Your roof is your home’s first defense against weather, heat, and other environmental factors. It protects you, your family, your valuables, as well as all of the precious memories made in your home. If your roof fails, you can face serious problems. You may not think about your roof every day, but you should check it at least twice a year to make sure it continues to protect you and your family. When you know what to look for, you can replace or repair your roof before it causes disaster. But how often should you replace your roof? Let's take a closer look at some of the factors to consider.
Life Expectancy of Your Roof
depends on its material, how well you take care of it, and your environment. By having a roofing professional inspect your roof at least once a year, you can find minor roof problems early and perform basic roof maintenance. You can determine your roof’s approximate life expectancy when you know its material:
- Asphalt/Composition: 10-25 years
- Wood Shake: 20-40 years
- Clay: 50+ years
- Concrete: 50+ years
- Metal: 50+ years
- Slate: 50+ years
- Composite: 50+ years
These numbers don’t mean your roof can’t last longer—or even less time if you don’t take care of it or if a storm causes unexpected damage.
Signs You Need a Roof Replacement
You won’t always see apparent signs that your roof needs replacing. You may find a loose tile or small leak at first that will gradually worsen if you don’t fix the problem immediately. Twice-yearly roof inspections can help you recognize signs like:
- Loose or missing shingles
- Curled or cracked shingles
- Granules collecting in gutters
- Moldy or rotting shingles
- Holes or gaps
- Leaking or water damage in your home
- Sagging roof
Neglecting these problems can mean that you experience issues with your home that go beyond the roof. Roofs in this condition can cause internal water damage, welcome pests and critters, and encourage mold growth that triggers health concerns. Roof damage can raise your energy bill when your furnace or air conditioner has to work harder to heat or cool your home. In the worst cases, persistent leaks can cause rot and compromise your home’s structural integrity. If you notice any of these signs, get your roof inspected by a professional who can talk to you about your options for repair and replacement.
What Factors Impact the Life of Your Roof?
Aside from your roofing material, your roof’s longevity can change based on the following factors:
- Installation quality: Improperly placed shingles can leave gaps and loose shingles or tiles. These problems make it easier for pests and leaks to get through and damage your home.
- You should have a durable underlayment to protect against weakening shingles and strengthen your roof.
- Ventilation in your attic or upper floors: Ventilation prevents moisture build-up, ice dams, and overheating, leading to problems like mold and leakage.
- Roof color: Dark roofs absorb heat, which can cause tiles to expand and compromise your roof. Use lighter color tile to avoid this issue.
- Roof slope: Lower slopes with less incline take longer to shed moisture, which means that water can accumulate and cause rot if left unchecked.
- Climate and weather: If your area gets a lot of rain, snow, hail, or wind, those conditions can impact your roof and cause cosmetic as well as more severe damage.
If your roof has any of these problems, a professional roofer can tell you how to care for it and when to replace it.
A Roof That Lasts a Lifetime
If you're searching for a roofing material that has what it take to withstand the toughest conditions with little to no maintenance, composite roofing is for you!
Brava Roof Tile, the leading manufacturer of composite roofing materials, has options available in three profiles: slate, cedar shake, and barrel tile. Each of our synthetic profiles are meticulously made to look exactly like their counterparts without harming the environment.
Because composite shingles are made of compressed recycled plastics and other sustainable materials, they are much more durable and lightweight than traditional slate, shake or clay roof tile. Make no mistake, Brava's composite roofing solutions can withstand the harshest weather conditions and won't fade in the sun. All of our composite tiles are back by a 50 year limited warranty.
Whether you're replacing your old roof, or installing a brand new roof, Brava's composite products are the ultimate roofing solution!