Repairing or replacing the roof of your Charleston, South Carolina home can be expensive. As a homeowner, you need to know when is a good time to replace your roof and how long the roofing material you choose will last.
Understanding the current condition of your roof, the amount of time your roof is going to last, what you should expect from roofing materials based on the climate in the South Carolina, and the unique characteristics of your property are all essential factors to consider before investing money in a new roof. Here are a few important things to know when determining how long roofing materials last.
What Is the Life Expectancy of Your Roof?
Suppose you are considering purchasing a new home. In that case, it only stands to reason that you would want a team of roofing professionals like those we have at Charleston Roofs + Windows to inspect the roof. We will ensure it is up to code and does not have serious problems.
You want to know the age of the roof and its condition before you have your family and your valuable possessions reside underneath it. You also want a clear idea of the lifespan of the roofing material based on your geographic area and local weather patterns.
Generally, an asphalt shingle roof will last for around 20 to 25 years. A metal roof can last for 50 years or more in moderate climates and property types. Copper and slate roofs have been known to last for a century or more.
Several environmental factors are going to impact the life of your shingle roof. Rainfall, humidity, and overhanging trees are just a few factors. If you live in an area that is storm-prone or prone to hail damage, this will reduce the life of your roof.
Unforeseen factors can drastically shorten your roof’s life, such as a falling tree, debris damage, or a fire. But these unexpected occurrences will impact a roof’s lifespan regardless of the material you use.
A final and vitally important factor to consider is the quality of the installation. You can purchase expensive architectural shingles, metal roofing material, or even slate shingles and still have your roof fail in a couple of years if the workmanship is not good.
At Charleston Roofs + Windows, we expertly install adequately ventilated, braced, and sealed roofs. You can feel confident that the roofs built by us will last longer than those produced by other outfits that may lack the same precision.
When Does a Shingle Roof Need to Be Replaced?
If there has been a catastrophic event, like a tornado, hurricane, or fire, you know your roof needs to be replaced. Your insurance company will likely work with you to get that done. However, if there hasn’t been a significant disaster, roof age, material type, and other issues may indicate that now is the time to replace it.
A typical asphalt residential roof will last for approximately 25 years. This, of course, presumes that you have your roof maintained and cleaned annually.
If your roof was repaired or installed over an old roof, it might lack ventilation. A roof with several layers built up over the years is prone to fail quicker than a roof that has been replaced and completely reinstalled.
Look at your roof. Do you see curling shingles, cracking, or buckling? If so, you will want to talk to our team of roofing experts about a roof assessment. If you notice a collection of granules from your shingles and your gutters, this is another indication that a roof repair is merited. More severe signs include damaged roof valleys and missing shingles.
If you have safe access to your roof, you may wish to get on it and walk around. Are there areas on the roof that feel soft or spongy? Are your shingles discolored? If so, now is the time to consider a roof repair or replacement.
Replacing shingles looks like an easy job. However, it is not a do-it-yourself project. Remember, your roof is your home’s primary protection. Any mistakes in installing or repairing the roof can have serious long-term consequences. So, it’s best to leave it to professionals.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States. They are sought after because of their durability, affordability, and ease of installation. Most have a warranty of up to 25 years.
Asphalt shingles are made from fiberglass and an asphalt sealant. They are manufactured to protect your home from UV rays, snow, rain, and wind. However, they are affected by the climate they are installed in.
For example, asphalt shingles may last in South Carolina for between 15 and 30 years. In Arizona, where the temperatures swing drastically from 115 degrees Fahrenheit to well below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, shingles may last for between 10 and 15 years.
Asphalt shingles come in different varieties, each with an estimated lifespan. The cheapest shingle option, three-tab shingles, will last 15 to 20 years.
Architectural shingles are a bit more expensive but also more durable. They have a lifespan of between 20 to 30 years.
Premium shingles are costly, but they can last up to 40 years when properly installed and maintained. Cracks, curling, or granule loss on any asphalt shingle indicates the need for repair or replacement.
Wood Shakes and Shingles
Wood shakes can last for up to three decades. However, to get the most out of them, you need to clean them every year and repaint or restain them every five years.
The type of wood used will also impact how long the shingles will last. Cedar is naturally insect resistant. It can withstand winds over 240 miles per hour. This is why you will see a lot of cedar shingles on coastal homes. If you notice rotting, splitting, mold, or pest damage to wooden shingles, this indicates a need for repair or replacement.
Clay Tiles
Clay tile roofs can last between 50 and 100 years. Some are warrantied to last a lifetime. This is because clay shingles are water, fire, and rot resistant. To get the most out of them, you need to have your roof cleaned every year and ensure that moss is frequently removed. Chipped or cracked tiles or pieces of tiles in the gutter are indications that you need to have your roof replaced or repaired.
A Charleston Roofing Company That Loves Your Roof
Your Charleston, South Carolina home is where your heart is. At Charleston Roofs + Windows, we have worked hard to become the best roofing company in our area. We are from the area, so we know the stresses your roof will face. And we also know how to ensure that your roof is up to the task.
Whether you need a roof inspection, deal with storm damage, or are looking to replace your roof, we are the high-quality roofing company in Charleston that can get the job done right for you. Let our experts ensure that the roof you have over your head is something you are proud of. Contact us today.