Is It Time to Replace Your Roof?

Replacing your roof is important to the overall well-being of your house. However, when it comes to knowing whether or not you need to replace your roof (or simply have sections fixed), many people are unsure and confused. The reality is that roofing materials have different life expectancies and environmental factors play a huge role in that overall lifespan. What should you be on the lookout for to know whether it’s time to replace your roof?

Material Wear

Knowing what kind or material your roof is made of will help you understand how it wears.

Many residential buildings are made of composite singles. This type of shingle is subject to normal wear and tear. If you notice shingles are brittle, cracked, or staring to curl, it is a sign that they need replacing. You can often also start to find roofing materials and shingle granules in your gutter, front yard, or driveway, especially after a storm or heavy rainfall.

Ceramic tiles can be susceptible to erosion, especially if weather conditions have fluctuated greatly. Broken tiles can be caused by high winds or from heavy objects falling onto them.

Life Expectancy

Each type of roofing material has a target life expectancy. If your roof’s age is nearing its life expectancy, it is likely going to need replacing.

  • Wood Shingles – 30 years
  • Composite Shingles – 20 years
  • Ceramic Tiles – 50 years

Due to the heavy rains and hail of the Pacific West Coast, wear on roofs can be a little heavier than in other regions. Meaning that the life expectancy of a roof may be lower, depending on how the roof has been maintained. If your roof is made of wood or composite shingles and is above 15 years old, it may soon be time to replace your roof.

Slate, clay, and metal roofs have some of the highest life expectancies (60-150, 100+, and 40-80 years respectively). However they also come with a higher cost and require professional installation to ensure they are done properly.

Roof Inspection

If you’re unsure whether or not your roof needs to be replaced, having a regular roof inspection can help indicate whether it needs to be replaced soon or simply requires maintenance. Taking the time to inspect your roof for missing shingles, standing water, and other signs of decay can help you learn whether maintenance or replacement may be necessary.

To learn more about getting your roof inspected and to find out if it’s time to replace your roof, talk to the Roof Tech team at +1.604.888.7663 or info@rooftechconsultants.ca