How Do I Know if I Need a New Roof?
It’s an unfortunate reality that no roof will last forever, no matter how durable it may be. This also means that most homeowners and business owners will require a roof replacement at some point, though it isn’t always easy to predict when a roof replacement will be necessary. However, there are several factors that you can keep in mind to help you determine when you may need a roof replacement, such as the type of weather in your area and the type of roof you have. But the most important thing that you can do to estimate how much life you have left in your roof is to get a regular roof inspection. A professional roofer will be able to look over your roof and identify how much wear and tear it has experienced. This way, you will be able to determine whether a roof replacement may be necessary and when one may be needed, giving you the opportunity to prepare for this investment in advance.
At What Age Should a Roof Be Replaced?
Knowing the age of your roof is instrumental in determining when you may require a roof replacement. The lifespan of your roof can vary greatly depending on the type of roof you have, although it can also be affected by other things such as the weather conditions in your area and how much maintenance it has received over the years. Some of the most common types of residential roofing systems and the estimated lifespan for these systems include:
- Asphalt shingle roofing: Roofing shingles remain the most popular choice in roofing for homeowners, and they generally last for around 25 to 30 years, though this can vary depending on the type of roofing shingles you have.
- Wood shake roofing: Along with being an attractive choice, wood shake can last for around 40 to 50 years.
- Tile roofing: Though the lifespan of tile roofing can vary depending on the type, they tend to last for upwards of 50 years on average and in some cases can last for upwards of a century, making them one of the better investments.
- Metal roofing: The type of metal used in your roof can affect its lifespan, though a good option such as a standing seam metal roof can last for 50 years or more.
- Slate roofing: Though one of the most expensive choices, slate roofing has been known to last for a century or more.
If you aren’t entirely certain when your current roofing system was installed, a professional roofer can often help identify its age and give you an estimate of when you may need to think about a roof replacement. This will allow you to make better decisions regarding when a roof replacement may be needed.
Do I Really Need a Roof Replacement?
If you have been told you need a roof replacement or you suspect your roof is not in the best condition, you may be wondering whether a roof replacement is really necessary. That’s understandable. A roof replacement is a major undertaking as well as a major investment, and it can be tempting to wait a little while before making that investment. But if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or it has sustained a significant amount of damage, scheduling a roof replacement can provide you with a number of benefits.
The most obvious benefit of a roof replacement is that it will help to prevent any possible damage to your home. When a roof has experienced a large amount of wear and tear, it can quickly sustain a lot of damage. When that happens, you could end up experiencing major problems such as leaks that have the potential to damage the structure of your roof as well as your home. Along with being far more expensive to repair, these issues also have the potential to become health hazards if not dealt with immediately.
Another thing to keep in mind is that when a roof has experienced a lot of wear and tear, it doesn’t have the ability to insulate your home as well. This means it may take more energy to heat up your home or keep it cool, which can be much more expensive in the long run when it comes to energy usage and costs. This is all in addition to the simple fact that a new roof is an attractive choice and one that can add to the curb appeal of your home, which in turn can help to increase its overall value.
What Should You Know Before Replacing Your Roof?
The most important thing to know before scheduling a roof replacement is simply whether a roof replacement is the best choice. When you contact a qualified roofing company they will be able to perform a full roof inspection and, from there, will work with you to help determine what the best choice is for you moving forward. Bearing this in mind, another thing to remember is the importance of working with a professional roofer when getting a roof replacement. You want to be certain that the company you are working with is made up of experienced professionals so you can be certain you are getting the best work possible at the best price possible.
Will My Insurance Cover a Roof Replacement?
Another common question that homeowners have is whether their insurance will cover the cost of their roof replacement. The answer to this question can depend on a number of factors. If your roof has experienced damage due to a storm, it is likely your homeowner’s insurance will cover the costs. However, insurance will not typically cover a roof replacement that is simply due to natural wear and tear that has occurred over time. Your roofer will be able to help you determine whether your roof replacement will be covered by your insurance and from there, will be able to provide roof insurance claims help so you can ensure that you get any money that you are entitled to.
If the time has come for you to get a new roof, the team at INNOVATIVE ROOFING can be there to provide all the help you may require. We invite you to reach out to us if you would like to learn more about getting a roof replacement for your home or building.
