The roof is a house's foremost defense against the elements. It is critical to preventing water from making its way into the house, and keeping the interior of the house cool during the summer. But, roofs can become worn and damaged over time, making it necessary to conduct repairs or a full replacement. There are steps that homeowners can take to help the longevity of their home's roof.
Inspect Twice a Year
It is recommended that a roof inspection be performed twice a year. You can do this yourself by simply looking at it to ensure that no tiles are broken or missing, and that there's no damage. Homeowners can also utilize professional services to do a more thorough inspection and uncover any early signs of potential issues. For areas with adverse weather, like excessive heat or freezing winters, it is especially important to regularly look at the roof to ensure there are no cracks or deterioration.
Re-tile When Necessary
The process for re-tiling a roof can vary depending on where the house is located. For example, the rusting of flashing (the thin pieces of material installed to prevent water from passing into a structure) is more common in coastal regions than in dry climates. Standard underlayments for tile roofs generally last around 25 years, but that estimate may be reduced based on environmental exposure. A concrete or clay tile roof can last 100 years or more, but might need regular maintenance to fix broken tiles and change out the underlayments and flashing. Homeowners should ask roofing professionals how long tile roofs typically last in their area and what types of weather conditions they're up against.
Replace After 20 Years
Homeowners should also take into account what type of roof is on their home.
A typical roof can last between 20 and 25 years, if the old roof was removed, there are only one layer of shingles, and the roof is properly ventilated. After 10 to 15 years, it's important to have professionals come out for regular inspections to look for signs of leaking, water damage, curling, and missing shingles.
While curling or missing shingles might not warrant an entirely new roof, water damage and leaks might make it necessary to consider a complete roof replacement. Moisture, rot, and mold can also mean big complications for your roof, and the rest of your home. It is imperative to address such issues to minimize damage and eventual cost of repairs.
Homeowners should also take into account what their roof is made of. For example, a cedar roof has a lifespan of about 20 years, as it can split and fall apart or become mossy, depending on the climate. Tile roofs, on the other hand, can last up to 100 years, while a concrete roof will never need to be replaced. If you have a young roof, but are afraid it has water damage or wood-boring pests, it might simply require repairs rather than a full replacement. Calling in a professional will help catch issues quickly and ensure that your roof is in good shape.