Roof replacement companies in Springfield MO advise that you conduct an inspection on the roof twice a year. This bi-annual checking will help you in identifying tiny problems before they translate to major ones. Therefore, replacing your roof depends on factors such as what type of roof you have, what kind of weather your roof endures how well you maintain your roof and whether your roof has unfixed damages as discussed below.
1. What kind of roof you have?
Various kinds of roofs have different lifespan depending of the types of materials used. Such roofing may include;
• Wood shingles. These are attenuated, tapered pieces of wood used to cover the roof from weather. These roofs are installed in areas that are not prone to disasters such fire which may be a threat to them. The roofs have a lifespan of between 25-30 years but they can even last longer if you maintain them properly. You should take care of this kind of roofing if you want to enjoy a longer stay under them.
• Metal roofing. Metal roofing is another flexible roofing choice. You can prefer this kind of roofing because they are recyclable, fire resistant, durable, energy efficient and they can withstand harsh weather. The common materials used are steel and aluminum. The choice you can prefer is that of steel because steel can last for over 50 years before you can replace them. They also help in reducing maintenance costs and prevent rust. The average lifespan a metal roof is 50 years.
• Cement tile roofing. This is one of the hardest roofing options known. Not only are they heavy but also they are resilient. This means that they offer more protection to your home. Because they are made of cement, they have a lifespan of between 50-100 years but if properly maintained, they can last even longer. You can also consider this type of roofing if you don’t want to incur higher costs of maintenance.
• Wood shakes. Wood shakes are handsplit on one side and sawn on the other side making them thicker. They provide thicker-textured appearance and give the roof a beautiful depth and texture. They can last for as long as between 35-40 years.
• Asphalt shingles. These are made of asphalt roofing components and primarily asphalt shingles. Before you need any replacements, the roof should be able to last for about 15-20 years. They give a good looking random pattern.
• Slate roofing. This roofing is made up of slate materials and primarily of natural slate tiles. You can buy this roofing since it is by far among the most durable. It can last up to 100 years.
2. What kind of weather your roof endures?
Apart from the material your roof is made up of, the duration at which it should last is also determined by factors such as weather and maintenance. For instance, certain weather may crack, damage or mold wood shingles. Also, asphalt shingles are light and may be destroyed by strong wind. Therefore, you can avoid areas with strong winds if you do not want your roof destroyed. The only way to ensure that your roof is properly maintained and is in good condition is through inspection.
3. Whether your roof has unfixed damages?
Some people can easily ignore small unfixed damages caused to their roofs. However, over time these tiny unfixed damages may translate to major problems. Some of the roof damages that can surely decrease the lifespan of your roof are;
• Moisture and water damage. Another sign of leak in your roof is the moisture and water droppings on your ceiling. Moisture leaking can cause insulation in your ceiling which is in the form of yellowish or brown circular stains. This occurs when rainwater containing debris and other dirts leak through your ceiling due to cracks and holes in your roof. This can really cause a major problem to your roof. For this reason, you need to get your roof inspected.
• Exterior roof damage. The most common exterior roof damages that you can observe are missing, cracked, damaged or rotten shingles. Roofs are made to have a neat, nice and uniform appearance. However, the presence of these weird spots signals poor roofing. If you find it impossible to view the exterior of your roof, you can check the ground and gutters around your home. When you find pieces, just be sure that your shingles are damaged. Such exposes your roof to even more damage.
• Leaks and holes. Tiny holes and cracks in your roof may not seem as a threat but as time goes by, you will eventually realize that the tiny holes and cracks have become not only a problem but also a threat. You don’t need to wait until you see sun’s rays passing through the cracks to get your roof inspected.
4. How well you maintain your roof?
Maintaining the roof can be a challenge to most people since roofs are always the forgotten parts of the house. You can start thinking about it when you see cracks or holes in it. Roofing such as asphalt shingles should be properly maintained in order to prevent them from damage by factors such as wind.
How often should you replace your roof? This is a question that raises concern but based on the above discussion about: roofing materials, determining whether your roof has unfixed damages, what kind of weather your roof endures and how well you maintain your roof, you should be able to without a doubt know how often you should replace your roofing.