How Long Does A Roof Last? Signs That You Need To Replace Your Roof in CT

​The roof is arguably the most critical part of a house. When your roof is leaking, it could damage your interior and framing. It could also cause mold and rot on your sheathing, insulation, and drywall.
 
Don’t forget that when your roof looks nice, it gives your house excellent value and a great curb appeal. For this reason, you need to give serious attention to this part of your home.
 
It’s normal for homeowners to ask questions on the current conditions of their roof. This is important if such a homeowner has lived in the house for a while. It’s also necessary to know the age of a roof and its estimated lifespan before buying a new home.

Trust me; the answers to the above questions can be complicated if you aren’t an expert. But, in this article, you will learn the possible lifespan of most roofing systems. You will find this guide useful when you want to replace your roof in the future.
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Ordinarily, an asphalt shingle roof could last between 15 to 25 years before replacement. Sometimes, it could last longer than 25 years, depending on the installation. In the next section, you will learn the lifespan of different roofing system.
 
Asphalt Shingles
 
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing systems in CT. The 3 tab is the least expensive asphalt shingle option homeowners mostly use for sloped roofs.
 
Usually, a typical 3 tab asphalt shingle roof can last between 10 to 20 years. Again, it depends on the expertise of the roofing contractor who did the installation.
 
I had seen situations when a 3 tab asphalt shingle roof didn’t last up to 15 years. Similarly, I have seen a 3 tab asphalt shingle roof that lasted 26 years. As I said, it depends on the roofing contractor handled the installation.
 
If you live in an area where the climate is temperate, 3-tab shingles will make a great roofing system. But make sure a professional roofing contractor handles it. But if where you live is prone to a storm, it would be unwise to use 3-tab shingle roofing system. It can’t withstand wind uplift more than 70MPH.
 
Let me tell you little secret most homeowners probably don’t know. The lifespan of asphalt shingles tends to diminish and fail prematurely if you expose them to direct sunlight. Rapid temperature changes could also affect their lifespan.
 
Architectural or Dimensional Shingles
 
Generally, these shingles are more durable and three-tab. The lifespan of architectural shingles is between 15 to 25 years. But it depends on the climatic condition of the environment as well as the installation.
 
These shingles are a great option if where you live is prone to storm. They can wind uplift of about 110MPH. If your contractor gives them a unique installation and roof-frame bracing, it will withstand up to 130 MPH wind uplift.
 
Premium Shingles
 
As the name implies, these shingles are used fanciful and premium houses. They are thick, beautiful, and can last for a long time. The expected lifespan of premium shingles is between 20 to 30 years, depending on the environment and installation. Premium shingles have the same wind uplift rating with architectural shingles.
 
Metal (Galvalume) Roof
 
The expected lifespan of a metal Galvalume roof is between 30 to 45 years. This estimate is based on a 26 gauge standard metal roof in an average environmental condition (Not too harsh climate). But galvanized steel metal has a shorter lifespan, and it’s gradually going out of fashion.
 
As metal roofs age, they will start corroding. And once you start seeing rusts on them, it’s a sign that they are approaching the end of their lifespan.
 
Concrete Roof Tile
 
Concrete roof tile is another roofing system we would be examining its life expectancy. It serves as a protective covering for asphalt-based roofing layer. The concrete roof tile is secured to roof sheathing and down-lapped.
 
The lifespan of a concrete tile roof is usually between 35 to 50 years. And the battens (underlayment roof material) for securing the tile on the roof and fasteners could last up to 40 years. It all depends on the installation.
 
Cedar Shingles and Shakes
 
Cedar shingles and shakes are commonly used on beach homes and cape code style houses. The expected lifespan of this roofing is between 20 to 35 years. But with a sound installation and proper maintenance, it could last for about 40 years.
 
This roofing system can withstand wind uplift up to 110 MPH or more depending on the installation. But once they start having random cracks, it’s a sign that they need replacement.
 
Natural Slate
 
Slate roofs are top-notch and are very expensive, heavy, and durable. A typical high-quality slate roof could last between 50 to 100 years. These roofs are mostly used on fancy mansions and premium homes.
 
These roofs have strong resistance against wind due to their excellent wind uplifts properties. However, during a hurricane, a flying piece of slates could be hazardous due to their weight and sharp edges.
 
Composite Roof
 
Composite roofs look just like cedar shaker and natural slate. They are durable, reliable, lightweight, and can last between 30 to 50 years, depending on the installation.
 
Factors That Affect the Longevity of a Roof
 
Certain factors affect the lifespan of a roof. They can either make a roof last longer or fail prematurely.
 
Harsh Climate
 
About 40% of roofs that failed prematurely around the United States are due to the harsh climate. Harsh winters, hot summers, and temperature swings could shorten the lifespan of any roof type. This is because these conditions will expand and contract roofing materials.
 
Thickness of Metal
 
The thicker the metal, the more durable the roof will be. For instance, a 24 gauge metal ( a very thick metal) would have a longer lifespan than a 28 or 30 gauge metal.
 
