Everyone knows how important it is to have a solid roof over their head. What many people don’t think about, though, is how much maintenance and upkeep goes into keeping their roof in good shape. On top of that, roofs have a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced, damaged or not. Roofing installation is an intensive and expensive process, but in the long run, replacing your roof is nothing but beneficial. In this blog post, we’ll go over a few of the benefits of roof replacement, as well as advice on when you should call an experienced roofer to replace your roof.
How Long Do Roofs Last?
The lifespan of your roof depends on a wide range of factors. The most obvious one is the type of roofing material you have. Asphalt shingle roofs are the most common type of residential roofs, and while they have a shorter lifespan than other types of roofs (usually around 15-25 years) they are cheaper to build. Sturdier roofs, like slate, tile, or metal roofs, are more expensive upfront as they require different skills and more labor, but can pay for themselves over time as they require less frequent upkeep than asphalt shingles. They also last much longer, since they’re much less vulnerable to the elements than asphalt shingle roofs. Certain types of metal roofs are likely to outlast the rest of the structure!
Business owners dealing with flat roofs have a different range of choices. For commercial flat roofs, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) and TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) materials are the most common. TPO is the cheaper option and is comparable to asphalt shingles in lifespan. EPDM is more expensive to install, but lasts longer and is sturdier, requiring less upkeep than TPO. The right choice for your business depends on your budget and your long-term plans. Not sure what you need? Consulting with a roofing contractor to get their professional opinion is never a bad choice.
How Long Does it Take to Install a Roof?
The amount of time a roof installation takes will vary based on several factors. The biggest one is, of course, the size of your home or business. Other factors like the weather and the type of roofing material you’re using can also have an impact. The answer to this question will vary by roofing company; the best way to get a time estimation is to get a professional roofing crew on site to check it out.
Should I Repair My Roof Instead?
Whether you can get away with a smaller repair or you need a brand-new roof is a matter of time and the scale of the damage. Of course, there are situations where smaller-scale roof repairs will suffice. There’s generally no need to replace your entire roof if you’re just dealing with a few broken shingles or small-scale hail damage. Unless your roof’s shingles are toward the end of their useful lifespan, you can usually have small-scale repairs done without a problem. But if your roof is getting old, it can be more cost-efficient to have the whole thing replaced rather than continuously keeping up with smaller repairs. Eventually, the whole roof will need to be replaced — and a new roof will stand up against damage more effectively.
Considering Costs
Building a whole new roof is an expensive undertaking. That’s why many home and business owners will try and put it off as long as possible — and a good roofing contractor will always search for lower-cost options rather than pressuring you to pay for a less-than-necessary roof replacement. It’s important to find a contractor that will be transparent and realistic about the state of your roof. Even though a new roof is expensive, it’s almost certainly going to be cheaper than fixing the water damage that can result from leaving the replacement too long. So if your roofing contractor says you need a new roof, feel free to get a second opinion — but definitely keep their advice in mind.
Maintaining Your Roof
We’ve already discussed that the decision to replace your roof is a big one. So, how can you make your current roof last as long as possible? Fortunately, there’s a simple answer; regular roof inspections and consistent routine maintenance! Having a professional perform your roof maintenance job is the only way to make sure your roof is still holding up to the weather. As your roof ages, keeping up with regular maintenance is the best way to get the most out of your investment. Having a roofing expert on hand to check on your roof every so often goes a long way towards efficient upkeep and, of course, peace of mind.
Your shingles aren’t the only part of your roof that needs to stand up to roof damage. Your roof is made of several layers, including a felt underlayment and a wooden deck, that need to be protected in order to keep the water out. Shingles are there to keep the water off the more porous parts of the roof and prevent it from infiltrating the rest of the structure — but they’re more fragile than many people think. That’s why it’s so important to have your roof inspected frequently; even minor storm damage could cause a leaky roof!
Count on the EvoSiding Team for Roofing Installation!
The EvoSiding team has a strong commitment to excellence in every job we take. Whether you need your home’s siding maintained or high-quality roofing services, you can count on exceptional service every time; our team promises a commitment to customer satisfaction at all times, no matter what we’re needed for. We’ve built a track record of quality workmanship over the years and we’re eager to bring our experience to your home or business.
Does your home’s exterior need a little attention? Count on the skilled professionals at EvoSiding. We work on both residential and commercial properties and keep our clients in the loop throughout the entire process. You can count on us to bring potential issues to your attention as soon as they arise. We also offer financing on our services to make it just that much easier for our clients to handle. Give us a call today to get started!