You’ve probably spent plenty of time thinking about the exterior of your home – the siding, windows, and front door. But how much thought have you given to one of the most important parts of your home’s exterior – the roof? Your roof takes a beating from the elements and endures a lot over its lifetime. Learn what to expect during the lifecycle of a roof, from initial installation to when it’s time for replacement 15 or more years later.
Roof Installation
Installing a new roof is no small undertaking. First, the old roof needs to be torn off, which can take a full day or more for a typical home. Then, the roof decking and any waterproof underlayment need to be inspected for damage or weakness and repaired or replaced.
The roofing material you choose will depend on your budget, the style of your home, and how long you want it to last. Asphalt or fiberglass shingles are popular, affordable, and can last 20-30 years. Metal roofs are more expensive but extremely durable, lasting 40-70 years. Tile and slate are attractive but pricey, lasting 30-100 years. Talk to a roofing professional about the best option for your needs.
Roof Maintenance
Once your new roof is installed, the real work begins. Consistent maintenance is key to keeping your roof in tip-top shape and ensuring it lasts its full lifetime. The best way to stay on top of your roof’s condition is through annual inspections, preferably in the spring and fall.
A professional roofing contractor will check for any signs of damage or wear and tear. They’ll look for loose or missing shingles or tiles, accumulated debris, and spots where water may be pooling. Staying on a routine maintenance schedule for your roof is the smartest way to maximize its lifespan and your investment.
Roof Restoration
Homeowners who want to maximize the lifespan of their roofs may consider restoration around 15 to 18 years after installation. At this point, typical weathering like cracked, missing or broken shingles, staining, blistering, and granule loss become more severe. Rather than full replacement, roof restoration can extend a roof’s life for up to 30 years at a lower cost.
The first step is examining your roof to determine the extent of wear and tear. Look for visible signs of damage like torn, warped or missing shingles, water damage inside the attic, and dark stains on exterior walls.
For roofs that qualify for restoration, repairs patch damaged areas. Missing or broken shingles are replaced. Holes, tears or seams in the roof membrane are sealed and coated. A sealant, like acrylic or urethane, is applied to the entire roof surface on life.
Roof Replacement
After years of exposure to the elements, your roof will eventually need to be replaced. The signs are usually obvious: missing, cracked or curling shingles, leaks or water damage in the attic, excessive loss of granules in the gutters. It’s best not to ignore these issues, as they will only get worse over time and lead to more costly repairs. When your roof shows signs of aging beyond repair, it’s time to consider replacement.
These days, you have many options for a new roof. Asphalt or fiberglass shingles are popular and affordable and come in a variety of styles. Metal roofs last up to 50-70 years but tend to be more expensive. Concrete or clay tile roofs have a classic look but are heavy and often require roof reinforcement. Synthetic slate or shake is a lightweight, durable alternative.
Questions About the Lifecycle of a Roof? Contact Greenville Roofing Contractors
To understand the lifecycle of a roof or when the time comes to replace or repair your roof, you want to hire the very best contractors for the job. At Greenville Roofing Contractors, we have over 20 years of experience providing premium roofing services to homeowners in Greenville and surrounding areas.
Our highly-trained technicians are experts in residential re-roofing, roof repairs, and roof maintenance. We offer free estimates and work with all major insurance companies. Call us today at (864) 416-4166 for a free quote.