Your roof is one of the most important structural elements of your home. While most homeowners realize how important their roofs are, they likely have several questions about them when it comes to value, long-term maintenance, and the costs of repairs and replacements. Review the following common roofing questions to clarify any misconceptions you might have about your own roof.
1. “How long will my roof last?”
The expected longevity of your roof primarily depends on the materials used to construct it. A well-built and professionally installed asphalt shingle roof can last up to 25 years with favorable conditions, but unexpected physical damage and repeated exposure to severe weather can easily knock several years off this expected lifespan.
By comparison, a metal roof can last 75 to 100 years with minimal maintenance, so long as the homeowner is consistent with roof care and addresses any identified issues as quickly as possible. Metal roofs tend to come with higher initial installation costs but they typically more than make up for this cost with their increased lifespan and extreme durability compared to asphalt shingle roofs.
2. “How can I spot roof damage and leaks?”
Some leaks will be easy to spot. If you hear water trickling or dripping inside your home and check in your attic or crawlspace, you might see water streaking inside from the roof. Other leaks may take a long time before they become noticeable, so it’s a good habit to routinely check the upper levels of your home and your ceilings for any spots that look water damaged, discolored, or sunken.
When it comes to the outside of your roof, some leaks may take time to penetrate through the roof bed. If you can easily see your whole roof from the ground outside your home, take time to walk around and look for any spots that appear discolored or sunken. Shingle damage or missing shingles are also clear warning signs of leaks, so if you notice any of these issues it’s a good idea to call your roofer as soon as possible.
3. “What are the signs that I need a new roof?”
If you seem to be experiencing consistent problems with your roof, it may be time to start considering full replacement before you invest any more money in temporary fixes. A full roof replacement is one of the most expensive repairs a homeowner can face, but it will provide many years of security and will greatly increase the time before any more roof maintenance issues arise, as long as you choose an experienced and reliable roofer to perform the installation.
Think about how old your roof is. If you’re not sure, you might be able to dig up work records from the previous owner, but if you have lived in your house for 10 years or more and never replaced your roof, it’s a safe bet that your asphalt shingle roof is nearing the end of its effective lifespan. Mold, internal water damage, curling shingles, depressed areas, and bald spots are also common indicators that you need a new roof.
4. “How much will it cost to replace my roof?”
There really isn’t a good way to provide a ballpark estimate of how much a new roof will cost due to the number of variables that come into play for any given property. For example, there is a vast difference between the cost of a new asphalt shingle roof and a new metal roof. There are also significant cost differences when it comes to colors, styles, additional features, and the size of your home.
Experienced and reliable roofing contractors like Mr. Roof provide free estimates to customers. While these prices aren’t always definite, you can get a rough idea of how much your new roof will cost so you can make an informed decision about the type of new roof you want for your home.
5. “What is the best type of roof?”
If you need a new roof, the possibilities are quite extensive. If cost is a concern, asphalt shingles tend to offer the best value for the cost, but they may not last as long as other types of roofs. Asphalt shingle roofs are relatively easy to maintain and can last up to 25 years. Many homeowners across the country are moving to metal roofs because of their increased functional lifespans and ease of maintenance. A metal roof can easily last three times longer than an asphalt shingle roof and entail fewer maintenance costs throughout its lifespan, but the initial installation will be significantly higher than an asphalt shingle roof.
We hope these questions and answers help you understand your roof better as well as your options for roof repairs and replacement. If you need a roof repair or replacement in the near future, contact Mr. Roof for a free estimate.