The Roof’s Color
 
It sounds funny, but it’s one of the factors affecting the lifespan of a roof. Dark roofs, for instance, tend to absorb more heat; this could shorten its lifespan.
 
The angle of the Roof Slope
 
The angle of a roof’s slope is one of the factors affecting the lifespan of most roofs. It’s because this angle determines your roof’s exposure to heat from the sun.
 
For instance, a flatter pitched roof is more exposed to the heat of the sun and makes the lifespan shorter. A high pitched has less exposure to heat and will last longer.
 
The orientation of the Roof Surface
 
Your roof surface orientation refers to the direction it's facing. And if your roof slope is facing east or west, it will be more exposed to the sun. It will shorten the lifespan of your roof in the long run.
 
Proximity to Ocean
 
Areas close to the ocean are often characterized by salt air mist which could make metal roofing corrodes faster. Manufacturers’ warranties have exclusions for installation close to saltwater.
 
Quality of Material
 
Roofing materials come in different grades, depending on your budget. In most cases, it’s better to get the premium quality materials for your roofing. They may be expensive, but you will enjoy them in the long run.
 
Installation
 
Installation is another important factor that affects a roof‘s lifespan. If a professional contractor installs your roof, the lifespan will be longer.
 
But if you decide to hire an inexperienced and unlicensed contractor because his offer is cheap, you may spend more in the long run. Even if you get the best roofing materials, a poor installation could lead to premature failure.
 
Poor Ventilation of Your Attic
 
Proper ventilation of your attic is as essential as your roof installation itself. A poorly ventilated attic could lower your roof’s lifespan and increase your energy bills exponentially.
 
Nearby Trees
 
When trees and nearby foliage drop branches on your roof, they tend to make it weaker and vulnerable to other factors.
 
Tips to Make Your Roof Last Longer
 
You can carry out preventive measures to make your roof last longer. And once you apply the following tips, your roof lifespan will improve. When it comes to your home’s roof, an ounce of prevention is always better than cure. Here are some maintenance tips for your roof.
 
· Clean your Roof once in 3 or 5 years.
 
· Get a free roofing inspection after a harsh weather or hail storm. It will enable you to know if your roof needs repair.
 
· Ensure that there are no trees or other foliage around your roof.
 
· Use high-quality roofing materials.
 
· Always get a lighter color shingle or tile
 
Signs That You Need To Replace Your Roof in CT
 
Nothing is as exciting as living in a cozy, warm, and leak-free home. It can only happen when you have a solid roof. Here are some of the signs to know that your roof needs replacement.
 
When the roof is approaching 25 years
 
On average, a roof lifespan is 15 to 25 years. And if your roof is 22 years old, you should start planning for a replacement. It could look right from the ground, but it’s no longer reliable. So, before the roof begins failing, you should carry out a replacement.
 
When The Shingles Start Curling
 
Curling shingles is another indication that your roof needs replacement. Shingles curling could be cupping or clawing. Cupping occurs when the edges of the shingles turn upward while clawing happens when the sides remain flats, but the middle starts coming up.
 
Both cupping and clawing are signs of weathering, and they are indications that your roof will start leaking soon. Once your shingles start curling, you will need to replace your roof within the next 3 to 5 years. Otherwise, things will deteriorate.
 
When the Entire Shingles Are Missing
 
Once a few of your shingles start missing, it’s a warning sign that you need a roof replacement. Even though you can replace a few shingles within your roof, it’s sometimes impossible to get a new shingle that matches the old ones.
 
As an experienced roofing contractor, I would tell you to start planning replacement once shingles start missing.
 
When the Shingles Are Cracked
 
In most cases, cracked shingles are due to wind damage. If the crack isn’t much, you can replace the affected area only. But if it’s random throughout the roof, it’s an indication that your roof needs immediate replacement.
 
When You Start Seeing Granules in the Gutter
 
Granules help to protect the asphalt from the sun. Once they start falling off, the asphalt will be exposed to sun and start baking. It will deteriorate the quality of your asphalt in no time.
 
 When Moss or Algae Starts Covering Your Shingles
 
It's an aesthetic issue; you shouldn’t bother yourself about this. But you can decide to replace the roof with algae-resistant shingles; it will give more value to your home.
 
However, never make the mistake of trying to power wash or scrape away the algae or moss yourself. You will only make things worse. It’s the easiest way to scrape off the granules. Trust me; it could make your shingles useless.
 
When You Start Seeing Sunlight from Your Attic
 
You don’t need an expert to tell you that this is a warning sign. If sunlight can get into your attic, then rain, cold air, and snow can as well penetrate. It could be a sign that there’s an active leak on your roof.
 
What you should do is to call a roofing contractor for an inspection. The contractor will tell you the extent of the damage and the next course of action to take.

When last did you carryout inspection on your roof? Don't worry, contact us at Suburban Roofing today for a free roofing inspection.