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Most South Windsor CT homeowners want to know more about roof replacement and how often they should perform it. Roofing materials and labor are quite expensive -- you definitely know this after you've calculated cost estimates when reputable and professional South Windsor CT roofing contractors were just about to construct your roof.
The best way to know about roof replacement and how often to do it is to learn about the endurance and average lifespan of your chosen roofing material. Some roofing material can last for 50-70 years. Average roofing materials offer about 15-30 years of excellent protection and insulation.
If you don't know the base material of your roof, there's a way to know about it. You can ask the former homeowner or you can contact your former real estate agent. In this way, you can determine from Feldco Roofing's list of roofing materials if your roof can last quite as long.
What type of roofing material does your home have? This is the first question you must ask if you want to know when you need to think about replacing your roof. If you don’t know and aren’t sure, you can call in an expert roof inspector—which you should anyway!
Having your roof inspected will extend its lifetime, and you can put off having it replaced in its entirety for a while longer. Also, you can check out your roof for warning signs to see if it might be at the end of its lifespan, which we’ll get to next.
What type of material is your roof comprised of? Composition shingles that make up a roof will last about 12-20 years, while asphalt, one of the most popular roofing materials, will last a little longer, about 15-30 years. Surprisingly, wood shingles last about 20-25 years, and finally, metal roofs hang around for 50-75 years. (Source)
Most homeowners are worried about roof replacement and how often they'll need to spend so much for a brand new roof. Fortunately, roof maintenance is an excellent alternative to roof repairs and replacement. By using contractors to regularly inspect and repair the smallest problems that can lead to huge problems if you neglect them, you can avoid premature roof replacement.
Roof maintenance is a long-term problem solver. While it isn't infallible, it can help you save so much money from roof replacements. Furthermore, you won't have to worry about sudden leaks because your roof is prepared to handle these problems thanks to excellent regular maintenance.
However, it pays to use a highly recognized local roofer to perform roofing maintenance. They must address the following factors Guardian Home lists below.
Why do Roofs Need Maintenance?
When you think about your roof, chances are that the component you focus on is the covering itself. This would be the Asphalt Shingles, Wood Shakes, Concrete Tiles etc. (Depending on what type of roof you have)
Where the roof typically has troubles however is at the transitions and penetrations. (Skylights, Vents, Chimneys, etc.) These are areas where the roofing material has to be cut. To keep water out, flashing and sealants are used.
Over time weathering, tree debris, or moss can cause these components to fail. And of course if they were not installed properly in the first place, the risk is greater.
With proper inspections and treatment, these issues can be corrected for a fraction of the cost of a major leak or roof replacement.
How Do You Tell if Your Roof Needs Maintenance?
As noted above, the NRCA recommends an annual inspection and maintenance.
This may or may not apply to YOUR roof. The following are some factors to consider to determine if your roof needs an inspection:
- Leaves or Evergreen Needles collecting on your roof and in your gutters
- Moss and Algae growing on your roof
- You live in a high wind area
- Your home gets snow and ice build up on an annual basis
- Your roof is more than 5 years old
- You have a brick or stone chimney that is more than 10 years old
- You have skylights that are more than 10 years old (Continued)
Sooner or later, you will need a new roof. We know that you're trying to avoid roof replacement and how often to spend so much for it. However, a brand new roof is imperative especially when it's showing clear signs of struggling to fend off the elements, insulation already giving out as evidenced by the higher power consumption, and other factors that Brax Roofing has listed below.
You take care of your home because you want and need for it to continue to look good and function properly. There are parts of your home that you should always keep an eye on in order to ensure that they don't need to be repaired or replaced, and your roof is one of those areas. More specifically, here are 6 things that can go wrong if you don’t replace your aging roof.
1. Water Damage
If your roof is older and in need of replacement, neglecting it could lead to obvious water damage. Areas in the roof that allow water to flow into your home are not only detrimental to the stability of the roof, but your home itself. The water will rot the roof, and could lead to even worse damage throughout your home. If you suspect this is happening to your current roof, you should move fast to get it replaced.
2. Health Risk
Along the same lines, an old and leaky roof can allow unwanted things into your home. It goes without saying that holes in your roof are a huge problem, whether they allow water in and mold and mildew to form or they are allowing rodents into your home. We don't have to explain the danger rodents pose. Meanwhile, mold and mildew can lead to significant health problems. Depending on the type of mold, you may be looking at not only at the cost of replacing a roof, but also mold remediation. (Continued)
Remember, an excellent roof replacement that can last for ages or a life-prolonging roofing maintenance is something experienced and well-educated roofers can perform. If you have yet to find a roofer, you can count on Slavin Home Improvements to help you. We have decades of experience when it comes to roofing. You can count on us by calling us today!