Roof replacement and repairs make up a big percentage of roof concerns among homeowners. Questions such as, When is it time to replace the roof? When can I hold off? And how do I know? These are all important questions and the answers are not always straightforward. There are many factors to consider.
Here is a guide to some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to replacing or repairing a roof.
Roofs Have a Lifespan Just Like Everything Else
A quality roof is a long-lasting roof, but even the best materials don’t last forever. Some, however, last longer than others. The installation process and material quality play a major role, as do maintenance and upkeep.
The lifespan of some of the most commonly used roofs are as follows:
- Wood shingles: Not the most widely used at this point, wood shingles—when installed correctly—can last as long as 25-30 years.
- Asphalt roof shingles: The most commonly used type of shingle in the country is the asphalt shingle. A well-installed and properly maintained shingle roof will last about 20-22 years, depending on your climate, weather, maintenance, and other factors.
- Slate roof: A slate roof is a popular roof type because of its sleek beauty. It is made out of a fine-grained rock that is split into slabs. Natural slate—provided a quality slab—can last from 50-100 years.
- Metal roof: A high-quality and properly installed metal roof has a lifespan of about 40-70 years.
What to Consider When Facing Roof Repair or Replacement
While every roof has a life span, as a homeowner, you want to know when your roof has reached the end of the line and when it can still be salvaged and give you more years of quality performance. Roof replacement can be a big commitment, even if the insurance company is paying. So here are some of the factors to consider:
- How old is the roof? If you purchased your home brand new, you likely have a clear answer to this. If you didn’t, a little digging might be at hand to learn when that roof was installed. The age might give you a rough idea of whether it’s close to its shelf life or whether it still has some fight in it.
- Do you see the presence of roof leaks? A leaky roof is one of the first indications that there is serious damage somewhere in the roof. This is indicated by water stains inside the home that are visible across the ceiling or down the walls. Finding the source of the leak is imperative, for it might just be one area of damage or it might be indicative of a larger roof problem.
- How extensive is the roof damage? If you’re considering a roof replacement, it’s likely that the extent of the damage is visible and bad enough that it has prompted this possibility. Contacting a professional roofing contractor will help you gauge how extensive the damage is and whether it is repairable or needs to go.
Commonly Asked Questions Surrounding Roof Repair and Roof Replacement
As a homeowner, you are always balancing short-term and long-term expenditures. Your equity and your property value are always about striking a balance between what you repair, when, and to what end.
Below are a few commonly asked questions around roof replacements.
Does my property value go up with a new roof?
Most signs point to yes. A new roof is a great selling point. So if you are thinking about selling in one, two, or five years, the timing of your roof replacement can be significant.
Is it wise to replace your roof right before you move out? Does it raise the value enough to warrant the replacement before you sell? A lot of this depends on the cost of the roof replacement.
So the consideration here might be a question of timing and whether the expenditure makes sense for you if you’re about to sell. Replacing a roof a few years before you sell still gives you a relatively new roof to advertise when selling your home.
How long does it take to get a roof replacement?
The exact timeline depends on the size of your roof, your contractor, and the availability of material. Most homeowners are surprised to hear that an entire roof replacement can be done in one or two days. This, of course, requires professional roof companies that know what they are doing and have effective workers and efficient work processes. Fast does not mean cutting corners.
How do I know if I’ve hired a trusted roofer?
You don’t want to entrust something like your roof to an inexperienced roofing team. Look and verify the legitimacy of your roofing company.
Will roof maintenance delay the need for a roof replacement?
In most cases, if the damage is dealt with immediately and appropriately, you can extend the life of your roof. Keeping up with yearly maintenance ensures that any small leak is promptly addressed and doesn’t grow to be a bigger problem.
Have More Questions About Your Roof? Call a Professional Roofer Today
Here, at Smith and Ramirez Roofing, we take care of everything roof-related. Whether it is a roof replacement or roof repair, we work with asphalt shingle roofs, metal roofs, residential, commercial, and much more. Our team is ready to answer your questions.
Want to learn more? Call Smith and Ramirez. A licensed and bonded roofing company serving the El Paso-Las Cruces area for many years.
