change it?
Image source: Yiangou Architects

There are many things to consider if you want to know how long a roof lasts. The roof is probably one of the most important things in your home, and you should check what your roof is like from time to time.

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Image source: Markay Johnson construction

Many people only neglect roofs and never really think about them. But it is indeed one of the most important parts of your home and one that you should check out from time to time. In this article, we’ll look at how long a roof lasts, what factors determine a roof’s lifespan, and what to do if your roof is in poor condition.

Factors that can affect the life of the roof

Roofing material

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Image source: American Shingles Pty Limited

The roof material is certainly the most important aspect to protect the lower layers of the roof and your whole house from the imponderables of the weather. The better and higher quality the material of the roof, the better the roof holds and the better it protects you from the weather.

The best and most luxurious materials are slate, tile and cedar, which are built to last really long and can even survive several owners of the house. Roof material is therefore an essential aspect for the lifespan of a roof.

Weather

The weather is certainly an important factor in determining how long a roof can last, but it is certainly not something you can control. You can only do as much as choosing the right roof types and materials to counteract the weather conditions in your region.

However, this is certainly an unpredictable aspect. You can’t predict whether there will be a massive hailstorm or a tornado, but you can build your roof to withstand heavy rain and wind.

Some good materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions are metal, slate, and tiles. One of the most important types of roofing is shingles, which can be pulled away by strong winds and cause problems.

Quality of the roof underlay

In addition to the quality of your roof material, you should also pay attention to the quality of the roof underlay that you want to install. This protects you from flooding and should be waterproof to provide another layer of security.

Sun exposure

Too much sunlight can seriously damage your roof and massively worsen its condition. To be precise, exposure to the sun causes your roof to deteriorate and become less effective. To do this, you need to change or repair your roof more frequently.

Roof pitch

Another factor that can affect the life of a roof is the pitch of the roof. In some areas, you can see roofs with a very steep slope that prevents rain or snow from accumulating on the roof. Some roofs are built only for a certain amount of water that can build on them, and you need to take this into account when building your roof.

How long does a roof last?

As mentioned earlier, the material your roof is made of is a really important factor that can determine how long your roof can last. Of course, the processing and the weather elements are also important, but the biggest factor is probably the roof material.

Some materials last longer than others, but certain roof materials also offer benefits such as price and sustainability. With this in mind, let’s look at how long a roof lasts depending on some roofing materials. How long does a roof last in terms of roofing materials?

Asphalt shingles

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Image source: Lindus Construction / Midwest LeafGuard

Asphalt shingles are certainly one of the most basic and popular roofing materials that you can find all over the world. The fact is that 3-tab asphalt shingles are certainly a good option for sloping roofs, but they won’t really last long. Depending on the weather conditions, roof equipment and other factors, asphalt shingles can last a maximum of 10 to 20 years.

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Image source: Brown Design Group

The thing about asphalt shingles is that they do well in different weather conditions, but not in areas with many storms. They are not too good even in very strong winds; You will do well at wind speeds of up to 70 MPH. Anything else will damage the roof.

Architectural shingles are a good alternative to them. These are also 3-tab shingles, but they are a bit more durable and adaptable to the weather conditions. They are thicker and denser and last 15 to 25 years.

Wooden shingles

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Image source: Taylor-made roof

Another good option as roofing material is the wooden shingles. They are popular because they can last you quite a long time – about 30 years. It depends on the factors, of course, but that’s the estimate.

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Image source: Fania roof

The best material for wooden shingles is cedar, as it is resistant to rotting and insects. A great thing about wooden shingles is the fact that they look great and make your home feel warm and at home. However, there are some offsets for wooden shingles, such as the need to maintain them every year.

There are advantages and disadvantages of wooden shingles, and it is up to each individual to decide.

Metal roof

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Image source: Synthesis Design Inc.

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Image source: BOB – Architecture beyond ordinary borders

Metal roofs are known for their durability. It can take 30 to 50 years, which is quite a bit. It is known to be waterproof and durable, and also very resistant to harsh conditions, fire and putrefaction. It’s a good choice, but the offset is the fact that it looks cold and doesn’t give you the feeling of warmth.

Clay and concrete roof tiles

t3-23 How long does a roof last and when do you have to change it? Image source: The Vertex Company

Clay or concrete tile roofs are a popular choice worldwide. While you need an experienced worker to build and build the roof, it can be very rewarding in the long run. Not only do they look good – they are available in a wide range of colors to choose from, they also last a long time.

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Image source: Fantasyva

The lifespan of such a roof is 50 to 100 years and for concrete roofs 40 to 75 years. Both types of roof tiles don’t require too much from you – you don’t have to invest a lot of maintenance in them and they can last a long time while being resistant to rough weather conditions.

Slate roof

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Image source: Modernize

Slate is probably one of the highest quality and most sought-after materials for roofs. Although they can be expensive, there are many advantages to choosing a slate roof.

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Image source: All roof solutions

Natural slate is probably the best option for this. It must be properly installed to take full advantage of the slate roof. Depending on the weather, it can take between 50 and 100 years.